How do I understand my child’s autism evaluation report?

If the report has not arrived, ask the evaluating provider when and how you can get a copy and who can answer your questions. A written report can help you keep the evaluation findings and suggested next steps together. The Canadian Paediatric Society describes sharing the report and discussing its findings with the family.

Read these parts first

1. The summary: What did the evaluator conclude, and what questions are still open? Ask for an explanation of any unfamiliar words.
2. Your child’s strengths: Note what the report says your child enjoys and does well. Add what you know from home, even if it is not in the report.
3. Suggested next steps: Mark recommendations you want to understand. Ask who can help, how to contact them and which step to take first.

Reports differ. You can ask for a short explanation of a section that is missing or unclear. Autism CRC’s parent information describes asking questions and discussing an assessment report with the professionals involved.

Five questions to bring to the evaluator

1. What are my child’s strengths, and how can we use them in everyday routines?
2. What does this phrase or score mean for my child? Can you explain it without the test language?
3. Which recommendations matter most to our family right now, and why?
4. Who should I contact about each recommendation, and what should I ask?
5. How can I reach you if a question comes up after today?

Bring one example from a routine you care about, such as getting dressed or communicating a choice. You can write down the answers or bring a person you trust to take notes. Boston Children’s Hospital suggests questions about strengths and recommendations in its guide for families of teens with congenital heart conditions.

Choose one next step

Keep a copy where you can find it. Decide who needs which information before sharing: you can ask the evaluator what to share with a school, a health professional or a service provider. Write down one call or question for this week. If you are in the United States and want to contact early intervention or your school, you can make that inquiry while waiting for the written report; our after-diagnosis guide explains the starting points.

Make a plan you can use

Free tool: Use the First 90 Days planning tool to organize the next steps you choose after a diagnosis. You can print or save your plan.

A course for parents: Journey to Independence: ABA for Parents offers 27 short video sessions about supporting everyday learning. It costs US $129 for 12 months; a seven-day free trial is available. The course is an optional next step when you are ready.