Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Testing
I offer ASD testing for children, teens, and adults ages 7 to 70 years old. I write my reports, not AI. That means you will get a nuanced analysis that incorporates complex information from across the different tests that use different approaches, written by different publishers, which I use for my assessments, not a watered-down summary of results. My reports explain how different areas of strength and weakness identified by testing interact and affect your life or the life of a loved one in easy-to-understand terms. This knowledge comes from years of training and experience. You will not get a list of basic test results dressed up in clinical language.
I am trained and experienced in evaluating older teens and adults who were not previously testing for ASD. I am trained and experienced in evaluating boys, girls, men, women, and non-binary individuals. I have experience working with individuals who are “high masking.”, who are highly intelligent, who are in the average intelligence range, and individuals who have below-average intelligence. I understand how communication styles are different for individuals on the Autism Spectrum compared to those who are not. I understand how individuals on the Autism Spectrum can engage in academic, career, social, and personal activities differently than those who are not.
The testing batteries for ADHD, ASD, and Learning Disabilities that I use are identical to those used at Fraser and the University of Minnesota. All tests include intelligence testing using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition, or the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fifth Edition, depending on the age of the individual being tested; these are gold-standard intelligence testing batteries. In my ASD assessments, I use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, which is also considered to be the gold standard for Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment.
My ASD testing battery includes:
(for children/younger teens) The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition.
for older teens/adults) The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fifth Edition.
The Vineland Structured Interview, Third Edition, which explores and quantifies performance in many areas of daily living, including written, verbal, and expressive communication; personal caretaking skills, play and leisure patterns, coping skills, etc.
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, a standardized set of activities and conversations used to help evaluate and diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder across the age range.
Adult Self-Report/Child Behavior Checklist/Teacher Report Form, etc. These are parent/child/teacher self-report assessments of symptoms.
(for adults) The MMPI, a widely used true/false test that examines many areas of mental health and can provide additional information about ways individuals cope with stress in their lives.
(for children/teens) Test of Problem Solving, an activity that explores the degree to which a child or teen can pick up information in social settings and apply logic and social awareness to solve problems in social settings.
Other tests, depending on the specifics of the case.
I use a comprehensive, state-of-the-art testing battery that will provide you with a tremendous amount of information about how your mind or the mind of a loved one works. Test results and recommendations will be detailed and specific to the case, including the client's strengths and difficulties. You will not simply find out if you have ADHD, ASD, a Learning Disability, or another mental health concern or not. You will learn how your mind, or the mind of a loved one, works and receive a range of specific steps that you can take to address difficulties.
How does
mental Health
assessment Work
ASD assessments usually take place over four visits.
1
The first visit is the Intake, also called the Diagnostic Assessment. We discuss background, mental health symptoms, mental and physical health history, school/work life, social life, childhood, what things they are good at, what things they are not good at, and how they like to spend their time. This conversation usually takes about an hour.
2
At the next visit, the patient or primary caregiver completes a structured interview called the Vineland Comprehensive Interview. This includes answering a series of questions about communication style, daily activities, social interests, play and leisure patterns, coping skills, etc. This conversation can be completed in person or virtually and takes about one hour.
3
At the next visit, the patient or primary caregiver works through a number of assessment activities, called batteries. We always schedule this appointment for the morning because that is when we have the most capacity, and it is easiest to see how someone’s mind works. Having someone complete a mental health battery after a long day of school or work usually does not result in the clearest data. Testing can take about three hours.
4
The fourth appointment is the feedback appointment, where clients will receive a written report, assessment data, and data-based suggestions. We will discuss personal mental strengths and deficits and how they may impact the client. We will discuss recommendations and next steps, including suggestions to help clients be more successful at home, at school/work, in relationships, and in parenting.
ASD Testing Can Provide Mental Health Clarity and Comfort
Who needs ASD testing?
I recommend ASD testing for anyone who finds they have difficulties on a daily basis with the following issues:
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Including difficulties with getting along with individuals or in groups, engaging in non-preferred activities when other people enjoy them, and picking up on thoughts and feelings of others based on their verbal tone, facial expressions, and body language.
This can also include difficulties entering into or exiting conversations.
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Including difficulties with food taste/texture, being distracted by common sounds, having difficulties with becoming overwhelmed in busy settings, and having difficulty wearing clothes with rougher textures, seams, tags, etc.
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Becoming overwhelmed quickly by frustration, sadness, or anger and needing more time than peers to relax or calm down again.
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Such as trains/subways/light rail, fidget spinners, LEGO blocks, puzzles, and toy trains.
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Such as needing to be reminded/working hard to remember to engage in greetings and small talk before moving on to fuller conversations, being polite in discussions, etc.
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Including being socially isolated and/or taken advantage of by classmates, peers and coworkers.
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Such as tending to see things in extremes, perfectionistic thinking, and having difficulties seeing the perspective of other people.
Community Conversations On Mental Wellbeing
I have been interviewed over a dozen times by TV, radio and podcast media – check out the links below for these interviews. I have presented at state and national conferences on issues related to ADHD and screen addition, mental health care access, and parenting styles.
payment
information
I accept cash, checks, and credit cards.
I will provide you an invoice that can be submitted to insurance for reimbursement.
I do not accept insurance to cover testing costs.
I provide clients with a superbill document that can be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement.