Frequently Asked Questions

 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that effects how people interact with the world around them. It is a lifelong disability and varies across individuals and throughout the lifespan. 

Early signs of autism include delays in speech development, restricted interests, rigid adherence to schedules and routines, repetitive motor movements and speech sounds, and difficulties forming relationships with others. 

Later signs of autism include difficulty interpreting and understanding social cues, preferring routines and sameness, high focus on specific interests or hobbies, difficulty maintaining conversations, speaking with monotone voice or unusual speech patterns, and challenges in understanding non-literal speech, jokes, and sarcasm.  

A diagnostic evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that determines the underlying cause(s) of current symptoms. It typically consists of interview, review of relevant history, direct observation, specific testing, development of recommendations, and feedback discussion of findings. 

We have a team of psychologists, behavior analysts, social workers, and other autism and developmental disability specialists who are specifically trained in identifying and assessing the signs and symptoms of autism and other developmental disabilities. Your assessment team may consist of a doctoral-level psychologist, a master's level clinician, and a technician, depending on the requirements of your insurance agency and your specific concerns. 

No. Autism can be diagnosed at any age. You do, however, need evidence of symptomology early in life to receive a diagnosis. 

All evaluations begin with a detailed interview and review of relevant history. From there, individuals are tested and observed. Specific tests depend on the age and presenting concerns of the individual. 

The total evaluation ranges from 2-5 hours, depending on the age and concerns of the individual being evaluated. Initial interview range from 30-60 minutes; testing ranges 1-3 hours; feedback sessions are 30-60 minutes. 

While children tend to make up the majority of our assessments, we also provide diagnostic evaluations for adults. Complete the form to learn more about our adult services. 

We provide in-person evaluations to those who can travel to the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. For those who are not able to meet with us in person, we provide telehealth evaluations in 44 states including California, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Washington, Texas, Florida, and more. Contact us for a full list of the states we serve.