Child/Teen Autism Evaluations
Collaborative, neurodiversity-affirming assessment services in-person and via telehealth throughout California.
Autism spectrum is a pattern of brain differences that influences development in the following areas:
Langauge and communication
Social relationships and emotional responses
Patterns of behavior, interests and/or activities
There is a wide range of abilities among autistic individuals. Some people on the autism spectrum are extremely cognitively gifted, whereas others have significant intellectual vulnerabilities. Some autistic people are unable to express themselves verbally whereas others are able to communicate verbally. Some autistic people need significant help in their daily lives while others need less.
If you are concerned about your child’s development, autism testing can provide you with answers. Some common questions parents ask me:
Is my child on the autism spectrum?
Is my child’s speech delayed? How can I support my child’s language development?
How should I respond to my child’s sensory sensitivities?
What treatment will be most effective for my child?
What is the best school environment for my child?
How can I support my child’s social development?
Can you help me understand my child’s experience?
It’s time for an evaluation if your child is exhibiting one or more of the following:
Challenges with social interactions such as difficulty understanding social cues or making/maintaining friendships
Unusual responses to sensory experiences (sensitivity to sounds, textures, lights)
Delays/differences in communication
Difficulty adapting to changes in routine or environment
Strong focus on specific topics, interests, or activities
Challenges with emotional regulation or expressing feelings
Strong need for alone time or time at home to recharge
A diagnosis can help you and your child to access treatment and services in your home, school, and community.
If you choose to move forward with an autism evaluation, I will provide you to with information about your child’s unique profile, including their strengths. I will identify developmental, cognitive, behavioral, and social/emotional vulnerabilities. I will provide you with recommendations and resources to help your child and family.
What about the girls?
Girls with autism often present differently than boys, which can make their support needs less visible. Girls may use social imitation or masking strategies to blend in with peers, sometimes leading to missed or delayed diagnosis. Their differences may be less apparent to parents and/or teachers. Understanding the unique presentations of autistic girls is essential to ensuring an accurate diagnosis as well as for identifying meaningful and effective support and resources.
Fees: Testing is customized based on your child’s age as well as your family’s needs, therefore the testing fee will be determined once we define the scope of testing. I also offer a sliding scale based on income, if needed.. I do not take insurance, however I will provide a copy of your paid invoice for you to use to get reimbursement from your insurance company.
Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate: You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059
Service Areas: San Francisco, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, San Rafael, Novato, San Leandro, Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Windsor, Healdsburg.
Get in touch
If you have questions about psychological testing or want to schedule an appointment with me, please complete this form. I look forward to working with you!