Autism Testing and Assessment
We specialize in comprehensive autism testing and assessments for children and adults
Do You Think That You or Your Child May Be Dealing With Autism?
Maybe you face challenges with communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Perhaps you struggle to read body language or express your needs properly. You might be characterized by a rigid adherence to the same daily habits and become immensely stressed whenever they are upended. These problems could be impacting your ability to show up as your best self at work or in school.
On the other hand, perhaps you’ve begun to think that your child has autism. Maybe they have trouble fitting in with the other kids at school—they frequently interrupt conversations, struggle with speech, or have interests that differ from those of their peers. They may have learning challenges that have led to problems in school and caused their grades to slip.
Whether you want an autism assessment for you or your child, Huntington Psychological Services is here to help. Our mission is to give you a deeper understanding of how autism works, provide you with new supports and resources, and empower you to reach your full potential. And if you’re a parent seeking autism testing for your child, we’ll provide the answers you need to your child’s struggles and help you develop a personalized plan for their care.
Awareness Around Autism Has Grown, and So Has the Need for Testing
Autism evaluations are becoming increasingly common as awareness of the condition grows. These assessments can be highly beneficial for both children and adults, identifying each person’s unique needs and strengths and allowing for tailored support and interventions. They also help differentiate autism from other conditions like ADHD, social anxiety, and speech and language disorders, ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Without an evaluation, adults and kids with autism often face significant hurdles. Understanding and managing behaviors can become difficult, leading to frustration and stress. Socializing may turn into a struggle, resulting in isolation and difficulty forming friendships. In children, undiagnosed autism is often mistaken for behavioral issues. What’s more, without an official diagnosis, accessing therapy and support services can be harder and essential accommodations may be missed. This can hinder both development and quality of life.
All of these reasons point to the importance of early intervention. Getting an autism diagnosis can provide individuals and families with access to essential resources such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral interventions, educational support, and social skills training.
Autism Testing Can Help You Improve Your Functioning and Get the Support You Need
At Huntington Psychological Services, our trained clinicians use standardized tests and observations to help people understand their social, emotional, and behavioral patterns. For adults and parents who suspect autism in themselves or their children, these assessments can provide clarity and answers to long-held questions. They can help people identify strengths and challenges, making it easier to find the right support and resources. They can also explain confusing behaviors, confirm or rule out an autism diagnosis, identify other possible conditions, and provide guidance and a treatment plan.
Our practice possesses an extensive collection of the most current and widely used autism tests and questionnaires, including the ADOS-2, which is considered the “gold standard” of autism diagnostic assessments. Each test is rigorously reviewed by our staff to ensure it is evidence-based and supported by the latest research. Our highly trained and experienced staff continuously engage in new training programs, attending conferences and workshops to ensure our assessment techniques remain at the forefront of the field.
How the Autism Evaluation Process Works
Autism testing with Huntington Psychological Services follows a very simple threefold process:
- Step One: Intake—In a one-to-two-hour clinical interview (in-person or via Zoom), you and your clinician will discuss your concerns, set goals for the autism testing process, and create a tailored evaluation plan. If your child is getting an assessment, we will hold the intake session with you alone.
- Step Two: Testing—In a daylong session (in-person only), you or your child will perform various tasks and assignments that assess cognitive, emotional, and behavioral abilities. The goal is to create a blueprint for understanding autism and learning about your strengths and weaknesses.
- Step Three: Feedback—In a one-to-two-hour meeting (in-person or via Zoom), we will go over the evaluation results with you and offer personalized information about your diagnosis and care. You will get to ask any questions you want and receive specific recommendations about treatment. Roughly two weeks after the feedback session, we will give you a written report containing all the results from your test.
From beginning to end, the autism testing process takes about six weeks with an additional two weeks for the report, making it highly efficient in comparison to most psychological evaluations. The results can be truly life-changing, setting you up for long-term success and giving you a roadmap toward a brighter future. An evaluation can help you enhance social relationships, manage your behaviors, and improve functioning at school or work.
You May Have Some Questions About Autism Testing…
What if I can’t afford an autism evaluation?
While an autism evaluation requires a fairly significant financial investment, the cost of not pursuing one can ultimately be much greater. Missing out on crucial information, growth opportunities, and essential support services at school or work can adversely affect mental health and well-being. In the long term, spending time and money on autism testing is well worth the gains that can be achieved, allowing for increased self-awareness, improved functioning, and a better network of supports.
Will my insurance cover the cost of autism testing?
Our practice is out-of-network (OON) with all health insurance plans. However, many individuals have plans that can reimburse some of your costs for OON treatments. To make things easier, we’ve partnered with Reimbursify, which simplifies the process of filing insurance claims and reduces the hassle of OON claims. Submitting your claim takes just minutes, and you can receive your payment more quickly. For more details, please feel free to contact us.
At what age can autism be diagnosed?
Autism can be diagnosed as early as 18 months, but more reliable diagnoses are usually made around age two or three. At this age, children start showing signs like delayed speech, lack of eye contact, and repetitive behaviors. Early diagnosis is important because it allows for early intervention, which can greatly improve a child’s development. However, some individuals may not be diagnosed until later in life, especially if their symptoms are less obvious or are “masked” by other conditions.
Improve Your Quality of Life With an Autism Assessment
While autism presents many unique challenges, significant improvements are possible with the right support. An autism evaluation can lead to personalized care, better relationships, and an improved quality of life. To learn more about autism testing and assessment, schedule a free consultation call or contact us.