You have been watching your child for months — maybe longer. Something feels different. They don’t respond to their name the way other kids do. Social situations seem confusing to them. Communication has not come as easily as expected. You have done the searches at midnight, read the forums, and wondered whether what you are seeing is actually autism or just a developmental phase.
If you live in Bountiful, North Salt Lake, Woods Cross, Centerville, or anywhere else in Davis County, you do not have to keep wondering. A formal autism evaluation is the clearest next step — and it is more accessible than most parents realize.
This guide explains what the autism diagnostic process looks like, who it is for, what to expect at Kuska Autism Services in Draper, and what happens after you get answers.
When Should Draper Parents Seek an Autism Evaluation?
There is no single age requirement for an autism evaluation. While early diagnosis — typically between ages 18 months and 4 years — is associated with the best long-term outcomes, autism can be identified and treated at any age, including in school-age children and teenagers.
Consider scheduling an evaluation if your child shows any of the following signs:
- Delayed or absent speech and language milestones
- Limited or inconsistent eye contact
- Preference for solitary play or difficulty engaging with peers
- Repetitive behaviors, movements, or very restricted interests
- Difficulty with transitions or unexpected changes in routine
- Sensory sensitivities — strong reactions to sounds, textures, lights, or touch
- Regression — losing skills that were previously present
You do not need to check every box. If your instincts are telling you something is worth investigating, that is reason enough to reach out. A qualified evaluator will help you determine whether what you are observing meets diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
What Does the Autism Evaluation Process Look Like at Kuska Draper?
Kuska Autism Services offers comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluations at our Bountiful location at 95 2200 S. Our evaluation process is conducted by credentialed clinicians and follows established evidence-based protocols, including tools aligned with the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.
Here is what the evaluation process typically includes:
Step 1: Initial Intake
You will speak with a member of our team to share your observations and concerns. We gather developmental history, school or daycare records when available, and any prior evaluations. This context helps our clinicians understand the full picture before the formal assessment begins.
Step 2: Direct Assessment
Our clinicians conduct structured, standardized observation sessions with your child. This includes tools designed to assess communication, social interaction, play, and behavior across different contexts. Observations may span one or more appointments depending on your child’s age and presentation.
Step 3: Parent and Caregiver Interviews
Parents are a critical source of information. We conduct detailed interviews to understand how your child behaves across settings — at home, in social situations, and in structured environments like school.
Step 4: Results and Diagnosis
Our clinicians compile all assessment data and provide a written diagnostic report. We schedule a results appointment to walk you through the findings, answer your questions, and discuss recommended next steps. If autism is diagnosed, we explain what that means in practical terms — and what treatment options are available.
One of the most common frustrations Utah families face is long waitlists. Many providers have multi-month delays just to begin an evaluation. At Kuska, we are currently accepting new evaluation appointments with no waitlist, so families in Bountiful and surrounding communities can get answers without the prolonged uncertainty.
What Happens After an Autism Diagnosis?
A diagnosis is not an ending — it is a starting point. Once your child has a formal diagnosis, several doors open.
For many families, the most impactful next step is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA is the most extensively researched and evidence-supported treatment for autism, with decades of peer-reviewed literature demonstrating its effectiveness in building communication, social skills, adaptive behavior, and independence.
At Kuska, evaluation and therapy are connected under one roof. If ABA services are recommended following your child’s diagnosis, our team can begin the intake process for therapy immediately — including assistance navigating insurance authorization, which we cover in detail in our guide to insurance coverage for ABA therapy in Utah.
Other post-diagnosis steps may include:
- Coordinating with your child’s school to pursue an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Connecting with speech-language pathologists or occupational therapists if co-occurring needs are identified
- Accessing Utah Medicaid autism benefits, which under SB 95 mandate coverage for medically necessary ABA therapy
- Joining local parent support groups in the south Salt Lake County area
Serving Bountiful and All of Davis County
Our Draper clinic is conveniently located to serve families throughout the southern valley, including:
- Bountiful
- North Salt Lake
- Wood Cross
- West Bountiful
- Centerville
- Farmington
- Salt Lake
If you are located in south Salt Lake County or Utah County, our Draper location at 12055 S 700 E, is also accepting new therapy clients with no waitlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an autism evaluation take in Bountiful?
Most evaluations at Kuska are completed across one to two appointments. The full process — from initial intake to receiving your written diagnostic report — typically takes two to three weeks. This is significantly faster than many providers on the Wasatch front.
What age range does Kuska evaluate?
Kuska evaluates children of a wide range of ages. If you are unsure whether your child’s age is appropriate for an evaluation, call us at (801) 980-7970 and our intake team can advise you.
Does insurance cover autism evaluations in Utah?
Most major commercial insurance plans and Utah Medicaid cover autism diagnostic evaluations. Utah Senate Bill 95 (SB 95) mandates coverage for medically necessary autism services, including evaluation and ABA therapy. We recommend calling your insurance provider to verify your specific benefits prior to scheduling.
Do I need a referral to schedule an evaluation?
In most cases, no. You can contact Kuska directly to schedule an evaluation. Some insurance plans may require a referral from a pediatrician, so it is worth confirming with your provider ahead of time.
What if my child does not receive an autism diagnosis?
An evaluation that results in a non-autism finding is still valuable. It rules out ASD and often helps identify other developmental or behavioral factors worth addressing. Our team will always discuss alternative recommendations if a different diagnosis or no diagnosis is reached.
Ready to Schedule an Autism Evaluation in Bountiful?
Kuska Autism Services is currently accepting new evaluation clients at our Bountiful location with no waitlist. Our credentialed team is here to provide clarity, compassion, and a clear path forward for your family.
Call us at (801) 980-7970 or visit kuska.co/get-started to schedule your child’s evaluation today.
Kuska Draper | 12055 S 700 E, Draper, UT 84020
Kuska Bountiful | 95 2200 S, Bountiful, UT 84010