Evaluations usually involve the following steps:

  • Initial contact and scheduling an appointment.
  • Between 4 and 7 hours of interview / evaluation, depending on the nature of the evaluation.
  • Various forms and questionnaires to be filled up by the parents, daycare educator or teacher.
  • Reviewing past evaluations / pertinent medical record if applicable.
  • Data analysis and report writing, including detailed results of the evaluation, conclusions and recommendations.
  • Results meeting with the parents (1h30-2h).

Procedure for Autism Spectrum Diagnostic Evaluation

Note: This is a general description of the steps involved in the evaluation. Please note that based on each evaluation, we will individualize the specific tools used.

Typically, an evaluation for Autism requires 15 hours of work, including meetings, data analysis as well as preparing the report. If case history analysis is particularly long (consulting previous evaluation reports, consulting other professionals), additional fees might be charged, but will be discussed and agreed with the family beforehand. In case the intellectual evaluation is not performed (if a recent one has been performed for example), an 11 hours package is offered. In some cases, for very young children, the evaluation process is not as long. Fees will be reviewed accordingly and reduced if relevant.

The meetings are usually spread over 3 to 4 weeks (typically one meeting per week). The final results meeting is usually held about a month after the last evaluation meeting.

  • Quick overview of the situation to determine if an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluation is appropriate.
  • Explanation of the procedure, tools used, fees etc.
  • Transmission of questionnaires and other documents (to be completed and brought at the 1st meeting).
  • Confirmation of evaluation dates.
  • The interview covers the child’s developmental history, current functioning, reason for referral and concerns the family has. It is followed by a specialized interview to evaluate the likelihood that the child presents ASD (ADI-R: Autism Diagnostic Interview- Revised).
  • Duration: Depending on the child’s age, this meeting lasts on average 3 hours. Hypotheses are discussed with the family during the meeting, the plan of action for the next meetings is confirmed or reviewed if necessary.
  • Fees and work involved after this meeting: 6h, including the meeting, data analysis of the ADI-R and questionnaires (completed by daycare/school, family). In order to ensure an interdisciplinary process, at this stage, all previous evaluations or consultations are examined, and calls to daycare/school or other persons involved placed if applicable. If needed, recommendations will be made to refer the child to other fields (i.e.: audiology, speech therapy, occupational therapy, paediatrician or family doctor, genetics etc.).
  • You should bring:
    • Photocopies (that we will keep) of past evaluation reports, school reports
    • Contract and consent forms
    • Completed questionnaires (school/daycare, family)
  • Cognitive/developmental and adaptive behaviour evaluation of the child. If necessary, other aspects can also be screened or briefly assessed (memory, attention, anxiety etc.). Depending on the child’s age as well as other factors, parents are present or not during this meeting.
  • Duration: on average 2 hours
  • Fees and work involved after this meeting: 4 hours including the meeting, data analysis and draft of the report.
  • Note : Depending on the child’s age and his verbal abilities, this step might not be necessary or might be shortened. When the child has already been assessed less than 2 years ago, the cognitive evaluation will typically not need to be performed again (if the results are available and considered to be valid). If it was performed more than 2 years ago, it generally will need to be performed again. Either way, the need to re-assess the child will be discussed with the family.
  • You should bring:
    • Questionnaires (if any had not been completed before)
    • A snack
  • Evaluation of the child (or adult) client using the appropriate module of the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - 2), based on age and language abilities. Parents are present or not depending on the child’s age and the module used for the assessment. This meeting is typically videotaped (with parental consent if applicable).
  • Duration: on average 1.5 hours
  • Fees and work involved after this meeting: 3 hours including the meeting, reviewing the video, data analysis and report.
  • You should bring:
    • Two snacks, depending on your child’s age and the module used (this will be discussed with the parent before the meeting)
  • Feedback meeting with the parents, without the child. Explanation of assessment results, recommendations and presentation of the report. Completion of government forms if applicable.
  • Duration of the meeting: 2 hours.

Contact us now

Explain your main concerns to us as well as the kind of help you’re seeking. Be reassured, it stays confidential.