This is a specialized evaluation to assess for a possible autism – spectrum disorder and/or to evaluate children / adolescents who have already been diagnosed on the spectrum. This type of evaluation would be appropriate for children and adolescents, ages 4 to 20, who are exhibiting difficulties with social development, communication / language, and/or behavioral difficulties including rigid / inflexible behaviors. This evaluation provides differential diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. In addition, and for individuals who have already been diagnosed on the spectrum, this evaluation provides a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s cognitive and social/emotional strengths and weaknesses. This information is then used to generate a comprehensive treatment plan, including recommendations for school / educational and behavioral interventions. Recommendations are also provided for how to support the individual’s social development, based on his/her developmental history and present levels of functioning.
This comprehensive evaluation includes the following:
- An extensive parent interview that includes a detailed review of the individual’s developmental, medical, and educational histories, as well as extensive review of social, emotional, and behavioral development.
- The standard neuropsychological evaluation, as detailed above
- Assessment of social cognition (the ability to understand socially relevant information) and social functioning
As with the standard neuropsychological evaluation, approximately one week after testing is completed, a two-hour parent feedback session is scheduled to discuss the evaluation results and recommendations. A detailed written evaluation report is mailed to the client within approximately four to six weeks. This written report summarizes the evaluation findings and recommendations. Finally, the neuropsychologist is available to conduct an additional feedback meeting with the child, to discuss the results and recommendations with him/her.
This evaluation is completed by a team consisting of a neuropsychologist and a clinical assistant. The first appointment will be the parent interview with the neuropsychologist. The following two appointments will be to test the individual. The first of these testing appointments is with the neuropsychologist, and the second testing appointment is with the clinical assistant. The neuropsychologist will then conduct the feedback session with the parents (and the child if requested), and prepare the written report.