Autism Evaluation for Children & Adolescents

Ages 4-17

If your child has been referred for an autism evaluation, or you've noticed differences in their social communication, behavior, or development, a comprehensive evaluation can help clarify what's going on and what kind of support will actually help.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a child communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world. Because autism is a spectrum, every child presents differently — some children have more noticeable support needs, while others have subtler characteristics that only become apparent as social or academic demands increase. Our evaluations are designed to determine whether a child meets criteria for ASD, identify co-occurring concerns, and provide clear, individualized recommendations for school, therapy, and home.

Why a comprehensive evaluation?

An accurate autism diagnosis requires more than a checklist or a single office visit. Because autism frequently overlaps with ADHD, anxiety, and learning differences, a thorough evaluation looks at the full picture rather than a single symptom in isolation. Our assessments combine structured clinical interviews, standardized rating measures completed by parents and, when appropriate, teachers, and administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) — widely considered the gold standard for autism evaluation. Together, these tools allow us to assess social communication, behavior, cognitive functioning, and adaptive skills, and to identify co-occurring conditions that may also need attention.

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Some Signs an Evaluation May Be Helpful

Every child develops at their own pace, but persistent differences in the areas below — especially across multiple settings — are often what prompt a referral. These signs don't necessarily mean a child is autistic, but they're common enough reasons for families to seek an evaluation for clarity.

  • Social Communication Differences

    Limited eye contact, reduced facial expressiveness, or inconsistent response when their name is called.

  • Delayed or Different Play and Interaction

    Limited interest in interactive play, pointing, or sharing attention or objects with others.

  • Sensory Sensitivities

    Unusual sensitivity — or unusual lack of response — to sounds, textures, lights, smells, or other sensory input.

  • Emotional and Social Understanding

    Difficulty reading or expressing emotions, or connecting with peers in back-and-forth social exchanges.

  • Repetitive Behaviors and Routines

    Repetitive movements or sounds, a strong need for sameness, distress with changes in routine, or intensely focused interests.

What to Expect

  • Clinical Interview

    We gather detailed developmental, social, and behavioral history from parents or caregivers, along with any prior evaluations, school records, or provider referral questions.

  • Structured Testing

    Assessment includes the ADOS-2, standardized cognitive and adaptive functioning measures, and parent- and teacher-completed rating scales, giving us both direct observation and information from multiple settings.

  • Assessment of Co-occurring Concerns

    We also screen for conditions that commonly occur alongside autism, including ADHD, anxiety, and learning differences.

  • Collateral Information

    When possible, we gather input from teachers or other providers and review relevant records to understand how your child functions across different environments.

  • Feedback Session

    We walk you through the results in plain language and provide a written report with individualized recommendations for therapy, school supports, and community resources — including documentation that can support an IEP or 504 Plan when appropriate.

FAQs

Let's Get Started!

I am looking forward to helping you and your family! Our tailored assessments will help uncover your child’s unique strengths and areas for growth, providing the tools needed for success. Contact us to get started today!

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