Autism Evaluations

We base our evaluations on the current DSM-5 Manual (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), to identify the degree to which the individual’s symptoms, distress, and life impairment matches the known problem areas associated with Autism in the areas of social functioning, communication, and behavior.

Testing Approach

We use a multi-method, multi-informant approach to gather information from various “method types” (questionnaires, computer-performance, interviews, cognitive performance tasks, etc.), as well as from various “informant types”, such as from the child, parent(s), and teachers in the case of children, and from the adult client and spouse of adult clients when appropriate and relevant. 

Benefits of an Autism Evaluation

Depending on your situation, obtaining a thorough Autism evaluation may lead to the following benefits:

1. Informing and Clarifying Your Service Options: After an evaluation, your counselor will be able to make evidence-based decisions regarding which methods are most effective to tackle problems identified. If Autism problems are identified, scientific research supports a range of behavioral services and help for individuals with Autism to strengthen their social functioning, improve communication skills, and learn adaptive skills to increase responsibility and independence. Obtaining an evaluation will thus help inform which service option(s) is right for you or your child.
   
2. Testing Accommodations:Testing accommodations with standardized testing boards (e.g. extended time, separate rooms free of distractions, study aids or support) may also be offered.
3. Better Understand Your Long-standing Challenges: It is common for individuals to struggle for several years with challenges they don’t fully understand. Often times, an Autism evaluation can help identify some of the primary sources of these long-standing challenges to help shed light on your risk factors, expected symptoms along with areas of needed attention, help, and growth.
4. Re-Assess Current Status: It is often helpful to re-assess your child’s current status, especially after receiving behavioral interventions or services, to learn about areas of functioning that have shown growth and those that still need improvement.