BrightPath Diagnostics logoBrightPath DiagnosticsTelehealth autism evaluations

How it works

From first question to written diagnosis

Here's exactly what happens, in order, so nothing about this process feels like a mystery. Most families go from first contact to a written report in four to six weeks.

  1. 1. You tell us what's going on

    Fill out a short intake form or call us. We ask for your child's age, the state you live in, your insurance carrier, and what you've been noticing. There are no wrong answers, and you don't need a referral or a diagnosis to start.

    • Takes about two minutes
    • No referral required in most states
    • A coordinator replies within one business day

  2. 2. We match you with a licensed clinician

    We look for an independent clinician who holds an active license in your state, evaluates children your child's age, and works with your insurance plan whenever possible. You'll get the clinician's name, credentials, and availability before you commit to anything.

    • Psychologists, developmental pediatricians, and child psychiatrists
    • Licensed in your state
    • Insurance and Medicaid checked up front

  3. 3. Intake paperwork and questionnaires

    Before the appointment, the clinician's office sends you consent forms and standardized parent questionnaires about your child's development, communication, and behavior. If your child has school reports or early intervention records, those help a lot.

    • Usually 30–60 minutes of forms, completed at your own pace
    • Teacher or daycare input is often requested
    • Everything is handled through a secure, private portal

  4. 4. The telehealth evaluation

    You and your child meet the clinician over secure video from home. The session includes a detailed developmental and family history interview, structured observation of your child playing and interacting, and validated assessment measures adapted for telehealth. Depending on your child's age, this may take one longer session or two to three shorter ones.

    • Typically 90 minutes to 3 hours total
    • Home setting often helps children show their natural behavior
    • Your clinician tells you if any in-person component is recommended

  5. 5. Results, report, and next steps

    Your clinician reviews the findings with you in a feedback session and provides a written diagnostic report. If your child meets criteria for autism spectrum disorder, that report is what schools, insurers, and therapy providers use to open access to early intervention services. Your clinician will also outline recommendations tailored to your child.

    • Written report typically within 7–14 days of the final session
    • Feedback session to walk through everything in plain language
    • Referral guidance toward services in your area
A young child playing with wooden blocks while a parent watches

What to have ready

You don't need all of this to start — bring what you have and we'll help with the rest.

  • Photo ID for the parent or guardian
  • Your insurance card (front and back)
  • Your child's date of birth and pediatrician's contact information
  • Any previous evaluations, IEP or 504 plans, or early intervention records
  • School or daycare progress reports and teacher observations, if available
  • A short list of the behaviors or milestones that concern you, with rough dates

Typical timeline

1–2 days

Matched with a clinician

1–3 weeks

Paperwork and appointment scheduling

1–3 sessions

The telehealth evaluation itself

7–14 days

Written diagnostic report delivered

Start your child's evaluation