Navigating your child’s development can bring up many questions. If you think your child might be on the autism spectrum, a psychological evaluation is a critical step toward clarity and support for your family.
We spoke with Dr. Sarah Brown, a licensed psychologist serving families in Tennessee, about what to expect from this process. Here are the key takeaways to help you feel prepared and confident.
What Is a Psychological Evaluation for Autism?
A psychological evaluation is a complete assessment to understand your child’s unique developmental profile. At ABS Kids, the main purpose is to see if a child is showing signs consistent with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
“A psychological visit is intended to give us a snapshot of how your child’s developing,” Dr. Brown explains. “We look at your child’s behavior and skills and compare their functioning to expectations for their age.”
This process involves a detailed look into your child’s history, your observations of your child, and direct play-based interaction. In many states, a formal diagnosis from a licensed psychologist is required by insurance companies to support future therapy.
What to Expect During the Visit
The evaluation process is thorough, collaborative, and supportive.
- A Conversation with You: The visit starts with a detailed conversation. Expect many questions about your child’s history, early development, and interactions with others. This helps the psychologist get a full picture of their areas of strength and need.
- Play-Based Assessment: A major part of the evaluation is interactive and play-based. “We want to see your child interact in an organic manner, as much as possible,” Dr. Brown says. While it may look like playtime, it provides crucial information about your child’s social communication skills and behavior.
During or after the appointment, the psychologist reviews all the information and determines if any diagnoses are warranted by the data collected. The goal is to provide you with answers quickly so your family can move forward with any recommended services.
The Power of an In-Person Evaluation
While telehealth is an option in some locations, Dr. Brown is a strong advocate for in-person evaluations when possible. An in-person visit allows the psychologist to see how your child interacts in a different setting with a new person. It can also help you feel more connected to the process.
What the Evaluation Tells You
After meeting with our experienced team, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of your child’s evaluation results and whether they have an autism diagnosis.
Sometimes, the evaluation may reveal co-occurring conditions, such as ADHD or speech delays. The goal is to look at the whole child and approach the care plan the same way.
Receiving a diagnosis can be emotional, but many parents find it relieving. “For many families, giving a name to their experience is a big step,” Dr. Brown says. “It can lead to processing…and then moving forward.” A diagnosis can empower you to seek the right care for your child.
Early Intervention and ABA Therapy
If an autism diagnosis is made, early intervention is key to helping children develop skills for greater independence. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a common recommendation.
The goal isn’t to change who your child is. Dr. Brown emphasizes, “It’s for children to be fully themselves in all their differences and feel confident. To have the skills that they need to be successful and safe in life.” Evidence-based ABA therapy focuses on teaching functional skills, like communicating needs and building relationships.
Advice for Parents Before the Appointment
Dr. Brown offers two key pieces of advice for parents preparing for an evaluation:
- Take a Deep Breath. It’s normal to feel a lot of emotions, and it is okay to bring them with you. Take a deep breath before you come in. Know that the team is there to support you and serve your family well, and your psychologist or examiner is trained to ask you the right questions.
- Complete Paperwork in Advance. You will likely receive rating scales to fill out before your visit. Completing these ahead of time makes the process smoother and quicker for everyone.
The journey to an autism diagnosis is one you don’t have to walk alone. A psychological evaluation is a supportive step that provides the clarity needed to access the right resources for your child and family.
Want to see if an evaluation is right for your child? The free MCHAT screening tool can be a first step. If you have questions about your child’s development or want to learn more about the psychological evaluation process, reach out to us!
About ABS Kids
Dr. Brown is a part of our Psychology Team with a network of high-quality providers in California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah. For 15 years, we’ve provided compassionate applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy at home, in schools, and in our centers. From diagnosis to ongoing treatment, we support children with autism every step of the way.
