When you have questions about your child’s development, you may hear two different suggestions. A teacher might mention Child Find, while your pediatrician talks about an autism evaluation with a specialist.
Both involve testing your child, and both can identify autism. They answer different questions, though, and open different doors.
For Columbia parents trying to get help for a child with possible autism spectrum disorder (ASD), knowing the difference can prevent months of delay.
In this article, we’ll discuss how Howard County Child Find compares with a clinical autism evaluation and when to pursue each one.
Key Takeaways
- Howard County Child Find provides free evaluations to determine whether children qualify for special education or early intervention services.
- A clinical autism evaluation determines whether a child meets medical diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder.
- Educational eligibility and a medical diagnosis serve different purposes, so families may benefit from pursuing both evaluations.
- Starting both processes at the same time can help families avoid unnecessary delays in accessing support.
What is Howard County Child Find?
Child Find is a federal requirement carried out by every public school system.1 In Howard County, it means the school system must locate and evaluate children who may need special education, at no cost to families.2
Where you start depends on your child’s age:
- Birth to age 3: the Howard County Infants and Toddlers Program, at 410-313-70173
- Ages 3 to 5, before kindergarten: the Howard County Public School System Child Find Office, at 410-313-7046 or [email protected]2
- Kindergarten through age 21: the school your child is zoned to attend4
The Child Find Office is in the Old Cedar Lane Building on Beaverkill Road in Columbia. Its preschool team includes an educational diagnostician, a speech-language pathologist, a psychologist and other specialists, and parents take part in every meeting.2
Maryland sets clear timelines. The evaluation must be finished within 60 days of your written consent, and the team must meet within 30 days of the evaluation to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) if your child qualifies.56
What is a Clinical Autism Evaluation?
A clinical evaluation is done by a medical or mental health professional, such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist or child psychiatrist. It looks at your child’s development, behavior and history to decide whether they meet the medical criteria for autism.7
Most clinicians use standardized tools during the visit, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. They also interview you about your child’s early years and daily life.8
The result is a medical diagnosis. That diagnosis is what health insurance and Maryland Medicaid look for before they’ll pay for ABA therapy. Medicaid specifically asks for a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation that includes direct observation of your child and an interview with a parent or caregiver.910
Clinical evaluations are usually covered by health insurance, though your deductible or copay may apply. Many diagnostic practices also need a referral from your pediatrician before they’ll schedule a visit.
How Do the Two Compare?
A school team may find that your child qualifies for special education under the autism category. That finding is an educational decision. It doesn’t replace a medical diagnosis for insurance purposes.11
Should You Pursue Both?
The two evaluations work best side by side for most families.
Child Find is free and moves on a fixed timeline, so it can get school or early intervention services started while you wait for a clinical appointment. A clinical evaluation takes longer to schedule, and it’s the only route to insurance-covered ABA therapy.
If your child already has an IEP, bring it to the clinical appointment. It shows the evaluator how your child does in a classroom, which a single office visit can’t capture.
Start both at the same time. Make the Child Find referral and ask your pediatrician for a referral to a diagnostic clinician in the same week.12
Share results between the two teams when you’re comfortable doing so. A school report can give a clinician useful background, and a medical diagnosis can help the school team plan supports.
Keep copies of every report in one folder. You’ll need them again for insurance approvals, school meetings and future reevaluations.
Blue Gems ABA Supports Columbia Families After an Evaluation
Child Find and a clinical evaluation each answer an important question about your child. Together, they give your family the clearest path to support at school and at home.
At Blue Gems ABA, our therapists work with children on the autism spectrum at our Columbia center and in homes throughout Howard County. Once your child has a diagnosis, our insurance specialists confirm your benefits and request authorization for ABA therapy.
Reach our Columbia team at (443) 656-9050 or send us a message to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Howard County Child Find free?
Yes. Child Find evaluations for special education eligibility are provided at no cost to families through the public education system.
2. Can Child Find diagnose autism medically?
Child Find can determine whether a child meets educational eligibility criteria under the autism category. This is different from receiving a medical autism diagnosis from a qualified clinician.
3. Does my child need a medical autism diagnosis before contacting Child Find?
No. Parents can request an educational evaluation when they suspect a developmental delay or disability, even without a medical diagnosis.
4. Can my child receive an IEP without a clinical autism diagnosis?
Yes. An IEP is based on the school’s evaluation of special education eligibility and educational needs, rather than requiring a separate medical autism diagnosis.
5. Should I wait for Child Find results before scheduling a clinical evaluation?
You generally do not need to wait. Families can begin both processes at the same time so educational and clinical support can move forward independently.
References
- U.S. Department of Education. IDEA Regulations: Child Find, §300.111.
- Howard County Public School System. Child Find.
- Howard County Government. Infants and Toddlers Program.
- Howard County Public School System. Special Education Process.
- Maryland State Department of Education. COMAR 13A.05.01: Provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education.
- Maryland State Department of Education. 2025 IEP Process Guide.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinical Testing and Diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Screening and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Maryland Department of Health. ABA Provider Manual, 2026.
- Maryland Code of Regulations. COMAR 10.09.28: Applied Behavior Analysis Services.
- Howard County Public School System. School-Aged Special Education Process.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Autism Spectrum Disorder.
