What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents as a complex neurodevelopmental condition which requires a comprehensive assessment from a trained health care provider to diagnose. Autism is a life-long journey that impacts brain development, can affect how a child or person communicates, perceives the world, and interacts with others. Repetitive and restricted behaviours, intense interests, as well as sensory differences are additional features of autism. Each person has a unique experience, with varying levels of severity. Interventions and supports can be helpful in improving their lives.
What is an Autism Assessment?
An autism assessment uses standardized measures to gather specific information related to a child’s or person’s development, communication skills, social interaction and reciprocity, sensory differences, independent living skills, and behavioural responses.
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For an extra fee, an additional Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessment can be completed at the same time as the autism assessment.
What are the benefits of an autism diagnostic assessment?
For children diagnosed with autism:
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School support: BC Ministry of Education and Child Care autism funding and designation which mandates an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
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Community funding: BC Ministry of Children and Family Development funding to families - Up to $22,000 annually for children under 6 and $6,000 per year for children from age 6 until their 19th birthday.
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For children under the age of 6, a concurrent report from a speech and language pathologist's assessment with the registered psychologist's diagnostic report, is required in order to access BC provincial autism funding.​
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For adolescents and adults diagnosed with autism:
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Greater self-understanding, acceptance and relief from past confusion about their experiences.
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Access to tailored therapies and support services, and the ability to connect with other autistic individuals.
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A diagnosis can also provide a formal explanation for challenges in areas like social interaction, leading to better support from family and colleagues, and can open doors to workplace and educational accommodations.
Language Support
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I am experienced in working with clients from many diverse cultures. ​Please note that if communication during the assessment requires translation for an understandable exchange of information, the client and/or parent(s)/legal guardian(s)/caregiver(s) are required to make all the arrangements and pay for the total costs of hiring a certified interpreter for each session with the registered psychologist.
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​Family members can be present along with the certified interpreter.
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Suggested agencies to contact in advance: MOSAIC and DIVERSEcity.
What to expect from an autism assessment:
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An initial virtual or phone meeting to review the informed consent forms regarding the assessment process. Signed consents from all parties is required before the assessment can begin.
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Relevant educational, medical and treatment records are provided to the registered psychologist before the assessment starts.
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A detailed interview with the client and parent/legal guardian/caregiver to gather historical and current information about the client.
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Questionnaires for diagnostic purposes will need to be filled out. When required, the client or parent/legal guardian/caregiver is responsible for requesting questionnaires to be completed by a professional in a different setting, such as a school or at a work place.
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An in-person observation and assessment session is completed at the office.
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A virtual feedback meeting to discuss the assessment information gathered and potential next steps.
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A written report will be completed that integrates all available data, explains the results, offers tailored recommendations and provides instructions on finding autism resources.
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The BC Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) Non-BCAAN (private) diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder form is completed if a child is assessed and diagnosed with autism.
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What should my child expect from an autism assessment?
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There will be puzzles, opportunities to play with objects and times to interact with the assessor or parent, as well as time to answer questions.​
Service Fee Breakdown
An autism assessment is $4,000 paid in three e-transfer installments after each stage of the service is complete.
A client can request an ADHD evaluation in addition to an autism assessment. There will be an extra cost of $1,000 for a total fee of $5,000.
Information Gathering
$1,500
Includes all review of relevant educational, and medical/ treatment records, interviews, review of questionnaires.
Testing
$1,000
Includes all in-person observation sessions and assessment of client.
Feedback/Report Writing
$1,500
Includes all verbal feedback, written report, as well as completed forms if autism is present.
* Unpaid bills in progress billing system means that the written assessment report will be delivered to the payer after total
e-transfer bill amount is received in full, unless it is an emergency and not releasing the document causes harm to the client.
