Autism Evaluation for Children
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 (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in two areas of development: social communication and patterns of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior or interest. Every person with ASD differs from another; however, the following social communication differences may be observed: limited interest in same-aged peers, a preference for solitary play rather than social play, and limited or inconsistent use of nonverbal communicative behaviors (waving, eye contact, pointing, socially directed facial expressions, showing toys to parents).
Many people with ASD are highly social and enjoy being around other people, though for some, their social approaches are primarily used to make requests or may appear socially inappropriate. For example, some young children may only invite their parents into play when they need help with toys, rather than inviting parents to engage in back and forth play with the toys. With peers, they may only approach them to take toys. Or they may primarily join in physical play (running/chasing play), rather than interactive, imaginative play (building toys together, pretending to make food together).
Restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests may include the following: repetitive body movements (hand flapping, finger flicking), repeating speech, parroting words, focusing on parts of toys (spinning car wheels, spinning airplane propellors), and playing by organizing toys (separating by color, lining them up). Other behaviors may include resistance to changes in routine, difficulties transitioning between activities, avoiding certain foods due to sensory aversions, and preoccupations (trains, door handles, windows, lights).
Differential diagnoses considered during a psychological evaluation for Autism Spectrum Disorder will include the following: Global Developmental Delay, Intellectual Developmental Disorder (Intellectual Disability), Language Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders depending upon your child’s developmental level.
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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