Getting an Online Autism Evaluation in Pennsylvania

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 neurological and developmental condition: a difference in how the brain develops. The CDC notes that some people are not diagnosed until they are teenagers or adults.

There is no blood test or scan for autism. Instead, the CDC explains that clinicians look at a person's developmental history and behavior. 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 looks at those other explanations too, which is part of why it takes more than a single conversation.

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 Pennsylvania, plan to join every appointment from somewhere in the state.

This can catch families by surprise. A teen away at a summer program, or an adult who travels for work, needs to schedule appointments for times when they are back in Pennsylvania (or in West Virginia or Arizona, the other states where we offer evaluations). A quiet, private room and a steady internet connection help everything go smoothly.

How this differs from a Pennsylvania school evaluation

If your child attends a public 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.

Under Pennsylvania's special education regulations, parents may request a school evaluation at any time, and the request must be in writing. If you ask a teacher or administrator out loud, that person must give you a permission to evaluate form within 10 calendar days. The initial evaluation report is due no later than 60 calendar days after the school receives your written consent, not counting the summer break. When the school's team reviews an evaluation to decide whether a child is eligible under autism, the regulation says the group must include a certified school psychologist.

You can also share a private report with the school. Federal special education rules say the school must consider a privately obtained evaluation you share, if it meets the school's criteria, in decisions about your child's education. The school still makes its own decisions. This is general information, not legal advice.

Very young children: Pennsylvania Early Intervention

Autism signs can show up in babies and toddlers. The CDC notes that autism can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger, and that by age 2 a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable. If you have concerns about a young child, talk with your pediatrician first. If routine developmental screening has not been done, the CDC says you can ask for it.

Pennsylvania's Early Intervention program supports children from birth to age five who have developmental delays and disabilities, and its services are provided at no cost to families. According to the state, you contact Pennsylvania Statewide CONNECT (1-800-692-7288), and your family is referred to a local Early Intervention program for a developmental screening and, if appropriate, an evaluation of your child's development.

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.

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 autistic people and their families also want help with the worry, stress or big feelings that can come along the way. Therapists on our team offer anxiety therapy and child 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.