Autism Assessment
Carnation Psychology provides comprehensive autism assessments for teens and adults in/around Centennial, CO including high-achieving adults who've spent years masking traits and were never evaluated.
A lot of adults reach my office after connecting dots for the first time like sensory sensitivities, social exhaustion, rigid routines that keep them functioning, multiple kids of therapy that didn’t seem to work, or a lifelong sense of being "different" that was never explained. Assessment can provide clarity, language, and access to tailored recommendations, whether or not a formal diagnosis is the outcome.
If you are going to complete an evaluation, I want you to leave with as many answers as possible. That’s why I do a thorough and comprehensive evaluation. Shortcuts can lead to inaccurate results, I want you to have as much information as possible.
You may be nervous about doing testing. I find many people who decide to complete the assessment process actually feel relief.
Clinical interview
IQ testing
An adaptive functioning survey (how well do you keep up with tasks on your own)
ASD symptom focused interviews (i.e. MIGDAS or ADI-R)
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition (ADOS-2)
Self-report test(s) of personality/mental health
Symptom-specific tests (i.e. social motivation, camouflaging, sensory sensitivity, executive functioning)
If I have your permission, I’ll review available school, medical, and any mental health records that may help improve the accuracy of the report
If I have your permission, I’ll also talk with other important people as needed (therapists, doctors, close relatives, etc.)
A 1.5hr feedback session to review findings and recommendations
Copy of final report with all findings and recommendations
Process Typically Includes:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Many teens and adults, especially those socialized as girls/women or who learned to mask early, present very differently from outdated stereotypes. That's a large part of who I assess.
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Masking is consciously or unconsciously suppressing autistic traits to fit in socially. It's accounted for in how I interview and interpret results, since it can make traits harder to spot on the surface.
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It typically takes approximately 4 to 6 hours of in-person testing. This includes the interactive tests, surveys to be completed by the client and/or collateral, and the clinical interview. I typically schedule 2-3 testing days, 2-3 hours each in the mornings. I aim to have feedback within 2 weeks of the last testing day.
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$3,600-4,500. I can provide detailed superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. Many clients receive 50-80% reimbursement from their insurance company.
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No, it’s never too late! Adult diagnosis is common and valid, and can open the door to accommodations and self-understanding regardless of age.
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This comprehensive assessment evaluates multiple conditions. If autism is not present, I'll identify what is a better explanation of the difficulties (ADHD, anxiety, attachment disruptions, sensory processing issues, etc.) and provide appropriate recommendations.
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, please reach out to Dr. Saurber for an initial phone call.