Displaying items by tag: neurodevelopmental disorder
Autism Evaluations
In addition to our other assessment and testing services, UCEBT offers assessments examining Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for individuals age 2 through adulthood.
This may be a component of a psychoeducational evaluation if you suspect your child has ASD and that it may be impacting academic functioning. However, not all individuals with ASD struggle academically, and ASD is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts more areas in life than academics. Furthermore, many adults may have questions about whether they have had undiagnosed ASD, which can be common for some high-functioning presentations.
Autism evaluations examine whether an individual meets criteria for ASD using evidence-based procedures, and also examines common rule-outs/co-occurring disorders such as ADHD, social anxiety, and/or OCD. Academic achievement measures may or may not be included, depending on individual needs.
Get started with a free 15-minute consultation >
Our autism testing is not exclusively for children.
ADHD and ASD can be diagnosed in adulthood. Many adults may be experiencing chronic difficulties with meeting job expectations, organizing tasks, completing household chores, engaging in daily living activities, remembering obligations, and forming/maintaining healthy relationships. Often adult clients come to us with prior diagnoses of mood, anxiety, or personality problems, and are frustrated that previous treatments have been unsuccessful in helping them meet their goals.
Through assessment, we can determine whether there may be evidence for a missed ADHD or Autism diagnosis that accounts for pervasive lifelong problems.
We use evidence-based methodologies to examine relevant cognitive processes, behaviors, and social/emotional symptoms tailored to how neurodevelopmental disorders present in adults. However, it is also important to note that criteria for ADHD and ASD state that symptoms need to be present in childhood, even if they were mild and perhaps not as apparent until the demands of the environment exceeded individual capacities. Therefore, we also require parent/caregiver interviews, previous testing, and/or school records from childhood as part of the evaluation for adults.
We have several ways to ensure our clients are receiving the highest quality assessment and testing experience.
Autism Evaluations at UCEBT are led by our Assessment & Testing Program Director, Laura Rowley, PhD.
Our team of clinicians assesses a wide range of referral questions and keeps a consistent flow to keep our skills sharp. To build on our skills, we consult with each other -- no one conceptualizes alone, making sure everything is grounded in data and that we’re not relying too heavily on one person’s clinical judgment.
We’re lucky to be a diverse group of clinicians regarding our backgrounds and specialty areas of testing. In addition, we seek consultation from clinicians in the community, research new testing measures, and find developing evidence-based methods for assessing specific populations. It is important to us that we stay up to date with research and the collective wisdom of the profession.
Using the "gold standard" of autism assessments.
We use the latest in evaluation measurements, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) to assess and aid in autism diagnosis. Often to access services (e.g. speech, occupational therapy, ABA), insurance companies require the use on an ADOS-2 for diagnosis. The ADOS-2 is one component of a comprehensive evaluation. Our clinicians use a variety of measures and obtain sources of information from different settings to provide evidence-based psychological assessment.
Stay at UCEBT for treatment or receive treatment elsewhere.
Testing is a standalone service offered at UCEBT. However, if you are interested in seeking therapy services, we can refer you to the appropriate treatment team. You would not have to complete an initial intake and would be placed at the top of the list to be scheduled with an available clinician that is trained and experienced in the best evidence-based treatment for you.
Potential treatment options include:
- Parent Coaching or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to manage child behaviors and improve co-parenting communication.
- Couples Therapy or Family Therapy to foster relationships for individuals on the spectrum and their families.
- Treatments on the Anxiety and Mood and Trauma, Stress, and Resilience Programs support common co-occurring disorders for autistic individuals.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program can support skills in emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness and decrease problem behaviors.
Our pricing for expert clinical evaluations of ASD.
Testing is billed per hour of service that the clinician provides. While the cost of testing may seem high, our licensed clinicians have over 10 years of education and training. Their expertise and experience are important factors in receiving the clearest diagnosis and most useful recommendations for you.
In order to maintain excellent quality care that is based on client need rather than coverage, our center requires direct pay. We can provide you a receipt of services with diagnoses and billing codes if you would like to seek reimbursement from your insurance. Note that most insurances do not cover academic testing.
Licensed Clinician: $190 per hour
Postdoctoral Fellow: $170 per hour*
Advanced Doctoral Student: $135 per hour*
After the initial intake session, the clinician will estimate the hours needed for services.
Estimated average range is 12 - 16 hours. ($1,440 -- $2,720 depending on hours and evaluator). Note: These estimates include cognitive and academic testing.
*When available. Postdoctoral Fellows and Advanced Doctoral Students are closely supervised by Licensed Clinicians and have had years of training and experience.
Get started with autism testing and evaluation today.
To get started, simply complete this online questionnaire and our front desk will contact you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
If you still have questions or are interested in learning more about pricing and insurance, you can check out our Frequently Asked Questions of our Assessment & Testing Center page.
