Autism Evaluation Checklist
Organize the observations, interviews and measures for a school-based autism eligibility evaluation. A free, fillable checklist for school psychologists and evaluation teams.
What’s inside
- The federal eligibility requirements, each with space to note where the evidence is documented
- 19 commonly used measures to check off, with date tested, examiner and results
- Records, interviews, observations and screenings
- Other conditions considered
- Evaluation timeline and a team summary box
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What IDEA requires for Autism
The checklist walks your team through each part of the federal definition so nothing is missed at the eligibility meeting:
- A developmental disability that significantly affects verbal and nonverbal communication
- Significantly affects social interaction
- Generally evident before age 3 (history gathered from parents and records)
- Other characteristics considered: repetitive activities and stereotyped movements, resistance to change in environment or routines, unusual responses to sensory experiences
- Not primarily due to an emotional disturbance
- Adversely affects educational performance
- Student needs specially designed instruction
Summary of federal IDEA regulations (34 CFR §300.8(c)(1)). Your state may add criteria or use different terms. Follow state and district procedures.
Measures included in the checklist
No single test determines eligibility. The checklist lists measures school psychologists commonly use so you can document what was given, when and by whom:
- Autism-specific measures: ADOS-2 (module: ___ ), ADI-R, CARS2, GARS-3, SRS-2 (parent / teacher), ASRS (parent / teacher), MIGDAS-2
- Cognitive: WISC-V or WPPSI-IV, DAS-II, Leiter-3 or UNIT2 (nonverbal)
- Language and communication: CELF-5 or CELF Preschool-3, Pragmatic language measure, Speech-language evaluation
- Adaptive behavior: Vineland-3 (parent / teacher), ABAS-3 (parent / teacher)
- Behavior and sensory: BASC-3 (parent / teacher / self), Sensory Profile 2 (with OT), Structured observation: unstructured setting (recess / lunch), Structured observation: classroom
Blank rows let you add any other measures your team uses.
Other conditions considered
- Language disorder
- Intellectual disability
- ADHD
- Anxiety or other emotional concerns
- Hearing loss
- Trauma or environmental factors
Frequently asked questions
Is the checklist fillable?
Yes. You can type into it on a computer or print it. Check boxes are printed, and every date, examiner and notes field can be filled in digitally.
Does this replace my state or district forms?
No. It is a working checklist to organize data. Your state may add criteria or use different terms, so always follow state and district procedures and use their required forms.
Can I share it with my evaluation team?
Yes. Share it with colleagues on your team. If others want their own copy, send them to this page.