Autism Screening and Evaluation: What to Expect in Summit County
Plain-language guide to autism screening vs. diagnosis for children and adults in Summit County, Ohio: well-child screening ages, early intervention, school evaluations, and local evaluators.
Last reviewed Oct 2026
Informational only. This guide is informational only and is not medical advice. AutismHub does not offer screening tests. Facts were checked against the linked sources on Oct 29, 2026; please verify with your doctor, the program, or the provider before you act.
Screening is not a diagnosis
A screening is a short check that flags whether a closer look might help. A diagnosis comes from a full evaluation by a qualified professional. The CDC says screening tools do not result in diagnoses, and that a positive screening result should be followed by a thorough assessment. (CDC)
When young children are screened
- The CDC reports that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends developmental screening at well-child visits at 9, 18 and 30 months, and autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months. (CDC)
- Extra screening may be needed when a child is at higher risk, for example having a sibling with autism, or when there are signs. (CDC)
- Examples of tools the CDC names include the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) and the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT). The CDC notes it does not endorse specific tools. A result from any of these is a screening, not a diagnosis. (CDC) The AAP keeps a screening tool finder for clinicians.
- If you have concerns, start with your child's doctor.
Under age 3: early intervention
Ohio Early Intervention serves children from birth to age 3 who have delays or disabilities. Ohio says anyone can make a referral, and it costs nothing to see if a child is eligible. Call 1-800-755-4769 or use the online referral form. (Ohio Early Intervention) See our Help Me Grow listing.
School-age: a school evaluation
A school evaluation decides whether a child qualifies for special education. It is separate from a medical diagnosis. Ohio's evaluation roadmap (PDF) explains the steps. See our Ohio IEP rights guide and special education contacts by district.
Local evaluators
These providers' own pages say they offer autism evaluations or assessments. Ask each about ages, insurance and wait times.
- Akron Children's Autism Diagnostic Clinic (children)
- Akron Children's Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics (children)
- Cleveland Clinic Children's Center for Autism, Stow-Falls (children)
- KidsLink Neurobehavioral Center (children)
- REACH Behavioral Health, Akron/Springfield (children 2+ and adults)
- Calibrations Counseling & Consultation (adults 18+)
- University of Akron Counseling & Testing Center (enrolled UA students only)
- All Diagnosis & Evaluation listings
Adults
Adults can contact an evaluator directly; some say no referral is needed. Online self-tests are not a diagnosis. Our evaluation guide has more on preparing.
Sources
- Clinical Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder – CDC
- Screening Tool Finder – American Academy of Pediatrics
- Ohio Early Intervention – Ohio Department of Children and Youth
- Evaluation roadmap for families (PDF) – Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
Last reviewed Oct 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us or email info@autismhub.me.
Frequently asked questions
Is an autism screening the same as a diagnosis?
No. The CDC says screening tools do not result in diagnoses, and a positive result should be followed by a thorough assessment.
At what ages are young children screened for autism?
The CDC reports the AAP recommends autism-specific screening at the 18- and 24-month well-child visits.