The Autism Evaluation is a thorough process designed to determine if a person's symptoms meet the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is a crucial step for individuals and families seeking to understand their unique neurodevelopmental profile and access appropriate support.

Autism Evaluations

The Evaluation Process

The evaluation is not based on a single test but involves gathering information from multiple sources to create a comprehensive picture of the person's development, behavior, and social communication skills. The typical procedure includes:

Clinical Interview and History:

  • The psychiatrist will conduct a detailed interview to understand the individual's current symptoms, behavioral patterns, and developmental history from a young age. For children and adolescents, this involves a discussion with parents or guardians, while for adults, it may involve gathering information from family members or partners, with the individual's consent.

Physical and Mental Status Exams:

  • The psychiatrist will carefully assess the individual’s interpersonal relatedness, social pragmatics, speech patterns, psychomotor activity, muscle tone, motor coordination, gait, vital signs, etc.

Collateral Information:

  • In order to gain a broader understanding of the person's functioning in different settings, it may be helpful to review previous medical records, school reports, or speak with teachers, therapists, and other professionals—always with the patient’s (or guardian’s) permission.

Specialized Testing:

  • While often not required, a psychiatrist may refer the patient for specialized assessments if the diagnosis is equivocal. These can include:

    • Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)

    • Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)

    • Psychological/Neuropsychological Testing: May be recommended to assess a person's cognitive functioning, learning style, and executive function skills.

Laboratory and Genetic Testing:

  • In some cases, a psychiatrist may order lab work or genetic testing to further clarify the diagnosis.

At the end of the evaluation, the psychiatrist will discuss relevant findings with the patient (and/or guardian) and provide recommendations.