How is ASD diagnosed?
At RCBM, our screening and comprehensive psychological evaluation programs serve distinct but complementary roles in the diagnostic process. Diagnostic screening is always the first step—a targeted assessment to identify symptoms, guide accurate mental health diagnoses, and support a treatment plan. If the clinician believes the screening results may indicate ASD and a formal medical diagnosis is warranted, a referral for a comprehensive ASD evaluation will be made. Often, a diagnosis includes a level specifier to indicate the severity and required support. Typically, a formal diagnosis is not made before age 2 as many traditional behaviors of ASD are developmentally appropriate before 24 months of age.
The following components of the evaluation are individualized based on the referral.
Intake
- One hour
- Conducted virtually
- It will be discussed if additional tests, record reviews, or interpretations are required based on the referral.
Evaluation
- Approximately two-three hours
- In-person at our office
Feedback
- Scheduled three to five weeks after completion of the evaluation to review the findings and recommendations
- The time required varies depending on the referral concerns and individual needs.
Cost: While the intake and feedback sessions are billable to insurance companies, the in-person evaluation component is not billable to any insurer. The cost of the evaluation will be determined upon referral or completion of the interest form.
Please complete the interest form for comprehensive psychological testing, which includes evaluations for autism spectrum disorder along with specific learning disorders, accommodation testing, guardianship evaluations, and other related services. The evaluation is done in person.
