Autism Evaluations for Children

North Metro Psychological Services provides neurodiversity-affirming autism evaluations for children in Marietta and throughout the greater Atlanta area. Evaluations are individualized based on each child’s age, developmental history, communication style, strengths, and support needs.

Our goal is not simply to determine whether a child meets criteria for autism, but to help families better understand how their child experiences the world and identify supports that may help them thrive at home, at school, and in the community.

Child Autism Evaluation Options

Children Ages 5 and Under - Developmental/Psychological Evaluation for Autism — $1,600

For younger children, evaluation focuses on developmental history, social communication, play, sensory experiences, behavioral patterns, and other areas relevant to early development.

Children Ages 6–17 - Comprehensive Psychological Evaluation for Autism — $2,900

For school-age children and adolescents, evaluation is more comprehensive and considers autism-specific characteristics together with cognitive functioning, emotional and behavioral functioning, developmental history, and other factors that may be contributing to the child’s presentation.

When there are concerns about both autism and ADHD, a combined autism and ADHD evaluation may be appropriate.

Not sure which evaluation your child needs? Contact us and we can help determine the most appropriate option.

What Is Autism?

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that influences how a person experiences, processes, communicates, and interacts with the world.

Autism is described as a spectrum because there is no single autistic profile. Children may differ considerably in their communication styles, social interests, sensory experiences, need for predictability, focused interests, emotional regulation, and support needs.

Some autistic children communicate verbally, while others use fewer spoken words or alternative forms of communication. Some actively seek social connection but have difficulty navigating the expectations of social situations, while others may prefer more independent interaction.

An evaluation looks at the child as a whole rather than relying on one characteristic or test score.

What Might Autism Look Like in Children?

Autistic characteristics can be noticeable very early or may become more apparent as social, communication, academic, and independence demands increase.

Some autistic children may:

• Communicate or engage socially in ways that differ from peers

• Prefer independent play or interact differently during shared play

• Have difficulty understanding unspoken social expectations

• Use repeated language, scripts, or echolalia

• Develop strong or highly focused interests

• Prefer routines or predictability

• Become overwhelmed by unexpected changes or transitions

• Engage in repetitive movements or other forms of self-regulation

• Experience sounds, lights, textures, smells, tastes, or physical sensations more intensely or less intensely than others

• Seek particular sensory experiences

• Show differences in eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, or body language

• Experience strong emotions, meltdowns, or shutdowns when overwhelmed

• Have difficulty recognizing or communicating internal feelings

• Need substantial recovery time after demanding social or sensory experiences

These characteristics can look very different from one child to another. Some children may have obvious support needs, while others compensate effectively and show more subtle differences that become noticeable only as demands increase.

Autism in Girls and High-Masking Children

Autism can sometimes be less obvious in girls and children who are highly socially motivated or who learn to mask their differences.

Some children closely observe peers, imitate social behavior, rehearse what to say, or work very hard to meet social expectations. They may appear socially successful while experiencing significant anxiety, confusion, exhaustion, or sensory overload internally.

Other children may have interests that appear typical for their age or gender but experience those interests with an intensity or focus that is more consistent with an autistic pattern.

Because of this, autism may sometimes be attributed primarily to anxiety, ADHD, perfectionism, shyness, emotional sensitivity, or other concerns.

A neurodiversity-affirming evaluation considers not only what a child looks like externally, but also the effort involved in navigating everyday expectations.

What Does a Child Autism Evaluation Include?

The specific assessment process varies based on the child’s age, developmental history, and referral questions.

Evaluation may include:

• Parent clinical and developmental interview

• Review of medical, developmental, educational, and psychological history

• Autism-specific assessment measures

• Assessment of social communication and interaction

• Evaluation of sensory experiences and restricted or repetitive patterns

• Behavioral observations

• Cognitive assessment when developmentally appropriate

• Assessment of attention and executive functioning when indicated

• Emotional and behavioral measures

• Parent questionnaires

• Teacher input when appropriate and available

• Review of school records, prior testing, or other relevant documentation

• Individualized recommendations

• Comprehensive written report

• Feedback session to review findings and next steps

We use multiple sources of information rather than relying on a single questionnaire or observational measure.

Why a Comprehensive Evaluation Matters

Autistic characteristics can overlap with or occur alongside other developmental, learning, emotional, and neurodevelopmental concerns.

These may include:

• ADHD

• Learning disabilities

• Language differences

• Anxiety

• Depression or other mood concerns

• Sensory processing differences

• Executive functioning difficulties

• Trauma-related concerns

• Intellectual or developmental differences

A comprehensive evaluation helps clarify how these factors may relate to one another and whether more than one diagnosis or area of support should be considered.

When autism and ADHD are both suspected, a combined assessment can examine both rather than assuming that one diagnosis fully explains the child’s experiences.

Strengths and Support Needs

Autistic children may have meaningful strengths alongside areas where additional support is helpful.

Strengths may include:

• Deep knowledge in areas of interest

• Strong memory for preferred topics

• Creativity

• Attention to detail

• Pattern recognition

• Honesty and directness

• Persistence

• Unique problem-solving approaches

• Strong values or sense of fairness

• Ability to focus deeply on meaningful activities

Support needs vary from child to child and may involve communication, sensory regulation, executive functioning, emotional regulation, transitions, peer relationships, academic demands, or daily living skills.

Evaluation can help families and schools understand both areas of strength and areas where accommodations or additional support may be beneficial.

After an Autism Evaluation

Recommendations are individualized based on the child’s profile and may include:

• School accommodations or supports

• Neurodiversity-affirming therapy

• Parent consultation or support

• Executive functioning support

• Occupational therapy when appropriate

• Speech-language services when indicated

• Sensory accommodations

• Social or communication supports

• Academic interventions

• Community resources

• Additional medical or psychiatric consultation when appropriate

Recommendations focus on helping the child function successfully while respecting their communication style, sensory needs, strengths, and individual identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for an Autism Evaluation for a Teen or Adult?

We also provide neurodiversity-affirming autism evaluations for teens and adults, including individuals seeking a later diagnosis and those with high-masking presentations.

Learn more about Adult & Teen Autism Evaluations.

Schedule a Child Autism Evaluation

If you are wondering whether autism may help explain your child’s development or experiences, we would be happy to help determine which evaluation is most appropriate.

Contact North Metro Psychological Services to learn more or schedule an autism evaluation.