Get Clear Answers About Autism
Autism looks different in everyone. Our thorough evaluations catch the subtle and masked presentations that others miss.
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We take a ‘whole person approach’ to treatment.
Counseling & Assessments at the SMart Center provides effective and evidence-based assessments and treatment recommendations for individuals who may be suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Comprehensive ASD Evaluation
Children, Teens & Adults
A Complete Understanding
A comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluation is designed to determine whether a child, teen, or adult meets diagnostic criteria for autism while providing a thorough understanding of their social communication, behavior, strengths, and support needs.
Different in Everyone
Autism presents differently in every individual. Some children show characteristics early in development, while others, particularly verbally fluent children, teens, adults, and individuals who have learned to mask or compensate socially, may have more subtle presentations.
Many Sources, One Picture
Our comprehensive evaluations integrate developmental history, standardized assessment measures, direct clinical observation, and information from multiple sources to provide an accurate and individualized understanding of each person.
On this page
Our Instruments
Gold-Standard Autism Assessment
Our comprehensive ASD evaluations utilize two of the most widely recognized assessment tools for autism:
ADI-R
Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised
ADOS-2
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition
The ADOS-2 and ADI-R provide valuable information about social communication, behavior, and developmental history. These findings are interpreted alongside clinical observations, interviews, questionnaires, and other assessment information. No single measure determines an autism diagnosis. Instead, all information is integrated to develop the most accurate clinical picture.
The Evaluation
What Is Included
Each evaluation is individualized based on age, developmental history, and referral concerns. Depending on the referral question, the evaluation may include:
- Clinical interview and developmental history
- ADOS-2 assessment
- ADI-R developmental interview, when appropriate
- Standardized behavioral and emotional questionnaires
- Direct clinical observation
- Parent, teacher, spouse, or self-report questionnaires
- Review of previous records, when available
HOW IT WORKS
STEP 1
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
Take 60 seconds to fill out our interest form
STEP 2
HEAR FROM OUR TEAM
Within 24 hours, discover treatment options matched to your unique situation
STEP 3
START TREATMENT
Kick off treatment with our team (virtual or in-person)
Scope of Testing
Areas We Evaluate
Assessment may examine:
- Social communication and conversation skills
- Social interaction and relationship development
- Nonverbal communication
- Restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests
- Flexibility, routines, and responses to change
- Sensory processing and sensory sensitivities
- Emotional and behavioral functioning
- Adaptive functioning and daily living skills
Diagnostic Clarity
Considering Other Conditions
Social communication differences do not always indicate autism. A comprehensive evaluation considers whether concerns may be better explained by or occur alongside other conditions, including:
- Social anxiety
- Selective Mutism
- Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
- ADHD
- Learning or language disorders
- Other developmental or psychological conditions
Because many conditions can share similar characteristics, a comprehensive evaluation helps determine whether autism best explains an individual’s presentation or whether another condition, or combination of conditions, may be contributing to their difficulties.
Going Further
When Is Additional Testing Recommended?
In some cases, the evaluation may identify concerns that would benefit from additional assessment to better understand an individual’s strengths and support needs.
Additional evaluation may be helpful if there are concerns related to:
- Learning disabilities or academic achievement
- Intellectual or cognitive functioning
- ADHD and executive functioning
- Anxiety, depression, or other emotional concerns
- Language, memory, or other neuropsychological skills
If additional testing is recommended, we will discuss the reasons with you and explain the next steps.
Your Results
What You’ll Receive
Following the evaluation, you will receive:
Findings
- A personalized feedback session
- A comprehensive written report
- Diagnostic clarification and impressions, when appropriate
School & Work
- Individualized recommendations
- School, college, or workplace recommendations
- Recommendations for accommodations and support services
Next Steps
- Treatment and therapy recommendations
- Guidance regarding additional evaluations, when appropriate
For children and adolescents, recommendations may support IEPs, 504 Plans, classroom accommodations, and intervention planning. For adults, recommendations can guide workplace accommodations, college supports, treatment planning, and strategies for improving daily functioning.
Our Goal
More than a diagnosis.
Our goal is not simply to determine whether an individual meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our goal is to understand how they communicate, interact with others, experience the world around them, identify their unique strengths and challenges, and provide individualized recommendations that support success across home, school, work, and everyday life.
Why Counseling & Assessments, at the SMart Center?
Counseling & Assessments at the SMart Center looks at the whole person, not just their diagnosis. Our team of multi-disciplinary professionals utilizes a ‘whole-person approach’ to treatment. We deliver evidence-based approaches – such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and a family systems approach – to our clients.
Now more than ever, mental health professionals must play a crucial role in helping those battling their own unique mental health challenges better understand their own invisible battles. Supporting and educating these individuals on how to develop and hone the requisite long-term coping skills will, ultimately, help lead them toward happier and more fulfilling lives.
