Getting an Online Autism Evaluation in Arizona

What a private autism evaluation looks at

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) explains that autism affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave. It can be diagnosed at any age, and it is called developmental because signs generally appear in the first two years of life. Autism is a difference in how the brain develops, not a mental illness.

Health care providers diagnose autism by looking at a person's behavior and development. For adults, NIMH says the evaluation asks about social interaction and communication, sensory issues, repetitive behaviors and restricted interests, and may include a conversation with family members about early development.

NIMH also notes that diagnosing autism in adults is often harder than in children, because some signs overlap with anxiety or ADHD. A careful evaluation weighs those other explanations too, and the findings can point to more than one thing worth support.

Where you need to be during appointments

For an online evaluation, what matters is where the person being evaluated is sitting during each appointment, not only their home address. If you live in Arizona, plan to join every appointment from somewhere in the state.

This matters for college students who study out of state and for adults who travel for work. Schedule appointments for times when you will be back in Arizona (or in Pennsylvania or West Virginia, where we also offer evaluations). A quiet, private room and a steady internet connection help everything go smoothly.

How this differs from an Arizona school evaluation

If your child attends a public or charter school, the school has its own evaluation process, and it answers a different question. A school evaluation decides whether a student is eligible for special education. A private clinical evaluation looks at whether autism explains what you and others have noticed. One does not replace the other.

The Arizona Department of Education explains the timelines. When a parent asks for an evaluation in writing, the school must, within a reasonable time not to exceed 15 school days, either begin the evaluation by reviewing existing data or give prior written notice that it refuses. The 60-day evaluation period starts when the school receives your informed written consent, and those are calendar days that include school breaks. It can be extended by 30 days only if it is in your child's best interest and you and the school agree in writing.

If you share a private report, federal special education rules say the school must consider it, if it meets the school's criteria, in decisions about your child's education. The school still makes its own decisions. For questions, the department points parents to Encircle Families, a nonprofit parent organization with a free help line, 1-888-877-5910. This is general information, not legal advice.

Very young children: AzEIP

Autism signs can show up in toddlers. NIMH notes that autism can usually be reliably diagnosed by age 2, and that pediatric guidelines recommend specific autism screening at the 18- and 24-month well-child visits. If you have concerns about a young child, start with your pediatrician.

Arizona's Department of Economic Security says that if a child is not meeting age milestones, the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) can help, and families can apply online or call (888) 592-0140. The Arizona Department of Education adds that children from birth to 2 years 10½ months are referred to AzEIP for eligibility, while older children are screened and, if necessary, evaluated by their school district or charter school.

How an evaluation with Locascio Wellness works

We offer an adult autism evaluation and a child and teen autism evaluation. Evaluations are carried out entirely by secure video and are offered only to people physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona. For anyone under 18, a parent or guardian arranges the evaluation and takes part. You can also read about our online therapy in Arizona.

1. 1Tell us what you needStart with the short evaluation request form, which asks for the type of evaluation, age group, state and timing. Or pick a time for a free 15-minute consultation on our booking page, or call 267-573-9817.
2. 2Intake and evaluation sessionsAn evaluation usually involves an intake appointment, then one or two sessions to complete the evaluation.
3. 3Findings and written reportThe findings are explained in plain language, with time for questions. At the moment, the written report is usually ready about a month after the first evaluation appointment, so mention any deadline on the request form. Reports are co-signed by a supervising licensed psychologist.

Cost, support and next steps

Evaluations are private-pay and are not billed to insurance. The cost is given in writing before anything is scheduled, a sliding scale is available, and you have the right to a Good Faith Estimate. Our page on what evaluations cost explains more.

An evaluation is a starting point, whatever it finds. A diagnosis may open other supports that you arrange with your doctor or school. Many people also want help with what comes alongside, such as worry or trouble with focus and planning. Therapists on our team offer anxiety therapy and ADHD therapy by video as separate services.

An evaluation is not emergency care. If you or your child are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services.