Autism Assessments
Providing family centered assessment services throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Autism spectrum is an example of neurodiversity that can be first identified in early childhood. Autism spectrum is a pattern of development that influences development:
Langauge and communication
Social relationships/emotional responses
Patterns of behavior, interests and/or activities
There is a wide range of abilities among autistic individuals. Some people on the autism spectrum are extremely cognitively gifted, whereas others have significant intellectual vulnerabilities. Some autistic people are unable to express themselves verbally whereas others are able to communicate verbally. Some people on the autism spectrum need significant help in their daily lives while others need less.
While autism can be identified prior to 18 months of age, diagnosis is much more reliable after a child is 2 years old. A diagnosis can help you and your child to access early intervention services, treatment, and school-based services.
A neurodevelopmental assessment is used to evaluate autism and other conditions impacting development. Research has shown that early intervention when developmental differences are present can greatly improve your child’s development.
If you are concerned about your child’s development, neurodevelopmental testing can provide you with answers. Some common questions parents ask me:
Is my child on the autism spectrum?
Is my child’s speech delayed? How can I support my child’s language development?
How should I respond to my child’s sensory sensitivities?
What treatment will be most effective for my child?
What is the best school environment for my child?
How can I support my child’s social development?
Can you help me understand my child’s experience?
If you choose to move forward with a neurodevelopmental evaluation, I will provide you to with information about your child’s unique profile, including their strengths. I will identify developmental, cognitive, behavioral, and social/emotional vulnerabilities. I will provide you with recommendations and resources to help your child and family.
Common tests I use in diagnosing autism include, but are not limited to: ADOS-2, MIGDAS-2, Vineland-3, CARS-2, BASC-3, SRS-2, KABC-2, WISC-V, WAIS-IV.
I will work closely with your family throughout the testing process to address the questions and concerns you have about your child.
The process involves:
Initial Parent Meeting: All evaluations begin with an initial interview and parent consultation via telehealth. If at all possible, all parents/guardians should be present for this meeting. We will discuss your questions and concerns about your child and discuss what you are hoping to gain from the testing process. In this meeting, we will review the intake questionnaire and I will gather detailed information about your child’s history. 50% of the testing fee will be charged at this appointment. (120 minutes)
Parent Questionnaires: You will be given questionnaires to complete in order to gain information regarding your child’s development.
Teacher Questionnaires: Your child’s teacher will be given questionnaires to complete in order to get a better picture of your child’s functioning at school.
Testing Sessions: Depending on your child’s age and your concerns, the duration and number of face-to-face testing sessions with your child will vary. I will work with your child in person. Older children and adolescents may be administered questionnaires via telehealth when appropriate.
Comprehensive Psychological Report: You will receive your child’s comprehensive psychological report approximately two weeks after the final testing session. At this time, you will be responsible for paying the remaining 50% of the testing fee.
Parent Feedback Meeting: I will meet with you via telehealth to discuss the results of your child’s testing. This meeting will occur approximately two weeks after the final testing session and after you have had a chance to review your child’s psychological report. This is an opportunity for you to better understand the testing results, discuss recommendations in greater depth, and answer any remaining questions. (60 minutes)
Child/Adolescent Feedback Meeting: When appropriate, I will meet with your child to discuss their results in a developmentally appropriate manner. This will be done in person or via telehealth depending on your child’s age and development. (30-60 minutes)
Followup Support: The evaluation fee includes support by phone, email, and telehealth to assist families in implementing the recommendations and finding well-matched treatment providers. If desired, I will also work with existing treatment providers and/or the child’s school to communicate results.
Fees: Testing is customized based on your child’s age as well as your family’s needs, therefore the testing fee will be determined once we define the scope of testing. I also offer a sliding scale based on income, if needed. If additional testing is required to clarify the diagnosis, that will be included at no additional cost. I do not take insurance, however I will provide a copy of your paid invoice for you to use to get reimbursement from your insurance company.
Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate: You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059
Service Areas: San Francisco, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, San Rafael, Novato, San Leandro, Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Windsor, Healdsburg.
Get in touch
If you have questions about psychological testing or want to schedule an appointment with me, please complete this form. I look forward to working with you!