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Our clinicians use the ADOS-2, along with other screeners and assessments, as well as observations and reported history, to diagnosis autism. The ADOS-2 is a Level C assessment, which means that someone with a master’s degree (e.g., MA, MS, MSW, CAGS) in psychology or a related field (e.g., occupational therapy, speech–language pathology, special education, counseling, etc.), as well as experience or training in neuropsychological assessment, is able to utilize the assessment. At this time, Angela Silva, MA, LPCC-S, NCC, Steve Hammond, MA, LPCC, and Kaley Wheeldon, MA, LPCA are trained and certified to perform the ADOS-2.

Referral Documentation Needed

Autism Assessment Service

As a courtesy, we offer the autism assessments in 2 parts. It starts with the autism screening—a preliminary assessment of your, or your child's, autistic traits which will indicate if pursuing a formal diagnosis is warranted. If so, the therapist will continue with the diagnostic assessment—resulting in a formal diagnosis.

 

Below are the 2 parts and what they consist of.

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Part 1

Autism screening

The autism screening consists of the following:

  • Clinical Interview of client and/or parent(s)/guardian(s).

  • Age-appropriate assessments/questionnaires.

  • A review of your information, based on the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.

At the end of the screening process, the therapist will advise whether continuing with the diagnostic assessment is warranted.

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Part 2

Diagnostic assessment

The diagnostic assessment consists of:

  • Additional assessments, if needed.

  • A 45-60-minute in-person assessment, based on the ADOS-2 (Telehealth can be utilized for adults only).

  • A review of the information obtained, based on the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.

  • A comprehensive report based on the data acquired during the assessment process with the assigned  diagnosis. This can take up to 2 weeks after the diagnostic interview has taken place.

 

*We can include ADHD and/or other behavioral assessments, if requested in advance.

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Parents:  We do accept parent referrals for autism assessment for children over 4 years of age, however, the more information we have in hand at the time of assessment, the better chances of your child receiving an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, please obtain as much of the information listed below as possible and bring it with you to the appointment. You can fill out the referral at the bottom of the page by clicking the link and faxing or emailing it back to us.

 

**For an accurate autism assessment, a child must be over 4 years of age. An assessment cannot be performed on a child younger than 48 months.

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Providers:  If you are referring a patient for autism assessment, please provide the following information along with the referral located in the link at the bottom of the page.

  • Referring provider’s developmental behavioral concerns, which should include:

    • Medical history.

    • Past evaluations from any developmental-behavioral pediatrics provider.

    • Specific office notes related to the developmental-behavioral concerns.

    • Records of any previously recommended treatments, such as outpatient developmental therapies or medications to address the symptoms of concern.

  • ADHD: Vanderbilt or Conners behavior rating scales.

  • Autism spectrum disorder: M-CHAT or Social Communications Questionnaire.

  • Global developmental delay: Developmental screenings, including Ages & Stages Questionnaire, PEDS or others.

  • Relevant school evaluations, including:

    • IEP.

    • 504 plan.

    • Integrated reports (IQ testing, psychoeducational evaluation, school academic testing, etc.)

Click here for downloadable forms.

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