What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts a child’s ability to communicate and be social with other people. Children with ASD may also show repetitive behaviors, intense and focused interests, rigid adherence to specific routines, difficulty with transitions, unusual sensory interests, and/or aversions to sensory experiences.
Why is an ASD diagnosis important?
Children can be diagnosed at-risk for an autism spectrum disorder as early as 18 months. It is important to identify autism early in children, as research has shown significant improvements in skills when children receive behavioral therapies. By intervening early, you can learn the best ways to teach your child new skills, manage problem behaviors, improve the outcomes for your child, and access resources to support your family.
How do you test for ASD?
An autism evaluation always includes direct testing with your child through interviewing and/or play-based interactions. An autism evaluation may include the following components:
A diagnostic interview with the parent or caregiver that includes developmental history and current concerns
Intelligence/cognitive testing
Direct testing of social perception/executive functioning
Social/behavioral testing using the ADOS-2, a play and interview-based assessment
Social, emotional, and behavioral questionnaires completed by parents, caregivers, teachers, and other service providers
Adaptive behavior or independent living questionnaires/interviews with parents and teachers
Interviews with teachers and other service providers as needed
A comprehensive written report with results; summary; DSM-V or medical diagnoses; recommendations for eligibility for school services (IEP or 504 eligibility); recommendations for parents; and recommendations for services in the community
A meeting with families to review the results, recommendations, and develop a plan for treatment and prioritizing services
A school meeting to review results and determine eligibility for a IEP and 504 plan
How much does an evaluation cost?
The initial diagnostic interview appointment is a flat fee of $300. Each testing hour and the feedback session are $250 per hour. Additionally, outside of the session scoring, interpretation, diagnostic formulation, and report writing are billed at $250 per hour. Please note that testing costs vary and may be more or less depending on the scope of the evaluation, presenting concerns, time spent reviewing records, and the age of your child. Evaluations require psychologists to spend significant time both inside and outside of sessions administering tests, scoring, interpreting, and writing up results in a comprehensive report. The process of the evaluation can take 14 to 18 hours to complete ($3550 to $4300).
Please contact us for a rough estimate of the cost or to schedule your initial appointment.