Autism Evaluations
Autism evaluations consist of a clinical interview, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), behavior rating scales, and adaptive skills measures. Autism Evaluations can provide both children and adults with recommendations for supportive services and next steps for treatment options. If your child is not meeting their communication milestones or is having difficulty interacting with peers, an Autism Evaluation may provide the insight needed to help your child thrive.
FAQs
What is autism?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder that affects how a person perceives the world and interacts with others. It is called a "spectrum" disorder because it encompasses a wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability. Some people with autism are highly skilled in certain areas, while others may have significant challenges in daily functioning.
What are some early signs of autism
Early signs of autism can vary widely from one child to another, but some common indicators to watch for include: Limited eye contact, difficulty understanding emotions, delayed speech and language skills, lack of gestures, repetitive movements, difficulty with transitions, and overreacting or underreacting to sensory input.
What is involved in an Autism evaluation?
Evaluations begin with an initial parent or guardian meeting where I gather background information and learn more about their concerns. Next, I meet with the client for a few in-person sessions where we complete a formal observation and structured testing to evaluate their social-emotional and communication skills as well as other psychological factors as needed. The results of these tests along with a few questionnaires will be compiled into a report that can be used to apply for supportive services or can inform other mental health professionals.