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Neuropsych Autism Evaluation

Autism Disorder Spectrum Assessment & Diagnostic Services for All Ages
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Evaluation for Autism in San Diego

We offer a wide range of comprehensive neuropsych testing and diagnostic services for children, teens, and adults struggling with cognitive or behavioral patterns commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Testing provides a clinical perspective into why certain behaviors, thought processes, or learning patterns have begun to interfere with daily life.

Autism testing provides clarity to questions or concerns that will likely go unanswered without the help of a mental health professional. The results of testing will indicate if an Autism diagnosis is appropriate and can open the doors for a better quality of life by improving daily functioning, productivity, mental health and overall well-being.

Guidelines:
Neuropsych Autism Testing

Neuropsych testing for Autism Spectrum Disorder measures the cognitive and executive functions that often contribute to Autism symptoms. Autism can present itself in a variety of forms from one person to the next. This is why each client is given a custom, unique, and individualized set of tests that are best suited to their symptoms, needs, and challenges.

Testing is administered by our team of expert mental health professionals and involves standardized behavioral and symptom questionnaires, written tests, and assessments done on the computer.

What are the signs of Autism?

Common signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) include, but are not limited to:

  1. Social challenges
  2. Communication difficulties
  3. Repetitive behaviors
  4. Sensory sensitivities
  5. Rigidity and routine
  6. Lack of empathy
  7. Impaired play skills
How do you evaluate Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is evaluated in a variety of method, but typically involves a comprehensive assessment conducted by a team of mental health professionals and specialists. The evaluation process often includes the following steps:

  1. Developmental history
  2. Behavioral observations
  3. Autism-specific screening tools
  4. Diagnostic interviews
  5. Direct assessment
  6. Medical evaluation
  7. Speech and language evaluation
  8. Occupational and sensory assessment
  9. Psychological assessment
  10. School-based assessment
  11. Parent and caregiver input
  12. Multidisciplinary team approach
What is included in the testing services?

Neuropsych testing services for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) vary from one client to the next. If testing is being done for children, adolescents, or teens, the guardian is often involved in many parts of the process. Autism testing services often include:

  • Phone screening with client / parent of client
  • In-person interview with client
  • Testing (verbal, digital, or written)
  • Interpretation and analysis of test results
  • Robust 8-12 page written report including results and potential diagnoses
  • Option to schedule a meeting with Dr. Doshay for verbal explanation of results
  • Suggested next steps and treatment planning
How long does it take?
The actual testing portion varies depending on the assessments being administered, but on average range from 3 to 5 hours. The analysis, interpretation of results, report compilation, and any additional documentation will be completed in approximately one week.
How can a parent help?

As a parent, you can help with a proper autism diagnosis by providing our team of mental health professionals crucial information about your child's behavior and how it affects her life at home, in school, and in other social settings.

Our team will want to know what symptoms your child is showing, how long the symptoms have occurred, and how the behavior affects your child and your family. You may need to fill in checklists or rating scales about your child's behavior. In addition, sharing your family history can offer important clues about your child's condition.

How much does autism testing cost?
Autism costs vary, and are often covered by insurance but it depends on your coverage and carrier. Reach out to our team of insurance specialists at KMN to learn if testing would be covered for you. We also accept non-insurance clients.

Neuropsychological Testing for All Ages

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Children

Kid-friendly psychological testing for toddlers and young children facing common challenges associated with Autism.

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Teens & Adolescents

Neuropsych assessment for teens and adolescents struggling with symptoms often related to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

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Men & Women

Mental health testing for adult men and women seeking clarity for symptoms or confirmation of an Autism diagnosis.

Common Adult Neuropsychological Testing Needs

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Confirm a Diagnosis

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Medication Management

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Psychoeducational Assessment

Verify Insurance

As part of the screening process, we help clients verify their insurance provider can provide financial assistance. We accept PPO as well as non-insured clients. Let us walk you through the process so you can get tested as soon as possible.

FAQs

How do they evaluate for autism?

Evaluations for autism vary from one client to the next and assessment measures used depend on many factors, including but not limited to: the client’s age, challenges, symptoms, and medical history. If testing is being done for children, adolescents, or teens, the guardian is often involved in many parts of the process.

Autism evaluation often includes:

  • Pre-testing screening questionnaire
  • In-person interview
  • Verbal, digital, or written assessment(s)
  • Interpretation and analysis of test results
  • Robust written report including results and diagnoses
  • Verbal explanation of results
  • Suggested next steps and treatment planning
What are the 4 tests for autism?

Four common tests used to measure autism are:

  • Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
  • Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)
  • Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)
  • Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ)
What are the red flags for autism?

Red flags for autism are often related to an overall lack of interest in interaction, difficulty communicating, repetitive behaviors, and challenges in social settings. These can manifest as:

  • Difficulty making eye contact
  • Lack of interest in play (imaginative, pretend)
  • Difficulty making friends
  • Aggression towards others
  • Disinterest in others/unawareness of others around them
  • Struggle with understanding social cues
  • Delayed speech development/limited use of language
  • Repetitive/unusual speech patterns
  • Repetitive movements (hand-flapping, rocking, spinning objects)
  • Obsessively focusing on specific interests or routines
  • Difficulty with changes or routines
  • Over/under reacting to sensory stimuli (i.e. lights, sounds, smells)
  • Repetitive play patterns (i.e. lining up/arranging toys in a specific way)
  • Inability to connect or play with others
  • Lack of enthusiasm/happiness/enjoyment during social interactions

It's important to note that not all children with autism will exhibit all of these red flags, and the severity of symptoms can vary widely.

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more information about KMN Psych, verify your insurance coverage, or schedule an appointment for you or your loved one, complete the form below, and we will get back to you in 24 hours. We respect your privacy and hold all information discussed in strict confidence.

Or call us: (858) 224-2906

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