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One of the hardest things a parent can face is watching their child struggle while no one seems to understand why. You go from teacher to doctor, from counselor to therapist, and each time you’re given a new explanation — maybe it’s anxiety, maybe ADHD, maybe something else — but deep inside, you feel it: “This doesn’t fully explain what’s going on.”

As Dr. Karen Fried, clinical director of the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School (O-School) and head of the Diagnostic Evaluation Center (DEC), explains:

“A lot of parents come to us worn out. They’ve been searching for answers for years, trying to understand their child’s struggles — but nothing they’ve tried so far has fully worked or made sense.”

Diagnostic Evaluation Center (DEC)

For those who may be hearing about this center for the first time, the Diagnostic Evaluation Center (DEC) is a specialized service within the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School (O-School) in Chicago.

The DEC focuses on providing comprehensive psychological and educational evaluations for children and young adults, ages 3 to 21. Families come seeking answers about a wide range of issues — from autism and learning disabilities to mood struggles, behavioral challenges, and trauma-related concerns.

But what sets the DEC apart is not just the testing — it’s the ability to look at the whole child and understand the complex mix of factors shaping their life.

Each year, the DEC evaluates around 50 children, mostly ages 8 to 14, many of whom have lacked proper support for years. They consider family factors like sleep, stress, and trauma impacts. Moreover, Diagnoses can clarify complex cases—like confirming autism and intellectual disability—leading to better-tailored programs and meaningful changes for the child.

Evaluations

“We do a thorough, personalized evaluation,” says Fried. Testing occurs over two or three half-day sessions, with breaks to ensure the kids remain comfortable. Evaluations use standard tests, play, observations, and interviews with parents, teachers, and the child—always starting by focusing on parents’ main concerns, like autism or school struggles.

In addition to providing a diagnosis, the DEC helps parents determine the next steps. They support families through school meetings and decisions, coach them to advocate for their child, and often stay involved as new questions arise over time.

Proper support and a path forward in Chicago IL

For families in Chicago navigating similar challenges, the DEC’s work offers hope and a reminder: you are not alone. At Illinois Autism Center, we share the same mission — helping parents find clarity, the right support, and a path forward so every child has the chance to thrive.

Reach out to Illinois Autism to learn more about how we can support your family.