Autism Spectrum Disorder

We offer the ADOS-2 assessment, the “gold-standard" for assessing Autism from very early childhood through adulthood.

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurotype whereby a person processes and interacts with the world in a way that is different from those without Autism.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition TR, classifies Autism as a neuro-developmental disorder, that is characterized by an ongoing pattern of differences in the way one interacts with others, learns, communicates, and behaves, since very early in childhood.

    • Prefers to play alone or beside rather than with others

    • Feels misunderstood by others, or misunderstands others

    • Difficulty responding in different social contexts in the same way others seem to

    • Struggles to understand gestures and facial expressions

    • Discomfort or avoidance of eye contact

    • Challenges with back-and-forth conversations and reciprocal interactions

    • Difficulty naming and understanding one’s emotions, or the emotions of others

    • Uses more formal speech or specific words/phrases that may not fit with others’ speech in the same situation

    • Becomes highly interested in a specific topic or hobby and may spend significant time engaged in this or telling others about their interest

    • Adheres strongly to routine

    • Engages in repetitive or “stimming” behaviors, such as toe wiggling, hand flapping, spinning objects, counting fingers

    • Repeating words or phrases from others, television, or radio

    • Sensitivity to sensory input such as bright lights, loud sounds, mushy food textures, rough clothing

    • Reduced sensitivity to sensory input, such as less reactive to touch, extreme temperatures, pain

Why test for Autism?

Autism may impact life in a variety of ways, including at work, school, and in social relationships. Testing for Autism can increase self-understanding, foster self-compassion, assist in increasing social connection, connect individuals to helpful resources, and provide supports where needed. For children, early intervention and therapies can assist in navigating some of the challenges that come with having neurodivergence in a largely neurotypical environment, like school.

Formal Autism testing is necessary to provide accurate diagnoses, rule-out other possible mental health concerns that could be present, and can provide useful recommendations and resources to help a person thrive with Autism.

East Beach Psychological Services, P.C. offers the ADOS-2 assessment, the “gold-standard" for assessing Autism from very early childhood through adulthood.

What Does Autism Testing Involve?

Clinical Intake

  • Review of Autism symptoms

  • Interview with parent/caregiver, as needed

  • Review of other possible symptoms of mental health concerns

  • Comprehensive psychological, physical, social, academic, and occupational history

  • Discussion of client’s goals for testing

  • Completion of ADOS-2 module to assess for characteristics of Autism

  • Assessment of cognitive functioning across domains

  • Self- and other- report measures of Autism and other psychological symptoms

  • Broadband assessment of personality and emotional functioning

  • Other assessments specifically chosen for the client based on their unique presenting concerns and goals

Testing Appointment

Feedback Session

  • Thorough written testing report with recommendations and referrals provided

  • Review results of the testing

  • Diagnoses are provided and explained

  • Explore recommendations for treatment

  • Review any referrals that may be provided

  • Process the results and ask any questions