Evaluations

In our diagnostic evaluations of autism, we strive to create a setting where understanding meets expertise. We utilize diagnostic tools that are supported by research, using individual and caregiver report as well as direct observations and interactions to inform our diagnosis. Following the evaluation, we provide guidance and support for the individual's next steps.

While some components of evaluations can be completed via telehealth, such as clinical interviews, our evaluations are offered in person in our office in Edison, New Jersey.

Autism Evaluations for Children

We aim to provide evaluations that are comfortable and engaging for the children we work with, and supportive of the caregivers who care for them. Our evaluations always begin with a comprehensive caregiver interview in which the parents or caregivers provide information about the child's development and educational history. On a separate day, our evaluations include a cognitive evaluation and a series of play activities and (if appropriate) conversations that allow us to see how your child interacts in different contexts. We can assess for other concerns in addition to autism, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or anxiety. Our diagnostic evaluations include the following:

Developmental history interviews with individual and/or parents
Direct interactions and observations, using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
Assessment of cognitive skills
Evaluation of adaptive skills, such as vocational, self-help, and leisure skills
Evaluation of social skills using individual and/or parent report
As needed, information gathered from teachers and school setting
Follow-up meeting to review the results of the evaluation and identify next steps for support

Autism Evaluations for Adolescents and Adults

Our evaluations balance reliance on established tools for diagnosis with support and validation for the adolescent or adult seeking the evaluation. To that end, the individual and their experiences are central to our assessment process. We anchor our evaluations in an interview with the adolescent or adult, and layer in other assessment tools as they seem appropriate. Your evaluation may include:

A clinical interview about your development and experiences
Interview with a parent, partner, or spouse
Direct interactions and observations, using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
Assessment of cognitive skills
Evaluation of adaptive skills, such as vocational, self-help, and leisure skills
Evaluation of social skills using individual and/or report from a parent, partner, or spouse
Follow-up meeting to review the results of the evaluation and identify next steps for support

Psychoeducational Assessment

Children and adolescents who have previously been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may benefit from a comprehensive assessment of their cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive skills. These assessments can be used to inform curricular programming at school, as specified in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans. Outcomes may also inform functional goals for home and community programming. Psychoeducational assessments may comprise the following elements:

Developmental history interviews with caregivers
Assessment of cognitive skills
Evaluation of adaptive skills, such as vocational, social, self-help, and leisure skills
Curricular assessments commonly used to guide school, home, and community programming
As needed, information gathered from teachers and school setting
Follow-up meeting to review the results of the evaluation and identify next steps for support