Autism looks different in every person, and at every age. Some people are identified in early childhood; others reach adulthood before anyone puts a name to their experience. A comprehensive autism evaluation can bring clarity at any stage of life.
When people consider an evaluation
- Questions about social communication or relationships
- Difficulty reading social cues or unspoken expectations
- Strong preferences for routine or predictability
- Sensory differences or intense focused interests
- Wondering whether autism, ADHD, anxiety, or something else explains what you experience
These traits don’t necessarily mean autism. That’s why an evaluation considers developmental history and other possible explanations.
Evaluations for children and teens
For kids and teens, we look at functioning at home, at school, and with peers. Parent or caregiver input, and teacher input when appropriate, helps identify strengths and support needs.
Evaluations for adults
Adult evaluations consider developmental history, current functioning, social communication, sensory experiences, and masking, the ways people learn to hide or compensate for autistic traits. Many adults seek a first diagnosis later in life, and that’s welcome here.
What’s included
- Clinical and developmental interviews
- Standardized measures
- Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral assessment when appropriate
- Consideration of co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression
- A feedback session and a comprehensive written report
Telehealth and insurance
Some parts of an autism evaluation may be completed by telehealth; whether a fully remote evaluation is appropriate depends on age and clinical needs. Some plans cover autism evaluations when medically necessary, and we verify your benefits first. Learn more about autism evaluations or visit our insurance page.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you’re asking for yourself or your child, start with the screening form and we’ll help find the right next step.
Dr. Youssef Nakhla, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist (CA PsyD #36042) providing psychological assessment with Cogniscribe Psychology at offices in Roseville and Fair Oaks and by telehealth across California when clinically appropriate. This article is educational and is not a diagnosis or a guarantee of insurance coverage.