Free Autism Screening for Toddlers & Young Children in Houston
Something feels a little different — and your instincts matter. If you’ve been wondering whether your child might be showing early signs of autism, you’re in the right place. Fast Track ABA Center offers free autism screenings and diagnostic support for children ages 2–6 in Katy, Richmond, and the Greater Houston area. You don’t need a referral. You just need to take that first step.
How the Screening Process Works
What does the autism screening process look like?
Every family’s path is a little different, but here’s how it typically unfolds when you connect with Fast Track ABA Center.
Step 1 — Start with a free online screener
The M-CHAT-R is a research-backed parent questionnaire you can complete at home in about five minutes. It asks simple yes/no questions about your child’s communication, play, and social behaviors to help identify whether further evaluation may be beneficial.
Step 2 — Connect with our team
After you submit your screener or reach out directly, a member of our team will follow up with you — typically within one business day — to discuss your child’s results and answer your questions. There’s no cost, no pressure, and no clinical jargon.
Step 3 — Schedule a professional evaluation
If your child’s screener results or your own concerns point toward a need for a closer look, we’ll help coordinate next steps. Fast Track ABA Center offers the ADOS-2, a gold-standard, play-based autism evaluation for children ages 18 months through 6 years. Our founder, Samantha Katchy, M.A., BCBA, LBA, brings deep clinical experience and genuine care to every family she works with.
Step 4 — Get clarity and a path forward
Whether your child receives an autism diagnosis or not, our team is here to help you understand what the results mean and what options are available. For children who do receive a diagnosis, early intervention — including ABA therapy — has been shown to produce meaningful, lasting outcomes.
Why Early Screening Matters
Why does early detection matter so much?
Ages 2 through 6 represent one of the most developmentally significant windows in a child’s life. When autism is identified early, families gain access to evidence-based supports that can make a real difference in how a child communicates, connects, and grows.
A diagnosis often makes a child eligible for:
- Evidence-based therapies like ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)
- Insurance coverage for autism treatment services
- School-based accommodations and special education support
- Individualized intervention planning with a BCBA
You don’t have to wait until your child starts school to get answers. The earlier you start, the more time your child has to build the skills that will carry them through life.
Our Screening Tools
Free autism screening tools for children in the Houston area
Card 1 — M-CHAT-R
M-CHAT-R — Online Screener for Toddlers
The M-CHAT-R (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised) is a parent-completed questionnaire designed for children between 16 and 30 months of age. It takes about five minutes to complete and can be done from home.
- 20 yes/no questions about your child’s social and communication behaviors
- Scoring helps indicate whether further evaluation may be worthwhile
- A high-risk score does not confirm a diagnosis — it’s a starting point, not a verdict
Card 2 — ADOS-2
ADOS-2 — In-Person Professional Evaluation
The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is an in-person, play-based assessment conducted by a trained clinician. It’s considered one of the most reliable tools available for evaluating children for autism spectrum disorder.
- Conducted at our Katy or Richmond, TX locations
- Designed for children ages 18 months through 6 years
- Play-based and child-friendly — not a stressful clinical exam
- Results are shared with your child’s pediatrician or specialist
Why Early Screening Matters
Why does early detection matter so much?
M-CHAT-R
Format
Age Range
Time Required
Where
Cost
Result
M-CHAT-R
Parent questionnaire (online)
16–30 months
~5 minutes
At home
Free
Risk indicator
ADOS-2
In-person, clinician-led
18 months – 6 years
45–60 minutes
Katy or Richmond, TX
Free
Evaluation summary sent to your child’s provider
FAQs
View all FAQs
Does a screener tell me if my child has autism?
No. A screener like the M-CHAT-R is not a diagnostic tool. It’s designed to help identify children who may benefit from a more thorough evaluation. Some children who receive a high-risk score will not have an autism diagnosis after a full evaluation, and some children with autism may score lower on a screener. If you have concerns about your child’s development, reaching out to a qualified professional is always the right move.
Who is qualified to diagnose autism?
In Texas, an autism diagnosis is made by qualified licensed professionals through a comprehensive evaluation process. This typically includes a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, neuropsychologist, or child psychiatrist. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) play an important supporting role in the screening and evaluation process and in providing ABA therapy, but the formal diagnosis comes from one of the licensed medical or mental health professionals listed above.
What happens after my child is diagnosed with autism?
A diagnosis is a beginning — not a limitation. It gives your family a clearer picture of how your child experiences the world and opens the door to services and supports that can help them thrive. Many families find that connecting with an ABA therapy provider is one of the most impactful steps they take after diagnosis. At Fast Track ABA Center, our BCBAs work closely with each child and family to build an individualized therapy plan grounded in the science of ABA — and in a genuine love for the kids they serve.
Does insurance cover autism screening and ABA therapy?
Most major insurance plans cover ABA therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Fast Track ABA Center offers free insurance benefit verification to help families understand their coverage before any services begin. Call us at (713) 425-4248 or visit fasttrackabacenter.com to get started.
How early can autism be identified?
Some signs of autism can be observed as early as 12 to 18 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months as part of routine well-child visits. If your child’s pediatrician hasn’t mentioned a screener yet and you have concerns, you don’t have to wait — you can reach out to us directly.
Ready to take the next step for your child?
You’re already doing something powerful just by being here. Whether you’re looking for answers, wanting to understand your child’s development better, or ready to schedule a professional evaluation — our team is here for your family every step of the way.
Fast Track ABA Center serves families throughout Katy, Richmond, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Pearland, and the Greater Houston area.
