Questions to Ask at an Autism Assessment: Parent Checklist

The best questions to ask at an autism assessment cover three things: how the assessment will work, what the results mean for your child, and what support comes next. Ask who will see your child, which tools are used, whether other conditions were checked, and how to access services. Writing them down first helps [1][2].

Why questions to ask at an autism assessment matter

In a UK survey of more than 1,000 parents, just over half were dissatisfied with the diagnostic process overall. Their satisfaction was linked to how long it took, the information they received, the manner of the professional, and the support offered afterward, which many rated as poor [3]. A review of parents’ experiences found they had emotional, informational, and relationship needs throughout the process [2].

Good services are expected to meet these needs. NICE recommends that each family has a case coordinator as a single point of contact, is kept up to date about timing, and is told how information will be shared [1]. Preparing your own questions to ask at an autism assessment puts you in a stronger position to get what you need.

Questions to ask before the assessment

• Who will be on the assessment team, and what are their roles? (For example, a pediatrician, psychologist, or speech-language pathologist.)
• How many appointments will there be, and how long is each one?
• Who is my main contact if I have questions? NICE recommends a named case coordinator [1].
• What should I bring? (Reports, videos, school or daycare information, hearing test results.)
• Will you contact my child’s school or daycare? Do you need my consent?
• Can parts of the assessment happen at home, school, or by video?
• Can you make adjustments for my child, such as a quiet waiting area, breaks, or the first appointment of the day?
• Is there any support we can get while we wait? In the US, early intervention does not require a diagnosis [4].

Questions to ask during the assessment

• Which tools or tests are you using, and what does each one show? (See our guide to the ADOS-2 autism test.)
• Is what you are seeing today typical of my child? Should I tell you about differences?
• Will you assess language, learning, and everyday living skills as well as autism? The AAP describes these as important parts of the evaluation [5].
• Has my child’s hearing been checked, or should it be?
• Are you looking at other possible explanations, such as language disorder, ADHD, anxiety, or intellectual disability? NICE lists these among the conditions to consider [1].
• Will you see my child in another setting if the clinic visit does not show the full picture? NICE advises this when reports and observations do not match [1].

Questions to ask about the results

Understanding the diagnosis

• Which criteria did you use, DSM-5-TR or ICD-11, and how does my child meet them? (See DSM-5-TR autism criteria.)
• Has a support level or specifier been given, such as level of language or intellectual development, and what does it mean in practice? ICD-11 records whether there is a co-occurring intellectual disability and the degree of functional language [6].
• What are my child’s strengths?
• How certain are you? If you are not sure, when will you review my child? NICE notes diagnosis can be uncertain, especially under age 2 [1].
• If my child is not autistic, what explains the difficulties, and where can we get help? NICE says families should get an explanation even if autism is not diagnosed [1].

Health and other conditions

• Did you find, or should we look for, other conditions such as sleep problems, constipation, feeding issues, seizures, ADHD, or anxiety? The AAP lists these as common in autistic children [5].
• Do you recommend genetic testing? The AAP recommends offering chromosomal microarray and fragile X testing after diagnosis [5].
• What does this mean for brothers and sisters? NICE recommends discussing the chance of autism in siblings [1]. In one large study, about 1 in 5 younger siblings of autistic children were autistic by age 3 [7].

Questions to ask about next steps

• Will I get a written report, and when? NICE recommends a written report explaining the findings and reasons [1].
• Can the report be shared with my child’s doctor and school? (Usually only with your consent.)
• Is there a follow-up appointment? NICE recommends one within 6 weeks of diagnosis [1].
• What support do you recommend first: speech and language, occupational therapy, early intervention, or school support?
• Are there parent training programs, support groups, or trusted information sources?
• What should I watch for, and who do I contact if things change?
• What can I do at home this week to help my child?

Questions about school and daily life

• How should I explain the results to my child’s school or daycare, and what adjustments might help?
• Does my child qualify for special education or other school support? In the US, a medical diagnosis alone does not guarantee school services; schools also look at how the condition affects learning [5].
• Are there simple changes at home that might help with sleep, eating, routines, or sensory needs?
• How and when should we talk to my child about being autistic?

You will not need every one of these questions to ask at an autism assessment. Pick the ones that matter most for your family. Our guide to life after an autism diagnosis explains common next steps in more detail.

What you can do on the day

Having your questions to ask at an autism assessment ready is half the job. These tips help with the rest.

• Print your questions and tick them off. It is easy to forget when you are emotional or tired.
• Bring another adult if you can, to take notes or care for your child while you talk.
• Ask to record the feedback conversation, or for a written summary.
• Say when you do not understand. Asking “What does that mean for my child day to day?” is always reasonable.
• Take time. You do not need to decide everything at once. NICE recommends a follow-up appointment for further discussion, so you should get another chance to ask questions [1].

When to talk to a professional

If you leave without answers, contact your case coordinator or the clinician’s office. If you disagree with the result, ask why the team reached its decision, and ask about a second opinion. The NHS explains that you can request a referral to another team [8], and NICE lists disagreement with parents as a reason to consider a second opinion [1]. Your child’s regular doctor can also help you understand the report.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important question to ask at an autism assessment?

Many parents find the most useful question is: what does this mean for my child day to day, and what support should we start first? A diagnosis is a starting point, not an end point. Ask the team to describe your child’s strengths and needs, and to name practical next steps, contacts, and services, so you leave with a plan as well as a result.

Can I bring a list of questions to the assessment?

Yes, and clinicians generally welcome it. A written list helps you remember everything when you are tired or emotional, and it shows the team what matters most to you. You could send key questions in advance so the team can prepare. Bring a notebook, or ask if you can record the feedback discussion.

What should I ask if my child is not diagnosed with autism?

Ask what the team thinks explains your child’s difficulties, what other assessments might help, and what support is available now. NICE recommends that families get an explanation even when autism is not diagnosed, and that children are referred to suitable services based on their needs. Also ask whether, and when, your child should be reviewed again.

Should I ask about genetic testing?

It is worth asking. The AAP recommends offering families genetic testing after an autism diagnosis, usually starting with chromosomal microarray and fragile X testing. A genetic finding is not found in most children, but when one is found it can help explain health risks and the chance of autism in future children. A genetic counselor can help you decide.

References

1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: recognition, referral and diagnosis. Clinical guideline CG128. Published 28 September 2011; last updated 20 December 2017 (minor changes 2021-2025). Link
2. Legg H, Tickle A. UK parents’ experiences of their child receiving a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of the qualitative evidence. Autism. 2019;23(8):1897-1910. Link
3. Crane L, Chester JW, Goddard L, Henry LA, Hill E. Experiences of autism diagnosis: A survey of over 1000 parents in the United Kingdom. Autism. 2016;20(2):153-162. Link
4. American Academy of Pediatrics. What is Early Intervention? HealthyChildren.org. Last updated December 23, 2025. Link
5. Hyman SL, Levy SE, Myers SM; Council on Children With Disabilities, Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatrics. 2020;145(1):e20193447. Link
6. World Health Organization. Clinical descriptions and diagnostic requirements for ICD-11 mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders (CDDR). Geneva: WHO; 2024. ISBN 9789240077263. Section 6A02 Autism spectrum disorder. Link
7. Ozonoff S, Young GS, Bradshaw J, Charman T, Chawarska K, Iverson JM, et al. Familial Recurrence of Autism: Updates From the Baby Siblings Research Consortium. Pediatrics. 2024;154(2):e2023065297. Link
8. NHS. Autism assessments. Page last reviewed 6 May 2026. Link

This guide is general education, not medical advice. Always talk to your child’s doctor or care team. Last checked: October 2026.