Frequently Asked Questions
Questions regarding autism and autism evaluations?
We’ve got answers.
How do I know if my child needs to be evaluated?
If your child’s pediatrician discussed social or language milestones not being met at a well-check appointment
If your child does not make eye contact or avoids eye contact with others
If your child is easily startled or agitated by noises, or other sensory input
If your child is experiencing communication difficulties
If your child has limited interest in interacting with others
If your child has unexplained behavioral challenges
If your child has difficulty with changes or unexpected occurrences
For a more comprehensive lists of signs and symptoms, please visit the CDC website here.
What ages do you evaluate?
We evaluate children as young as 12 months to determine their risk for autism spectrum disorder. Even though a formal diagnosis is not usually made until around 18 months or later, we strongly recommend evaluating children as early as possible for intervention planning.
In addition, some children do not show full symptoms until closer to age 3 and may not be diagnosed during earlier evaluations. A small percentage of children will not show full symptoms until later in childhood.
Do you evaluate adults?
Yes, we evaluate adults. That’s because some autistic adults are never diagnosed in childhood, even with severe symptoms. For these people, a diagnosis later in life will enable them to access important services and support that will improve their quality of life.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept several Medicaid and some commercial insurance plans. We also have a cash-pay option for families and accept all major credit cards. Call us at 602-888-8882 to find out if your plan is accepted or to talk about cash pay.
Is a referral required?
The answer varies depending on your insurance provider, as some providers require a referral prior to evaluation. No referral is needed for cash-pay families.
Do you accept Education Savings Account (ESA) funds?
Yes, we accept ESA funds for evaluation services.
What should I expect with the evaluation process?
Complete all required paperwork 3 days prior to your appointment
Ensure your child is well rested and fed
If your child wears glasses, hearing aids, communication devices, etc. please be sure to bring these items
Inform your child they will be playing games and doing fun activities
The testing takes anywhere from 60-90 minutes
Our office will call you within a week of the evaluation to schedule a feedback session. It is not necessary or recommended to have the child present for this meeting.
You will receive a written report within 1 week after your follow-up appointment with the psychologist given all necessary paperwork and scoring has been submitted.
How long does the evaluation process take?
Autism testing is done in-person at one of our offices and typically takes about 45-90 minutes depending on the child’s age.
Within a week, we will schedule a visit with a licensed psychologist to review testing results and discuss recommendations and next steps. This meeting is conducted via video conference and runs between 30 and 60 minutes.
Learn more about our process.
How can I get started?
Send us a message online or call 602-888-8882 to start the process today.
How can I help other families seeking evaluations?
How soon can I get an appointment?
We can schedule an evaluation within 30 days.
What paperwork is required from me to get an evaluation?
We will ask you to complete a consent form, background questionnaire and Behavior Rating Scales in advance of the evaluation. This will ensure our clinicians have the information they need to perform the testing and evaluation.
Who makes the diagnosis?
A licensed psychologist with expertise in autism will analyze and interpret the test results and intake forms, and then work with the family to determine a diagnosis.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that you provide a 48-hour notice.