Impact of Autism
A diagnosis requires evidence of challenges with social skills and behaviors. Typical diagnostic assessments will only measure these two areas. At CDK, we focus on both primary and secondary symptoms of autism for ages 2-16 years old. Our assessments measure ALL the areas of development impacted by autism, including:
Communication
Understanding how verbal and nonverbal communication impacts relationships.
Social Interaction
Learning what aspects of interacting with another person are still developing.
Language
Determine how much information your child understands when spoken to them and when they speak.
Rigid & Repetitive Behaviors
Understanding places of stuck points like difficulty transitioning, hearing "no," and self-stimulation.
Sensory Screening
Measure the impact of sensory overload and sensory sensitivity.
Intelligence
Understanding how your child acquires and uses knowledge.
Step 1. Parent Intake
After you have contacted us and we have had a brief phone conversation to ensure that we are in the right place for your needs, we will schedule an in-office interview. During the interview, we can answer all your questions about our policies, pricing, and process. You will be able to express your concerns and questions about your child that you want to be answered in the assessment. We will gather a comprehensive history of your child, and you will complete brief screening questions that will be used to personalize the tests given to your child.
Step 2. Gathering Data & Interviews
After the intake, we will compile all data from your child’s school (e.g., report cards, Individualized Education Plan (IEP/504), previous assessments, etc.). We will then conduct interviews and obtain records from service providers working with your child (e.g., teacher, speech therapist, occupational therapist, medical provider, etc.).
Step 3. Child Assessment
For the testing phase, your child will come into our office for 2-hour increments to conduct assessments appropriate to their developmental needs. You will receive information on how to talk to your child about the evaluation during the intake. The tests may look at your child’s intellect, ability to plan and think, how they feel about themselves, their awareness of their challenges and strengths, or academic ability. Your child can also ask questions about themselves and engage in a play observation/interview.
Step 4. Scoring & Writing
This is often the hardest step for parents because it is mostly waiting. It may take some time to compile all the information, observations, and test results into a concise document that answers all of your questions about your child. We ask that you be patient with us. There is often additional research and conversations with providers that need to take place to provide the most appropriate recommendations for your family’s needs. We try to complete the report within 2 weeks of the completed testing.
Step 5. Feedback Session & Results
Finally, it’s time! We will meet with parents/guardians and their children again for the feedback session. We will review the historical data for accuracy, discuss the testing results, and review recommendations for the school, at home, and continuing treatment. You will receive a summary of your child’s symptoms and areas of strength, diagnosis, and any additional testing that may need to be done by the school or other service provider. In a private or joint session, depending on your child’s age and preferences, we will provide a developmentally appropriate summary of your child’s diagnosis. In this session, we will also explain services and further supports being recommended. A final copy of the assessment, local resources for continued care, in-depth information about your child’s diagnosis, and a summary letter requesting additional services and recommendations will be mailed to you for your records. Please, please, please take this time to ask any questions. We want you to walk out feeling like an expert in what your child needs.
You will receive:
● answers to your specific questions● a clear report of who your unique child is● step-by-step tips to use at home● recommendations tailored to your child‘s behavioral and educational needs● completed psychological evaluation (digital copies)● several recommendations to community providers for additional services● 6+ hours of interviews, observations, & collecting information● 4+ hours of scoring, writing reports, & any additional edits