Autism Diagnostic Evaluations for Children

What is the purpose and value of a psychological evaluation?

A psychological evaluation fulfills various purposes, with the primary benefits being diagnostic clarification and guidance for the most effective treatment interventions. Symptom expressions can often have overlap between different diagnoses, and an assessment is useful to differentiate the presentations accordingly for accurate diagnosis. In turn, an accurate diagnosis then leads to the formation of targeted therapies and interventions that are appropriately tailored for the individual/child. Beyond diagnostic clarity and intervention appropriateness, for some diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, most insurers require a psychological evaluation to be completed prior to authorizing recommended treatment.

Initial Clinical Interview

Review your child’s developmental history and current concerns (telehealth).

Testing & Observation

Structured child assessment and parent questionnaires; some parts may require in-person testing.

Data Integration

Evaluator reviews all information to determine whether Autism Spectrum Disorder criteria are met.

Report Preparation

Written report summarizing findings, diagnosis, and recommended next steps.

Feedback Session

Telehealth meeting to explain results and discuss treatment options.

What are the steps involved in completing a psychological evaluation?

A psychological evaluation is typically completed in three steps: initial clinical interview (often completed between the evaluator and parent individually) to review developmental history and symptom presentation, testing (with the specific battery of assessments determined based upon clinical interview; often comprised of questionnaires to be completed by the parent and a time of observation/testing with the child), and a feedback session to review the results, approximately one to two weeks following the date of testing. Depending upon the selection of assessments, much of the evaluation can be completed virtually via telehealth sessions, although some testing with the child may be required at one of Building Blocks Therapy’s locations across NE Ohio.

Communication Skills

Verbal and nonverbal communication, including gestures, speech, and understanding of language.

Social-Emotional Skills

Interaction with others, eye contact, emotional expression, ability to engage in shared play.

Behavior Patterns

Restricted, repetitive behaviors, routines, sensory sensitivities, and responses to change.

What is included in the evaluations and are there any limitations?

Identifying a significant need in our community for timely evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Building Blocks Therapy is exclusively focused upon evaluations of children with concerns for this diagnosis. Given that early diagnosis of Autism has been shown to be critical for access to the leading treatment interventions and the highest success in treatment outcomes, Building Blocks Therapy is focused upon children ages 16 months to 8 years. Evaluations will strictly focus upon ruling in or ruling out the diagnosis of Autism by reviewing the child’s verbal and nonverbal communication skills, social-emotional skills, and patterns of restricted, repetitive behaviors and are not to be considered a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation in which all DSM-5 diagnoses are considered. If a child completes an evaluation with Building Blocks Therapy and additional or alternate diagnostic concerns beyond Autism Spectrum Disorder become present during the evaluation process, these considerations will be noted to the parent(s) with a referral to complete further assessment with another provider.

Meet Our Diagnostic Team

Ovadia Armstrong

HR and Operations Manager

Who completes the psychological evaluation?

All psychological evaluations are completed and supervised by Dr. Kandi Stull, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist. For some evaluations, Dr. Stull may complete all portions of the evaluation (clinical interview, testing, and feedback via telehealth); for others requiring additional in-person testing components, parts of the testing administration may be completed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who have completed training upon the particular assessment tool, who then will provide the assessment data to Dr. Stull to incorporate into the diagnostic interpretation process. All diagnostic impressions are determined by Dr. Stull upon review of all data sources, with a written diagnostic report developed identifying diagnosis as well as treatment recommendations which will then be reviewed with the client/parent during the feedback session.

FAQs

What is the timeline for an evaluation to be scheduled and completed?

At this time, diagnostic evaluations for Autism are a new offering for Building Blocks Therapy,
which means there are minimal wait times to conduct the initial session. The first two
appointments, clinical interview and testing, will be scheduled together, as often Dr. Stull is able
to collect historical data and complete portions of testing, including the child observation, via
telehealth. If the child requires a portion of in-person testing, this will be scheduled during this
session at the nearest BBT location, typically within the same week or following week). Once all
testing data is collected, the evaluation report will be completed within 1-2 weeks, and the final
session (feedback) will be scheduled via telehealth to review the diagnostic outcomes and
treatment recommendations.

What is the cost of a psychological evaluation?

Psychological testing is typically covered through most major medical insurance providers. The
cost of a psychological evaluation can vary by insurance company and plan, however, and it is
strongly recommended that each client reach out to their insurance provider regarding
coverages for psychological assessment. Building Blocks Therapy will make attempts to clarify
costs with the insurance provider ahead of the testing appointments; however, it is ultimately
patient responsibility to contact their provider to ensure the accuracy of the quoted cost.

How do I schedule an evaluation with Building Blocks Therapy? Is a physician referral required?

As concerns for Autism with young children are often identified during well-check visits when
reviewing a child’s development and milestones, including the completion of screening tools
such as the M-ChAT, physician referrals for further testing are often provided and can be
accepted by Building Blocks Therapy directly from the child’s provider. Other times, a daycare
provider, relative, or parent may be the first to have concerns and desire to complete an
evaluation without first obtaining a physician referral. Testing can be scheduled by contacting
the Building Blocks Therapy scheduling team at (216) 282-1234, ext. 120. It is recommended
that insurance policies for coverage be reviewed to ensure that the insurance provider does not
have their own requirements for referral for the evaluation to be covered under the benefit plan.