Diagnostic Services
What is Involved in a Diagnostic Evaluation?
Once we have a referral and insurance verification for your child, we can set up the initial appointment. The time it takes to conduct the developmental evaluation varies from child to child as well as the diagnostic tool used. Some insurance companies have specific requests for which diagnostic tool is used when assessing children for ASD.
What to Expect at a Diagnostic Appointment
Parent Interview
Prior to the interview, you will complete an intake form that outlines several questions about your child’s medical, developmental, social-emotional, and behavioral history. At the interview, you will meet with the diagnostician during which a thorough understanding of your child’s developmental history will be obtained.
Assessment and Evaluation
Your child will be evaluated using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), a diagnostic instrument specifically determined to be empirically valid for accurately identifying autism, along with measures of adaptive behavior and social emotional functioning. The assessment time will vary depending on your child’s age and skill. You may accompany your child throughout the assessment should separation difficulties emerge.
Recommendation Meeting
You will meet with the diagnostician following the assessment and evaluation. A comprehensive report will be provided to you at this time which outlines your child’s developmental history, test results, diagnostic impressions, and recommendations for future intervention services. The diagnostician will review these areas in detail and answer questions following the discussion.
Meet Our Diagnosticians
Shannon Erklin
Ph.D.Licensed PsychologistJennifer Green
PhDLicensed Psychologist
Kathleen Honer
Psy.D., BCBA-DLicensed Psychologist and Behavior Analyst
Chisato Komatsu
Ph.D., BCBA-DLicensed Psychologist
Lisa Rhee
Ph.D., BCBA-DLicensed PsychologistAngelica Robles
MDDevelopmental Behavioral PediatricianQuynh Wells
Ph.D.Pediatric NeuropsychologistAs You Are
DiagnosticianPariva
Diagnostician
Locations
Select your state below to view more information about Autism Learning Partners in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you diagnose?
If your child needs a diagnosis, our on-site diagnosticians are available to complete this process in select locations. If your child is outside of these locations, we’ll connect you with a qualified diagnostician in your area who can conduct the evaluation and provide all necessary documentation to move forward.
Do you have qualified staff?
Yes. Each ALP region employs BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) and master’s level Supervisors who oversee all clinical operations. Additionally, our Behavior Technicians who carry out the daily treatment programs receive a comprehensive training program along with regular supervision, support and ongoing training by our senior clinical staff.
Does my child need an autism diagnosis to get ABA services?
Insurance companies will authorize Applied Behavior Analysis services when a child has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). If your child does not have a diagnosis of ASD, you can choose to pay for services privately.
How will I confirm that my insurance company covers diagnostic services?
Our Intake team will verify coverage with your insurance company. A referral from your child’s physician will be required unless your family is paying privately.
What are the next steps now that my child has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
If your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, our team is here to support your family every step of the way. Should you choose to pursue Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, we’ll help you navigate the approval process, starting with a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), which identifies the reasons behind your child’s behaviors and lays the foundation for a personalized treatment plan.
What is considered a medical diagnosis? Will an IEP suffice?
A medical diagnosis needs to be given by a qualified medical professional able to diagnose autism. Schools/IEPs are not able to provide a medical diagnosis. You can confirm with your insurance provider on who they have approved to give diagnosis.
What is involved in the diagnostic evaluation?
Once we have a referral and insurance verification for your child, we can set up the initial appointment. The time it takes to conduct the developmental evaluation varies from child to child as well as the diagnostic tool used. Some insurance companies have specific request for which diagnostic tool is used when assessing children for ASD.
