Autism Diagnostic Evaluations for Greater Hartford Families
Clear answers, compassionate guidance, and next steps tailored to your child.
When You’re Searching for Answers…
At The Talcott Center, our diagnostic evaluations help families better understand their child’s needs, strengths, and the support that may help them thrive.
Families often reach out when they are noticing things like:
- Differences in social communication
- Delayed language or difficulty expressing needs
- Repetitive behaviors or highly focused interests
- Sensory sensitivities
- Difficulty with transitions, flexibility, or emotional regulation
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. If something feels worth exploring, a diagnostic evaluation can help bring that picture into focus.
A Diagnosis Opens Doors to Support and Relief
A diagnosis validates what you’ve observed, explains what you’ve felt, and – most importantly – can help open the door to services, school supports, and insurance coverage your child needs.
Early, accurate diagnosis means earlier access to evidence-based therapies during the years when intervention makes the greatest difference.
A diagnostic evaluation can help your family better understand:
- Whether your child’s presentation is consistent with autism
- Your child’s developmental strengths and support needs
- How your child communicates, engages, and responds to the world around them
- What therapies, services, or next steps may be most appropriate
For many families, the greatest value is not just getting an answer. It is finally having a clearer direction.
You’re Not Alone
These testimonials reflect the care, trust, and life-changing progress that Talcott families experience every day.
Sangeetha
Parent
“The Talcott Center for Child Development has been nothing short of a miracle for me and my family, and yet to call it as such would be discrediting all of the countless hours of hard work their staff has put in to help us be where we are today.”
“The Talcott Center has been such a huge factor in my child’s development. She has learned so many valuable skills while attending. The staff are very helpful and respectful and they really show compassion for your child. I would recommend this place 100%!”
Danielle
Parent
“When I think about what Talcott Center means to me and my family, so many emotions come to mind it’s difficult to put them into words. From the moment I entered Talcott with my daughter Eden, I could feel the love and compassion the therapists and staff had not only for my child, but also for me.”
“My son received Speech and Occupational Therapy at Talcott Center, and we saw such positive growth thanks to the incredible support he received. I want to take this chance to express my gratitude to Catherine, his Speech Therapist, and Bridget, his Occupational Therapist, for their dedication, patience, and professionalism. We wish them continued success!”
Justin & Erin
Parents
“The Talcott Center for Child Development is our son’s home away from home. They love and nurture him and help him develop and grow in ways I never thought possible. It is a wonderful feeling to take him to therapy every day, knowing that he is in a place where his uniqueness is appreciated.”
“We love The Talcott Center for Childhood Development! The OTs are very receptive and prompt with the needs of my child. We love the friendly environment from the moment you walk in to the center and throughout.”
Sangeetha
Parent
Danielle
Parent
Justin & Erin
Parents
“The Talcott Center for Child Development has been nothing short of a miracle for me and my family, and yet to call it as such would be discrediting all of the countless hours of hard work their staff has put in to help us be where we are today.”
“The Talcott Center has been such a huge factor in my child’s development. She has learned so many valuable skills while attending. The staff are very helpful and respectful and they really show compassion for your child. I would recommend this place 100%!”
“When I think about what Talcott Center means to me and my family, so many emotions come to mind it’s difficult to put them into words. From the moment I entered Talcott with my daughter Eden, I could feel the love and compassion the therapists and staff had not only for my child, but also for me.”
“My son received Speech and Occupational Therapy at Talcott Center, and we saw such positive growth thanks to the incredible support he received. I want to take this chance to express my gratitude to Catherine, his Speech Therapist, and Bridget, his Occupational Therapist, for their dedication, patience, and professionalism. We wish them continued success!”
“The Talcott Center for Child Development is our son’s home away from home. They love and nurture him and help him develop and grow in ways I never thought possible. It is a wonderful feeling to take him to therapy every day, knowing that he is in a place where his uniqueness is appreciated.”
“We love The Talcott Center for Childhood Development! The OTs are very receptive and prompt with the needs of my child. We love the friendly environment from the moment you walk in to the center and throughout.”
More Than a Diagnosis – A Path Forward
An evaluation should do more than give you information. It should help you move forward with confidence.
If additional support is recommended, Talcott can help your family understand the next steps and explore services that may support your child’s development.
We learn your child’s story.
We start by understanding your concerns, your child’s development, and what you have been noticing at home, school, or in the community.
We evaluate with care.
Our team takes a thoughtful, individualized approach to understanding how your child communicates, interacts, regulates, and engages.
We help you understand what comes next.
You will leave with greater clarity and practical guidance on the support that may best fit your child.
Most evaluations are completed across one to two appointments, depending on your child’s needs, followed by a written report and feedback session.
Our evaluation is designed to give families a clear, clinically grounded understanding of their child’s needs and next steps:
- Caregiver interview & developmental history
- Gold-standard, clinician-administered diagnostic assessment
- Structured observation of communication, play, and social behavior
- Review of prior records, school reports, and relevant medical history
- Comprehensive written report with findings and recommendations
- Dedicated family feedback session to walk through results and next steps
You won’t leave with a stack of papers and a handshake. You’ll leave with clarity.
A diagnosis marks the beginning of a new kind of journey – one that often brings as many questions as it does answers.
Our team understands the weight of this moment. We’ll take the time to sit with you, explain your child’s results in plain terms, and help your family think through what comes next with clarity and without pressure.
For families exploring continued care and support, Talcott offers a full continuum of services – including our Comprehensive Autism Day Program, ABA therapy, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and family counseling – all delivered in the same welcoming facility, coordinated by the same interdisciplinary team.
Our evaluations are designed for children and adolescents whose families are seeking clarity. You may be in the right place if your child:
- Has not yet received a formal autism diagnosis but shows signs consistent with ASD
- Has a prior diagnosis that feels incomplete or is in need of updated assessment
- Was referred by a pediatrician, school team, or early intervention provider
- Has developmental, communication, or behavioral differences that haven’t been fully explained
Not sure if an evaluation is the right next step? Contact our team – we’ll help you figure it out.
Help for Families Starts Here
Take the first step. Fill out this form to connect with our team and learn how Talcott can support your family’s journey.
We Accept Most Major Insurance Plans
Coverage for diagnostic evaluations varies by plan. Our team will help you understand your benefits before your child’s first appointment.
Some insurance plans may require a referral, and our team will verify your benefits and any next steps before your child’s first appointment.
Don’t see your plan? Call us at (860) 674-1824 – we’ll walk you through your options.
