Autism Evaluations for Children
Immediate availability for autism spectrum disorder diagnosis services
Accepting New Clients.
PsychCare has immediate availability for clients who need an autism assessment. We work with children as young as 2 years old.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a condition that affects how a person develops, especially in two areas: social communication and behavior. People with Autism may act and think differently, but each person with Autism is unique. Some people with Autism are very social and find it easy to interact with other people, and some may find it difficult or uncomfortable. People with Autism also show repetitive behaviors or have very specific interests. They might struggle with changes in routine and transitions, like moving from one activity to another. They may avoid certain foods because they do not like the way they feel or taste, or they might get very interested in specific things, like trains, door handles, or lights.
When assessing for the presence of Autism in a psychological evaluation, the psychologist will also consider other conditions, such as developmental delays, Intellectual Disability, language problems, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
The purpose of the Autism Evaluation for Children is to conduct a thorough assessment of children 2 to 17 years to identify signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In this evaluation, Dr. Deija McLean meticulously examines social communication abilities and behaviors, including restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interest, to understand each child’s unique developmental profile. By reviewing personal records, utilizing parent and teacher questionnaires, and employing targeted developmental/intellectual, language, and autism-specific assessment, the process aims to assess ASD accurately. This tailored approach ensures that each child’s specific needs are addressed, facilitating the development of targeted interventions and support strategies to enhance their well-being and developmental outcomes.
Recommended for children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years who exhibit developmental concerns or behaviors suggestive of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This evaluation is particularly suited for those experiencing challenges in social communication, demonstrating restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, or facing difficulties in adapting to changes in routine or sensory sensitivities. It is designed to support families seeking a clearer understanding of their child’s developmental profile and to assist in identifying tailored interventions and resources. The evaluation is also beneficial for guiding decisions related to educational planning, including the development or adjustment of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or other support mechanisms within school or home settings.
- Review of your child’s records (Individualized Education Program [IEP], Individualized Family Service Plan [IFSP], medical records, previous evaluations, home videos)
- Parent and teacher questionnaires regarding your child’s behavior and skills (adaptive skills, social-emotional skills, behavioral functioning, executive functioning)
- Testing
- Developmental/Intellectual
- Language
- Play-based observation of behaviors consistent with Autism (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition [ADOS-2])
- Psychological evaluation report
“My child struggles to connect with peers and prefers to play alone, which doesn’t seem typical for their age. I’m concerned about their social development.”
“My child’s teacher has noticed unusual patterns in their behavior, like repetitive play or an intense focus on specific subjects, and suggested we explore the possibility of ASD.”
“Although highly intelligent and socially interested, my child seems to have unorthodox ways of expressing it, making social interactions awkward or inappropriate.”
“We’ve observed that our child has a very structured routine and gets extremely upset with any change, no matter how minor. We’re wondering if this is a sign of ASD.”
“My child shows intense fascination with specific topics or objects, beyond what seems typical for their age, and we’re curious if this could be a characteristic of ASD.”
“School transitions and changes in the classroom environment seem to be particularly challenging for my child, causing much more distress than for their classmates.”
“My child is academically proficient but shows significant distress in social settings or group activities, which makes school a challenging environment for them.”
“Despite being articulate, my child has a hard time understanding nonverbal cues and often misinterprets social situations. We’re seeking clarity on whether this is related to ASD.”
4 years old and under – $2750
5 -17 years old – $3300
Flexible Payment Options Available! You can sign up to pay for psychological testing through CareCredit. Click here to learn more e.g Pay no interest for 12 months with the 12-month interest-free plan!
Insurance: Our evaluator for this evaluation is out of network. Our office can supply a superbill to submit to your insurance for out-of-network benefits
Additional optional service rates: $250 per hour (e.g. consultation with other providers, attendance at and assistance with IEP meetings, additional consultation of more than 15 minutes regarding testing results, etc)
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