Knowledge is one of the strongest tools you can have when raising a child with autism. Inspire has put together some of our favorite online resources from credible, research-based organizations within the autism community that can help parents effectively support their child’s growth.

• CDC — Information for Families: Autism Spectrum Disorder
  An authoritative overview from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, covering signs, screening, diagnosis, and what to do if you’re concerned.
  
• CDC — Autism Partner Toolkit
  A free collection of educational materials, toolkits, printable resources, and outreach resources you can share with family, schools, or community networks.
  
• National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) — Autism Resources
  Resources from a major NIH institute, including family guides, research summaries, and links to additional federal programs.
  
• IACC (Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee) — Federal Agency Resources
  A centralized portal linking to U.S. federal agencies’ autism initiatives, research, funding, and policy efforts.
  
• CDC — Accessing Services for Autism Spectrum Disorder
  Practical guidance on how children with autism (or suspected delays) may access early intervention, school-based services (IDEA / IEP), and what legal entitlements you might explore.
  
• Autism Speaks — Parent’s Guide to Autism Tool Kit
  A comprehensive toolkit designed to help parents navigate the early stages of an autism diagnosis.
  
• Autism Society — Training & Resource Center
  Offers education, training, and practical resources for families, caregivers, and professionals supporting individuals with autism.
  
• Autism Research Institute
  Provides science-based information, educational webinars, and resources for parents, professionals, and self-advocates.

The below autism screening tools are designed for early identification and are widely used by clinicians and researchers. While they can help flag developmental concerns, they are not diagnostic — only a qualified professional can provide a formal autism diagnosis.

• M-CHAT-R/F – Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers:
  A gold-standard screening tool for children aged 16–30 months. It’s quick, parent-completed, and widely endorsed by pediatric guidelines.
• Online CAST – Childhood Autism Spectrum Test:
  A validated questionnaire originally developed at the University of Cambridge. Designed for children aged 4–11 years, it helps identify traits that may warrant a full evaluation.
  
• ADOS-2 – Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule:
  Considered the gold standard for observational autism assessment across ages and language levels. While the ADOS-2 must be administered by trained clinicians, many centers reference it as the most accurate evaluation tool. The scoring card for this test can be found here.
  
• Autism Research Institute — Diagnostics Checklist:
  A practical checklist for identifying core autism symptoms, designed to help parents and professionals organize observed traits before a formal evaluation.
  
• Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC):
  Developed by the Autism Research Institute, this tool helps parents and professionals measure a child’s progress over time, especially when assessing the effectiveness of different interventions.

It is important to note that online screeners like the M-CHAT-R, CAST, and ARI checklists are useful first steps, but only a trained professional can provide a diagnosis. The ADOS-2 is not an online tool but is included here because it’s the gold standard assessment families may hear about during a diagnostic evaluation.

Autism Diagnosis Resources & Local Doctors in Phoenix & Mesa, AZ

Getting a formal diagnosis is a critical step toward unlocking therapies, services, and support for your child.

Inspire has provided some recommended diagnostic providers and centers in the Valley. Please note that insurance acceptance may vary across providers.

• Phoenix Children’s — Autism Program
  A strong, hospital-based multidisciplinary team combining developmental pediatrics, psychology, and psychiatry to evaluate children suspected of autism.
  
• Axis for Autism
  A regionally focused organization offering autism evaluations using validated tools (e.g., ADOS) and a streamlined process.
  
• Arizona Autism Diagnostic Center (Phoenix)
  Specializes in autism evaluations and diagnostic testing with faster turnaround times.
• Pinnacle Psychology (Gilbert / East Valley)
  Offers comprehensive testing for children and adults, including full autism diagnostic assessments.
  
• Foothills Psychiatric Clinic (Mesa)
  A psychiatric clinic in Mesa that offers assessment and consultation for autism spectrum disorders.
  
• National Autism Diagnosis & Services Directory (Autism Speaks)
  A nationwide database to help families find diagnostic providers, therapists, and support services near them.