Autism evaluations provide clarity for children, adolescents, and adults, whether you’re noticing social development differences in your child or have long felt different yourself. Our experienced team offers specialized assessments across Southern California, going beyond diagnosis to provide practical guidance for next steps. We’re committed to supporting you through every stage of the process with care and compassion.
Autism evaluations can offer the clarity you’ve been searching for—whether you’re observing differences in your child’s social development or have long felt distinct from your peers without fully understanding why. Our experienced group practice provides specialized autism assessment services for children, adolescents, and adults across Southern California.
Our autism evaluations extend beyond diagnostic determination alone. Through a comprehensive and thoughtful assessment process, we aim to identify autism spectrum disorder while also offering clear, practical guidance for next steps. We recognize that pursuing an evaluation can feel overwhelming, and our dedicated team is committed to fostering a supportive and compassionate environment throughout every stage of the process.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that influences how individuals experience, interpret, and engage with the world around them. Because autism exists on a spectrum, it presents uniquely in each person, with a distinct combination of strengths, differences, and support needs.
Common features associated with autism spectrum disorder may include:
Differences in social communication and social interaction
Repetitive behaviors or restricted patterns of interests
Sensory sensitivities or atypical sensory interests
A strong preference for routines, structure, and predictability
Deep focus or sustained interest in specific topics or activities
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States are identified as autistic. Early recognition and appropriate supports can meaningfully enhance development, learning, and overall quality of life, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive professional evaluation.
Autism can present differently based on age, gender, and individual characteristics. The following signs may suggest that a comprehensive professional assessment would be beneficial:
Delayed language development or loss of previously acquired skills
Limited eye contact or reduced social engagement
Strong preference for routines and difficulty with change
Atypical responses to sensory input (e.g., sounds, textures, lighting)
Repetitive movements or behaviors
Challenges with imaginative or pretend play
Research indicates that autism may present differently in boys and girls. Many girls develop effective social camouflaging strategies, which can obscure underlying challenges and make identification more difficult without a thorough evaluation.
Difficulty navigating complex social relationships at school
Heightened distress with transitions or unexpected changes
Intense interests that are notable for their depth or focus
Sensory sensitivities that interfere with daily functioning
Executive functioning challenges, including organization and planning
Increased anxiety in social situations
A longstanding sense of feeling “different” or out of place
Social fatigue or exhaustion following interpersonal interactions
Difficulty managing workplace social expectations despite strong skills
A strong need for routine, structure, and predictability
Challenges with multitasking, planning, and executive functioning
Many adults with undiagnosed autism develop compensatory strategies that mask more traditional signs, making specialized assessment particularly important later in life.
Our practice utilizes a thorough, individualized approach to autism evaluation that considers developmental history, current functioning, and personal strengths and needs. Evaluations typically include:
Discussion of concerns and developmental background
Review of functioning across home, school, work, and social settings
Overview of the assessment process and expected timeline
Standardized measures assessing autism-related characteristics
Direct behavioral observation
Cognitive and adaptive functioning assessment
Sensory processing evaluation
Screening for co-occurring conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and learning differences
Input from family members or significant others
Review of relevant records and previous evaluations
Observation in naturalistic settings when appropriate
Clear explanation of assessment findings
Collaborative development of individualized recommendations
A detailed, comprehensive written report
Our evaluations extend beyond determining whether diagnostic criteria are met. We provide a holistic understanding of each individual’s unique profile, along with actionable recommendations tailored to their specific goals and support needs.
A comprehensive autism assessment conducted by qualified clinicians can offer meaningful benefits, including:
Enhanced Self-Understanding — Helping individuals make sense of lifelong experiences, reduce self-blame, and foster self-compassion.
Access to Appropriate Supports and Interventions — A formal diagnosis may facilitate access to specialized therapies and support services.
Early Intervention for Children — Research consistently shows that early, targeted intervention leads to improved developmental outcomes.
Educational Planning and Support — Evaluation findings can guide effective educational accommodations and services throughout California school systems.
Improved Family Understanding — Families gain insight into their loved one’s experiences, promoting stronger communication and support.
Workplace Accommodations for Adults — Assessment results can inform reasonable workplace adjustments that support strengths and address challenges.
Autism spectrum disorder is one of several developmental conditions that may impact cognitive, social, communicative, or adaptive functioning. Our practice provides comprehensive evaluations to identify developmental disabilities and guide appropriate intervention planning.
We also assess for commonly co-occurring conditions, including:
Intellectual disability
ADHD
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Learning disabilities
Language disorders
Sensory processing differences
Understanding the full clinical picture, including co-occurring conditions, is essential for developing effective, individualized treatment and support plans.