Autism Diagnostic Evaluations for Children
What is the purpose and value of a psychological evaluation?
A psychological evaluation fulfills various purposes, with the primary benefits being diagnostic clarification and guidance for the most effective treatment interventions. Symptom expressions can often have overlap between different diagnoses, and an assessment is useful to differentiate the presentations accordingly for accurate diagnosis.
In turn, an accurate diagnosis then leads to the formation of targeted therapies and interventions that are appropriately tailored for the individual/child. Beyond diagnostic clarity and intervention appropriateness, for some diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, most insurers require a psychological evaluation to be completed prior to authorizing recommended treatment.
01
Initial Clinical Interview
Review your child’s developmental history and current concerns (telehealth).
02
Testing & Observation
Structured child assessment and parent questionnaires; some parts may require in-person testing.
03
Data Integration
Evaluator reviews all information to determine whether Autism Spectrum Disorder criteria are met.
04
Report Preparation
Written report summarizing findings, diagnosis, and recommended next steps.
05
Feedback Session
Telehealth meeting to explain results and discuss treatment options.
What are the steps involved in completing a psychological evaluation?
A psychological evaluation is typically completed in three steps: initial clinical interview (often completed between the evaluator and parent individually) to review developmental history and symptom presentation, testing (with the specific battery of assessments determined based upon clinical interview; often comprised of questionnaires to be completed by the parent and a time of observation/testing with the child), and a feedback session to review the results, approximately one to two weeks following the date of testing.
Depending upon the selection of assessments, much of the evaluation can be completed virtually via telehealth sessions, although some testing with the child may be required at one of Building Blocks Therapy’s locations across NE Ohio.
Communication Skills
Social-Emotional Skills
Behavior Patterns
What is included in the evaluations and are there any limitations?
Identifying a significant need in our community for timely evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Building Blocks Therapy is exclusively focused upon evaluations of children with concerns for this diagnosis.
Given that early diagnosis of Autism has been shown to be critical for access to the leading treatment interventions and the highest success in treatment outcomes, Building Blocks Therapy is focused upon children ages 16 months to 8 years.
Evaluations will strictly focus upon ruling in or ruling out the diagnosis of Autism by reviewing the child’s verbal and nonverbal communication skills, social-emotional skills, and patterns of restricted, repetitive behaviors and are not to be considered a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation in which all DSM-5 diagnoses are considered.
If a child completes an evaluation with Building Blocks Therapy and additional or alternate diagnostic concerns beyond Autism Spectrum Disorder become present during the evaluation process, these considerations will be noted to the parent(s) with a referral to complete further assessment with another provider.
Meet Our Diagnostic Team
Who completes the psychological evaluation?
All psychological evaluations are completed and supervised by Dr. Kandi Stull, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist.
For some evaluations, Dr. Stull may complete all portions of the evaluation (clinical interview, testing, and feedback via telehealth); for others requiring additional in-person testing components, parts of the testing administration may be completed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who have completed training upon the particular assessment tool, who then will provide the assessment data to Dr. Stull to incorporate into the diagnostic interpretation process.
All diagnostic impressions are determined by Dr. Stull upon review of all data sources, with a written diagnostic report developed identifying diagnosis as well as treatment recommendations which will then be reviewed with the client/parent during the feedback session.
FAQs
Have a question not answered here? Call us at 216-282-1234 or book a free consultation.
What is the timeline for an evaluation to be scheduled and completed?
What is the cost of a psychological evaluation?
How do I schedule an evaluation with Building Blocks Therapy? Is a physician referral required?
You can schedule an evaluation by calling us at 216-282-1234 or by filling out our online contact form. A physician referral may be required by your insurance plan — our team will let you know during intake. You do not need a referral to contact us and begin the process.