THE ASSESSMENT
What is an autism assessment?
An autism assessment is a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of social communication, patterns of behaviour, interests, and sensory experience. It answers whether autism is part of the picture and, just as importantly, describes your child's strengths and the support that will help.
Autism often occurs alongside ADHD, anxiety, or learning differences, so we look at the whole profile rather than a single question.
Social communication
Conversation, shared enjoyment, nonverbal communication, and how relationships develop.
Patterns and sensory experience
Focused interests, need for sameness, repetitive behaviours, and sensory sensitivities.
The whole child
Thinking skills, attention, emotional wellbeing, and daily living skills.
WHEN TO CONSIDER
When an assessment may help
There is no single sign that means a child is autistic. These are some of the reasons families reach out to us.
01
Development seems different
Language, play, or social development seems different from peers.
02
Friendships are hard
Your child wants friends but finds it hard to make or keep them.
03
Overwhelmed after school
Holding it together all day, then falling apart at home.
04
Strong reactions to change
Transitions, new places, or unexpected changes cause real distress.
05
Sensory sensitivities
Sounds, textures, or foods affect daily life more than expected.
06
Current support isn't enough
Anxiety or ADHD support has not helped as much as expected.
OUR APPROACH
What makes our approach different
Many children, especially girls and verbally fluent children, learn to mask their differences. A standard checklist can miss them. Our assessments are designed with these nuanced presentations in mind.
Expertise in subtle presentations: including girls, verbally fluent children, and children who camouflage.
Senior team consultation: when a profile is complex, we review it together as a senior team, so your child benefits from several sets of expert eyes.
Questions beyond behaviour: we ask about exhaustion, masking, and recovery time, not only what others can see.
Strengths alongside needs: every report describes what your child does well.
Autism in girls and in quieter presentations is often missed. Recognizing it is a particular focus of our practice.
The right conditions for accurate results
We pace sessions to your child, offer breaks, and create a calm, predictable setting, so that standardized testing reflects what your child can truly do.
THE PROCESS
The assessment, step by step
The full process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks from intake to feedback.
Step
What happens
Why it matters
Free consultation
A 15-minute call to talk through your concerns
Helps decide whether an autism assessment is the right fit
Developmental interview
An in-depth interview with parents using the ADI-R
Autistic traits are present from early childhood, so history is essential
Observation
A structured observation session using the ADOS-2, adapted to your child's age and language
A gold-standard tool for understanding social communication
Cognitive and behavioural measures
Standardized testing and questionnaires from home and school
Identifies strengths and any co-occurring conditions, such as ADHD or anxiety
Report and feedback
A written report, reviewed with you in a feedback meeting
Clear answers and practical next steps
AFTER THE ASSESSMENT
What you receive
01
A clear diagnostic answer
Whether autism is part of the picture, explained in plain language.
02
A detailed written report
Signed by a registered psychologist, and usable for school supports and the Ontario Autism Program.
03
Practical recommendations
For home, school, and community, built around your child's strengths.
04
A feedback meeting
Time to ask questions and plan next steps together.
Meet the assessment team
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
At what age can autism be assessed?
We assess children and teens ages 2 to 18. Signs can often be identified in early childhood, but many children, particularly girls, are not recognized until later.
What is the ADOS-2?
The ADOS-2 is a standardized observation-based assessment widely considered a gold-standard tool for autism diagnosis. It is adapted to your child's age and language level.
Will the report be accepted by the Ontario Autism Program?
A diagnosis made through our assessment can be used to register with the Ontario Autism Program. We will explain the documentation you receive in your feedback meeting.
What if my child is not diagnosed with autism?
The assessment still provides answers. The report explains what is contributing to your child's difficulties and includes recommendations, whatever the outcome.
How much does it cost, and is it covered by insurance?
Fees depend on the components needed. We will give you a clear quote during your free consultation. Many extended health plans cover psychological assessments, and we can submit a predetermination to confirm your coverage before you begin.
How long does the process take?
Usually 4 to 6 weeks from intake to the feedback meeting.
RELATED READING
Keep learning
LEARN MORE
Nuanced presentations, autism in girls, and what else can look like autism.