If you’ve noticed something about how your child communicates, plays or connects with others, a short screener can help you decide on a next step. It takes about 5–10 minutes. A screener isn’t a diagnosis. Only an evaluation by a licensed psychologist can tell you whether your child has autism.
You don’t need a screener to request an evaluation. If you’re concerned about a child under 5, you can request an evaluation any time.
We’ll email your child’s result to you.
If the result suggests a closer look, our diagnostics team contacts you within 2 business days.
A virtual visit with a licensed psychologist, then an in-person assessment at one of our clinics in North Carolina and Virginia.
A screener is a short questionnaire that shows whether a closer look may help. It can’t tell you whether your child has autism. An evaluation is done by a licensed psychologist: a virtual visit, then an in-person assessment. Only an evaluation can lead to a diagnosis.
No. If you’re concerned about your child’s development, you can request an evaluation any time before their 5th birthday.
Use the M-CHAT-R for children 16 months up to their 4th birthday. Use the CAST for children 4 to 11. Mosaic’s evaluations are for children 18 months through 4 years (up to the 5th birthday).
We’ll email your child’s result to you. If it suggests a follow-up, a member of our diagnostics team will contact you within 2 business days. If it doesn’t, and you still have concerns, talk with your child’s pediatrician.
Mosaic’s evaluations are for children 18 months through 4 years (up to the 5th birthday). If you have concerns about an older child, please share them, and any screener result, with your child’s pediatrician, who can refer you for an evaluation.
Yes. Your answers go through a secure, HIPAA-compliant form and are shared only with Mosaic’s team so we can follow up with you.
No. You can request an evaluation directly. If your insurance plan requires a referral, our team will let you know.
Many plans do. See our insurance page for the plans we accept, or ask our team when you request an evaluation.
Screeners are for information only and do not provide a diagnosis. If you’re worried about your child’s safety or health, contact your pediatrician.
Reviewed by Mosaic’s diagnostics team, led by licensed psychologists. Last reviewed September 2026.
Sources: Robins, Fein & Barton (M-CHAT-R/F); American Academy of Pediatrics; Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge.
