Brightening the lives of people with autism.

What is our goal in offering diagnostic evaluations?:

Our goal is to use state-of-the-art techniques which are employed by trained professionals with expertise in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to provide a thorough diagnostic assessment to individuals with known or suspected disorders such as autism, Asperger’s and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDDNOS).

What is the purpose of a diagnostic evaluation?

1. To obtain or rule out a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder.
2. To have a thorough assessment of where an individual falls along the autism spectrum, including strengths and weaknesses in the areas of social and communication skills as well as unusually intense interests and/or challenging behaviors.
3. To gain an understanding of the individual’s intellectual potential.
4. To help develop a treatment/educational plan geared toward the individual’s needs.
5. To educate the individual and/or family about their needs.
6. To help identify appropriate support services.

What does the diagnostic evaluation entail?

1. A comprehensive interview with the individual using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R).  The ADI-R is a formal, diagnostic instrument conducted by a trained professional that is designed to elicit a full range of information needed to produce or rule out a diagnosis of an ASD.  The ADI-R usually takes 1 ½ to 2 hours to administer. The ADI-R, along with the ADOS, (described below) are considered the “gold standard” of diagnostic instruments in the field of ASDs.
2. A standardized observational assessment of the individual’s communication, socialization and creativity along with other behaviors characteristic of ASDs.  This assessment, called the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.
3. A cognitive evaluation of the individual using standardized tests of intelligence that include measures of language and nonverbal abilities.
4. Academic skills assessment (when appropriate).
5. Discussion of findings and recommendations.

What will happen at the appointments?

The first appointment is used to complete the ADI-R (the interview.)  This appointment generally lasts 1 ½ to 2 hours.  The second appointment will involve formal testing with those instruments listed above.  This appointment may last up to 2 hours.  Finally, once the evaluation is complete, a feedback session will be scheduled; this session usually lasts about an hour.

What do I bring to the first appointment?

If they have not been sent prior to the evaluation, please bring copies of the questionnaires that we sent to you, along with any previous assessments that may have been conducted and any other information that you feel may be relevant. 

What if I need to cancel an appointment?

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, we request that you do so 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time.

Payment

The cost of a complete diagnostic evaluation is $2,000.
We do not accept third party payments.
Private payment must be received before the completion of the evaluation.