Online Autism Evaluation for Children and Teens in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Arizona

What parents and teachers tend to notice

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental difference that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave. The National Institute of Mental Health explains that it is called a spectrum because autistic people have a range of characteristics, needs, strengths and challenges.

• In the early years, the CDC lists examples such as not responding to their name by 9 months, not pointing to show you something interesting by 18 months, and not noticing other children and joining them in play by 3 years
• The CDC also lists lining up toys and getting upset when the order changes, repeating words or phrases, a strong need for certain routines, or unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel
• In older children and teens, the National Institute of Mental Health says caregivers and teachers are often the first to notice, and describes subtler differences: trouble reading tone of voice, facial expressions or body language, trouble with figures of speech, humor or sarcasm, and challenges forming friendships with peers

What an autism evaluation looks at

There is no medical test, such as a blood test, for autism. The CDC says a diagnosis rests on a child's developmental history and behavior. For children, the National Institute of Mental Health says an evaluation is likely to include an in-depth conversation with caregivers about the child's behavior and development, and observation of the child. With us, an evaluation draws on three things:

• Your part. We ask you about your child's early development and what you see at home now
• Your child's part. Your child or teen meets with the evaluator by video, and older children and teens can describe school, friendships and daily life in their own words
• School, where it is useful. If teachers have shared observations or written reports, tell us

What an evaluation can and cannot tell you

We cannot tell you ahead of time what an evaluation will find. It may conclude that your child is autistic, that something else better explains what you have noticed, or that more than one thing is going on. If attention and restlessness are your main questions, our child ADHD evaluation page may be a closer fit.

An evaluation with us is not a medical examination. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that a comprehensive evaluation may also include medical examinations, blood tests and a hearing test, which are matters for your child's doctor.

If a school or an agency has asked for the evaluation, ask them exactly what it must cover and who must sign it, and share that with us before you book. Each organization makes its own decisions, and we cannot promise that any of them will accept a report. If you are an adult wondering about yourself, see our adult autism evaluation page.

How it works by video, with a parent taking part

The evaluation is carried out entirely by secure video, and there is no office to visit. A parent or guardian arranges it and takes part. You need a phone, tablet or computer, an internet connection and a quiet, private place. Your child must be physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona during appointments.

The National Institute of Mental Health lists a mental health assessment and diagnosis among the services that can be provided virtually. Autism is one of several psychological evaluations we offer this way.

An evaluation usually involves an intake appointment, then one or two sessions to complete the evaluation, then time for the written report. At the moment, the written report is usually ready about a month after the first evaluation appointment. If you have a deadline, say so on the request form.

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

Cost and getting started

An autism evaluation is $1,800, and a sliding scale is available, so please tell us if the fee is a barrier. Evaluations are private-pay and are not billed to insurance.

1. 1Send a short requestThe quickest way to ask is our short evaluation request form. Tell us your child's age on the request form. We reply to set up a free 15-minute consultation.
2. 2Talk it throughYou can also choose a consultation time on our booking page, or call 267-573-9817. We talk about what you have noticed, who is asking for the evaluation and any deadline.
3. 3Get the cost in writingBefore anything is scheduled, you receive the cost in writing. You have the right to a Good Faith Estimate. See insurance and fees for how payment works.
4. 4Meet by video and review the findingsThe findings are explained to you in plain language, with time for your questions, and you receive a written report.

After the evaluation

Whatever the evaluation finds, you leave with a clearer picture of your child's strengths and needs.

The National Institute of Mental Health says services and supports for autism are most effective when they begin as soon as possible after a diagnosis, and that no single approach suits everyone.

If your family would like ongoing support afterward, therapists on our team work with children, teens and families. Our child therapy and teen therapy pages explain more. Therapy is a separate service from an evaluation, and it is always your choice.