The evaluation process begins with an initial consultation between the psychologist and the parents of the child or teen. Adults also start with an initial consultation meeting. During this one hour meeting, we discuss background information, review medical and educational records, and explore presenting questions and concerns. For our pediatric clients, parents and teachers will be asked to complete questionnaires detailing everyday functioning. We will use this information to discuss initial impressions and suggest a plan for evaluation.

The evaluation day includes detailed interviewing, an evaluation of cognitive skills, self-report measures, and direct assessment of social and communication skills or style using an Autism specific measure like the ADOS-2 or the MIGDAS. The client spends around two to three hours in the office with the psychologist to complete tests.

A feedback appointment is scheduled approximately about three weeks after testing to explain the results in clear and thorough terms. It is a priority that clients leave the feedback session with a solid understanding of the results and a clear path for moving forward. We provide written documentation detailing the findings, diagnosis, and recommendations shortly after the feedback appointment. We pride ourselves on easy-to-read reports that use clear language and avoid jargon. This report can be shared with school and medical providers to coordinate care. Reports are designed to be useful for schools in their educational planning process and draw from our deep experience working in and consulting to schools.