Psychological

Autism Evaluations

At the Arizona Institute for Autism, there is no single lab test to diagnose autism. Instead, our team conducts comprehensive evaluations through a series of observations and assessments to understand the underlying causes of your child’s symptoms.

With an accurate diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we can provide your child with personalized support and specialized care tailored to their unique needs.

Conditions We Evaluate and Treat

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Evaluation Services Offered

ASD Learner Targeted Evaluation

• Recommended when there are specific concerns about Autism Spectrum Disorder.

ADHD Learner Targeted Evaluation

• Recommended when there are specific concerns about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Combined ASD/ADHD Learner Targeted Evaluation

• Recommended when there are broader concerns related to IQ, executive functioning, and social-emotional development, particularly if ASD and ADHD are both suspected.

How Pediatric Autism Diagnostic Evaluations Work

At the Arizona Institute for Autism, we diagnose autism by carefully observing your child’s behavior and reviewing developmental history provided by caregivers. Evaluations involve a multidisciplinary team, often including professionals in psychology, speech-language pathology, psychiatry, and neurology.

Common evaluation methods include:

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)

ADOS is a structured evaluation tool used by our specialists to assess behaviors related to autism spectrum disorders. Appropriate for children of all ages, ADOS helps us understand your child’s social and language skills and overall developmental level.

This evaluation involves observing how your child interacts with various play-based social scenarios. For younger children, this may include activities like playing with blocks or having a snack, while older children who communicate verbally may participate in conversations about daily activities, such as attending school.