Getting an Online Autism Evaluation in West Virginia

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. For many adults, NIMH adds, a correct diagnosis can help them understand past challenges, identify strengths and find the right kind of help.

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

This matters for families who live near a state line or travel for work. If an appointment falls on a day you will be in Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia or Maryland, move it. (Pennsylvania and Arizona also work, since we offer evaluations there too.) A quiet, private room and a steady internet connection help everything go smoothly.

How this differs from a West Virginia school evaluation

If your child attends a public school, the school has its own process, and it answers a different question. Federal special education rules let either a parent or the school ask for an initial evaluation to decide whether a child is a child with a disability under the law. A private clinical evaluation, by contrast, looks at whether autism explains what you and others have noticed.

The West Virginia Department of Education explains that to qualify for special education, a child must have a disability under federal guidelines and the disability must create a need for special education. It also says plainly that a diagnosed disability from a medical or mental health professional does not automatically mean a student will qualify. A student who does not qualify may still be eligible for a 504 Plan.

The department encourages parents to contact the school as soon as they notice their child needs help, and says anyone can refer a child to the Student Assistance Team that every West Virginia school has. Putting your request in writing and keeping a copy gives you a clear record.

If you share a private report, federal 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. This is general information, not legal advice.

Very young children: Birth to Three and Help Me Grow

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.

West Virginia also has statewide help. The state Department of Health lists a Birth to Three line, 800-642-9704, for the state's early intervention program. Help Me Grow is a free referral service that connects families with developmental resources for children from birth through age eight, and offers a developmental screening questionnaire on request.

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 West Virginia.

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 worry, stress or big feelings 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.