Evaluation Results
Sometimes at the end of the evaluation appointment, the professional will share their initial impressions or what they anticipate that the diagnostic decision will be. Sometimes they will be certain what the findings are. At other times, they will share that they need time to compile and review all the information gathered during the evaluation before providing a diagnostic decision. Neither approach is right or wrong.
Autism evaluation reports vary greatly – from very brief to many pages long. Some provide thorough explanations of the history and information gathered, assessment tool by assessment tool. Others provide a brief overview followed by a diagnostic summary.
Most often reports are provided a few weeks to a month or so following the evaluation. If you are concerned about the timing of the report, ask the provider to share their expected timeline.
Some professionals provide feedback to the individual in person. Others send a report. All professionals who provide autism evaluations should be available to answer follow-up questions.