Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment

• Autism spectrum disorder or ASD is a type of brain development that can affect how a person interacts and communicates. ASD is not acquired, but rather a developmental condition that starts in early childhood.

• Some of the signs and symptoms include (but are not limited to)

  • Difficulty with back-and-forth interactions.

  • Uncomfortable with eye contact.

  • Restricted or repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping, intense interests, or strict routines.

  • Sensory sensitivity. Can be over- or under reacting to sounds, lights, textures, or smells.

  • Developmental delays were present in early childhood.

• Autism tests are made up of self-report measures, informant report measures, cognitive tests, and psychological tests.

• These tests help the provider determine whether a person has autism and can identify other mental health problems that cause similar symptoms.

• We look at a myriad of symptoms including intelligence, social functioning, cognitive, and psychological.

• We utilize a variety of tests, some on the computer and some paper and pencil.

• Testing is 1:1, to protect the integrity of the testing process, you may not have a support person present while you are testing.

• About 1 week prior to your testing date, you will be sent several forms and self-report measures to complete. We will also need the information of someone who knows you well to complete informant measures.

• In person testing consists of a clinical interview process. This will be in our office, although the provider may or may not be remote (not all our neuropsychologists are local).

• After your clinical interview, you will test with the psychometrist (this takes place on the same day as your interview).

• About two weeks after your testing date, you will return (either remote or in office) for your feedback session.

There is no one answer to this question. The reason depends on what type of insurance you have, deductibles, copays, or self-pay. When you submit a request for an evaluation, our team will provide you with an estimate of the cost (depending on the factors noted above).

• To make an appointment, please complete our online intake form here. Once received, our team will process your insurance information to get an estimate of the cost of the evaluation. They will then email you with that estimate. If you are ready, you can reply to that email that you would like to put on the scheduling list. Please note, it can take up to one week to process your information and get you an estimate.

• You can also ask your provider to fax us a referral at 360-785-2016. For some insurances, we may have to have a provider referral.

• The first step is a clinical interview with your provider. You will be asked a series of questions to determine any challenges, stressors, and or triggers. If necessary and with permission, the provider may also interview family members, such as a spouse or siblings to gain a full clinical picture.

• You may have a support person, such as a parent or spouse, accompany you to this interview.

• Those with active drug abuse problems

• Those with severe alcohol abuse problems

• Those with uncontrolled psychosis

• Those with severe mental health conditions that are not stable

• If you take a stimulant medication already (ex. Adderall) please refrain for 48 hours prior to the date of testing

• Do not use cannabis or alcohol 48 hours prior to the evaluation. Please note if you are a heavy cannabis user or alcohol user, that may affect the results, and it would be best for you to get help for that first.

• If you are an illicit drug user, we cannot assess you. Please seek help for that first.

• Get a good night’s rest the night before

• Eat a good breakfast that morning

• Complete all preliminary paperwork prior to your first scheduled appointment. Ask your informant to also complete their paperwork prior to your scheduled appointment.

• We can do an ADHD only, autism only, or ADHD/Autism combined assessment.  An Autism only assessment only screens for ADHD.  

• There are differences in how we schedule (an ADHD/autism assessment requires more time) so please indicate what you are wanting at the time of scheduling.

• For more information about ADHD, please click here.