Evaluative Services
Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluation
Although Autism Spectrum Disorder is often diagnosed in childhood, there are occasions in which symptoms are misdiagnosed or overlooked earlier in an individual's life. These symptoms, including social difficulties, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and struggles with communication, can interfere significantly with an individual's social, educational, and occupational functioning. The treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder is vastly different from that of other psychological concerns; therefore, accurate diagnosis is necessary to ensure appropriate and effective treatment can be pursued. The evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder differs from other evaluations in that it requires a structured clinical interview, interview with family or others who know the individual well (preferably since childhood), cognitive testing, testing of emotional and personality functioning, as well as the assessment of social cognition, awareness, and motivation.