AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

Evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder include the following options:

Developmental/Psychological Evaluation for Autism

Children Ages 5 and under $1600, Children Ages 6 and over, and adults $2850

*Screening for Autism - (available for ADULTS ONLY) Available as an in person or a telehealth appointment. $500

What is Autism?

Autism expresses itself through a spectrum of symptoms. Autism can appear in infancy and early childhood, causing delays in many basic areas of development, such as learning to talk, play, and interact with others.

However, the number and severity of symptoms can vary widely. One autistic individual will not have exactly the same symptoms as another. Some cases of autism may be mild and not noticeable until the child starts school. However, every autistic person has challenges, at least to some degree, in the following three areas:

• Communicating verbally and non-verbally.

• Relating to others and the world around them.

• Thinking and behaving flexibly.

Identifying autism at the earliest age possible is of the utmost importance as early recognition is key to helping the child learn about and accept themselves, as well as any behavior, learning, and development concerns. For children at risk and children who show early signs, it can make all the difference.

What are some early signs of Autism in children?

• An autistic child might:

  • Not respond to their name

  • Not point at objects or things of interest

  • Not play “pretend” games

  • Avoid eye contact

  • Prefer to play alone

  • Have difficulty understanding, or showing understanding, of other people’s feelings or their own

  • Have no speech or delayed speech

  • Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia)

  • Give unrelated answers to questions

  • Have an obsessive interest in certain toy, object, or topic

  • Repeat body movements or have unusual body movements, like back-arching, hand-flapping, arm-stiffening, walking on the tips of their toes, or spin in circles

  • Have unusual reactions (over or under-sensitivity) to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

  • Demonstrate little safety or danger awareness

  • Have unusual interests and behaviors

  • Have extreme anxiety and phobias, as well as unusual phobias

  • Line up toys or other objects

  • Play with toys the same way every time

  • Become upset by minor changes

  • Have extreme meltdowns

  • Have unusual eating and sleeping habits

  • Have a lack of fear or more fear than expected

  • Have problems developing complex social communication and interaction skills

  For information about autism in teens and adults, please click here.