Possible Reasons to Seek Out an Autism Diagnostic Evaluation As a parent/caregiver you feel like you want more answers about your child’s development. Your child did not meet expected early developmental milestones in the areas of non-verbal communication (e.g., not using gestures such as waving and/or pointing). Your family has seen a regression in language…

For many years, autism research and diagnostic tools were developed around patterns typically seen in boys. Not surprisingly, boys are diagnosed with autism about three times more often than girls (CDC, 2025). As our understanding of autism grows, researchers and clinicians are learning that girls on the autism spectrum often present differently—differences that can lead…

When your child receives an autism diagnosis, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions: relief, uncertainty, grief, hope. A diagnosis can provide clarity and direction, but it can also raise new questions. Many parents find themselves asking: What do we do next? This guide is here to help you navigate what comes next and…

Dr. Alexandra Brown, PhD, is a clinical psychologist with over 5 years of experience specializing in the assessment and support of young children with autism. Originally from Austin, TX, Dr. Brown combines clinical expertise with a warm, family-centered approach to care. Alongside Ally Behavior’s team of developmental pediatricians and clinical psychologists, Dr. Brown’s goal is…

Clinically reviewed by: Sarah Leone, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist Introduction For parents who have concerns about their child’s development, terms such as evaluation, diagnosis, educational assessment, and IEP can all be overwhelming. So then, what exactly do these terms mean for parents, and does my child need all of these things? First, let’s talk about Autism…