AUTISM TESTING

Neurodiversity-Affirming Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Understand your child's unique way of experiencing the world.

a child looking at their teacher

What Is Autism Testing?

Autism testing is a comprehensive assessment process designed to determine whether a child, adolescent, or young adult meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

More importantly, it helps identify a person's unique pattern of strengths and differences in social communication, sensory processing, and behavioral patterns.

At Mind Matters, we approach autism assessment with a neurodiversity-affirming perspective. We recognize that:

  • Autism represents a different, not lesser, way of experiencing and interacting with the world

  • Autistic individuals have unique strengths and capabilities alongside their challenges

  • Each autistic person has a distinct profile that requires individualized understanding

  • The goal of assessment is to promote understanding, support, and self-advocacy

Our assessment goes beyond simply diagnosing or ruling out autism. We aim to understand the whole person, identify strengths that can be celebrated and cultivated, and develop practical strategies for success across home, school, and community settings.

Understanding Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person thinks, communicates, and interacts with others. As Dr. Stephen Shore, an autism advocate who is autistic himself, said: "If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism."

Autism is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Many autistic individuals develop strategies to adapt to neurotypical expectations, sometimes called "masking," which can make identification more complex, especially for girls and individuals with strong verbal abilities.

While each autistic individual is unique, common characteristics may include differences in:

Social Communication

  • Verbal communication style and development

  • Nonverbal communication (eye contact, facial expressions, body language)

  • Understanding social cues and conventions

  • Expressing and interpreting emotions

Social Relationships

  • Developing and maintaining friendships

  • Understanding others' perspectives and intentions

  • Navigating group interactions

  • Sharing interests and experiences with others

Behavioral Patterns

  • Repetitive movements or speech patterns that provide regulation or joy

  • Strong preferences for routines and predictability

  • Intense focus on specific interests or topics

  • Heightened sensitivity to transitions or changes

Sensory Experiences

  • Heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory input (sounds, lights, textures, tastes)

  • Seeking out certain sensory experiences

  • Becoming overwhelmed in sensory-rich environments

  • Strong preferences for certain sensory experiences

Why Test for Autism?

Autism testing provides numerous benefits:

Accurate Understanding

Identify whether social, communication, or behavioral differences are related to autism or other factors, providing clarity and direction.

Educational Advocacy

Provide documentation needed for appropriate school accommodations and services that support your child's learning style.

Self-Understanding & Identity

Help your child understand their neurocognitive style, potentially providing a framework for self-acceptance and connection with others who share similar experiences.

Community Connection

Connect with resources, communities, and support networks that can provide valuable guidance and belonging.

Tailored Support

Develop interventions and accommodations that respect your child's neurotype while supporting areas of challenge.

Family Understanding

Help family members understand your child's experiences, strengths, and challenges, fostering empathy and more effective support.

Strengths Identification

Recognize and cultivate your child's unique abilities and interests, which can be pathways to success and fulfillment.

Our Approach to Autism Testing

At Mind Matters, we take a comprehensive, collaborative, and affirming approach to autism assessment:

Step 1

Thorough Information Gathering

We collect detailed information through:

  • Parent Interviews: Understanding developmental history, current functioning, and family observations

  • Teacher/Provider Input: Gathering observations from educational and therapeutic settings

  • Child/Adolescent Interview: Learning about the person's own experiences, interests, and perspectives

  • Rating Scales: Having parents and teachers complete standardized questionnaires about social, communication, and behavioral patterns

  • Records Review: Examining relevant medical, developmental, and educational records

Step 2

Direct Assessment

We conduct specialized assessment that examines:

  • Social Communication: Verbal and nonverbal communication skills

  • Social Interaction: Understanding of social conventions and reciprocity

  • Sensory Processing: Responses to different sensory experiences

  • Behavioral Patterns: Repetitive behaviors, routines, and interests

  • Cognitive Functioning: Thinking and reasoning abilities

  • Adaptive Skills: Daily living and functional independence

Step 3

Contextual Observations

We observe functioning in different contexts:

  • School Observation: When helpful, especially for younger children

  • Structured and Unstructured Interactions: How social communication varies across different situations

  • Play and Interest Patterns: How the person engages with activities and materials

Step 4

Comprehensive Analysis

We integrate all information to:

  • Determine whether autism criteria are met

  • Identify the unique pattern of strengths and challenges

  • Understand how these impact daily functioning and learning

  • Consider alternative or co-occurring conditions

  • Develop personalized recommendations

Step 5

Collaborative Feedback

We discuss our findings and recommendations with you in a way that:

  • Emphasizes strengths alongside challenges

  • Respects neurodiversity and your child's unique profile

  • Provides practical, actionable strategies

  • Reflects your family's values and priorities

What Sets Our Autism Testing Apart

Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

We view autism as a different, not lesser, neurocognitive style. Our assessment respects and celebrates neurodiversity while acknowledging the real challenges that may arise in a neurotypical-centered world.

Context-Sensitive Interpretation

We recognize that autistic traits may present differently across settings and situations, and consider these patterns in our assessment.

Comprehensive Perspective

We look beyond diagnostic criteria to understand the whole person and how their neurotype affects various aspects of their life.

Collaborative Process

We partner with families, schools, and other providers to develop a shared understanding and coordinated approach.

Strengths-Based Focus

We identify and emphasize areas of strength and special interest that can be pathways to success and fulfillment.

Expertise & Experience

Our licensed psychologists have extensive training and experience in assessing and supporting individuals across the autism spectrum.

Who Provides Autism Testing?

Our autism assessments are conducted by licensed clinical and educational psychologists with specialized training in autism spectrum disorders.

The same experienced team that performs our comprehensive evaluations conducts our autism assessments, ensuring quality and expertise.

WHO WE SERVE

We provide autism testing for:

  • Children (ages 3 and up)

  • Adolescents

  • Young adults

Our assessment process is adapted based on age, developmental level, and specific concerns.

Fees

Autism testing at Mind Matters is typically conducted as part of a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation or as a focused evaluation.

Comprehensive Psychoeducational Evaluation

  • $7,200 with all Mind Matters Clinicians except Dr. MurrayMetzger

  • $8,100 with Dr. MurrayMetzger

Autism Screening

  • The total cost (including the initial meeting) usually ranges from$4,200-$4800

Discounts Available:

  • Discount when paying by cash, check, or Zelle

  • Discount for returning clients or siblings of prior clients

Mind Matters offers a limited number of fee adjustments based on family household size & total income. Please inquire with our Client Care Coordinator for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Consider an assessment if you notice persistent differences in social communication (such as difficulty with back-and-forth conversation, understanding nonverbal cues, or developing relationships), restrictive or repetitive behaviors (such as rigid routines, repetitive movements, or intense focused interests), or unusual sensory responses. Early signs might include delayed or unusual language development, limited eye contact, or lack of joint attention.

  • No, a thorough autism assessment requires gathering information from multiple sources and contexts over time. Our comprehensive process ensures we understand your child's unique profile across different settings and situations.

  • Absolutely. Many autistic individuals have strong verbal abilities and average to superior intelligence. Some may excel academically while still experiencing challenges in social communication, sensory processing, or flexibility. This profile was previously called "Asperger's Syndrome" but is now part of the broader autism spectrum.

  • No, while early identification is beneficial, autism can be identified at any age. Some individuals, particularly those with strong verbal abilities or effective masking strategies, may not be recognized as autistic until adolescence or adulthood. We provide autism assessment for children (age 3+), adolescents, and young adults.

  • Autistic girls and women often show different patterns than boys and men, which can lead to missed or delayed identification. They may have stronger social motivation, develop more effective masking strategies, show less obvious repetitive behaviors, or have special interests that appear more socially acceptable. Our assessment approach is sensitive to these gender differences.

  • No, while early identification is beneficial, autism can be identified at any age. Some individuals, particularly those with strong verbal abilities or effective masking strategies, may not be recognized as autistic until adolescence or adulthood. We provide autism assessment for children (age 3+), adolescents, and young adults.

  • An autism screening focuses specifically on characteristics associated with autism spectrum disorder. A comprehensive evaluation assesses multiple areas, including cognitive abilities, academic skills, and social-emotional functioning, providing a more complete picture of your child's strengths and challenges.

  • It's common for autistic individuals to present differently across settings due to factors like familiarity, predictability, and masking (consciously or unconsciously adapting behavior to meet social expectations). Our assessment process collects information from multiple contexts to understand these variations.

Ready to Understand Your Child's Unique Way of Experiencing the World?

Let's Celebrate Their Strengths & Support Their Challenges!

Our neurodiversity-affirming autism assessment provides understanding, connection, and practical strategies for home, school, and beyond.