A medical evaluation will consist of several components: 1) comprehensive overview of your child’s birth, medical, social-emotional, developmental, behavioral, academic, and family history; 2) clinically informed observation and interaction with your child; and 3) a physical and neurologic exam. Medical providers will also review any past testing, including any school or Regional Center reports. Depending on the findings of the initial evaluation, the medical provider may request additional psychological testing and/or parent and teacher report forms to obtain more information about your child. All of this information will be used to provide a medical diagnosis as well as treatment recommendations, which could include school-based services; mental health treatments; insurance-funded speech/language, physical, occupational, and behavioral therapy services; and/or the use of medications to modify mood, attention, or behavior. Following the initial evaluation, medical providers offer longitudinal follow-up care to ensure that your child’s treatment plan is working for you and your family, especially if any mood, attention, or behavior medications are being prescribed.

A comprehensive psychological assessment will examine your child’s functioning in all areas that could potentially contribute to the identified difficulties in school, home and other settings.  A customized battery of tests are tailored to address the attentional, psychoeducational and social/emotional realms. Comprehensive testing may include combinations of: Intelligence testing (i.e. IQ test), attention and executive functioning testing, information-processing testing (i.e. including visual and auditory processing, memory, psychomotor speed and visual-motor integration), social/emotional functioning, consultation with other care providers (i.e. teachers, coaches, etc.)., and a review of records. The assessment process includes an intake to gather relevant background information with the caregivers, assessment sessions with the youth, and a feedback session with the parents to provide a written report with tailored recommendations to meet your child’s needs.

Early identification and diagnosis of ASD can lead to faster access to services and better outcomes for children.  Our CANDIE: U3 clinic provides a team-based, comprehensive approach to evaluating children under the age of 3.  Our focus is on identifying ASD or other developmental delays that may impact a child’s development.  Members of our team, including a clinical psychologist, speech pathologist, neurologist and clinical social worker, will work directly with you and your child to identify developmental areas of strength and concern.  With this information we will develop a specific plan and recommendations to support your child’s continued development.