Early Developmental Assessment
Child & toddler autism evaluation
If you've noticed your young child communicating, playing, or connecting a little differently, a careful evaluation can bring clarity and a path forward. This is a comprehensive, in-person developmental assessment by a licensed psychologist — gentle, child-led, and focused on understanding your child's strengths as well as their needs.
What it is & who it's for
A caring look at how your child grows and connects
Noticing developmental differences early is a sign of attentive, loving parenting — and getting answers sooner opens more doors. This evaluation looks closely at communication, social interaction, play, sensory experiences, and routines, drawing on what you share, structured play-based observation, and developmental measures. It's an assessment, not a predetermined result, and it always honors who your child already is.
Families often come to us when a young child:
- Is slower to develop speech or uses language in their own way
- Makes limited eye contact or shows social interaction differences
- Plays in repetitive or highly focused ways, or lines things up
- Relies heavily on routines, with big reactions to change
- Seems especially sensitive to sounds, textures, lights, or movement
- Has been flagged by a pediatrician, daycare, or early-childhood program
We use affirming, strengths-based language throughout. The goal is to understand your child as a whole person — their gifts alongside the areas where they may need support — never to frame difference as something to be fixed.
What the process looks like
A gentle, developmental, in-person process
- Free consult. A short conversation with you to hear your observations and confirm an evaluation is the right next step.
- Parent interview & history. A thorough developmental history — pregnancy, milestones, daily routines, and the moments that brought you in.
- Questionnaires. Standardized forms for parents, and sometimes caregivers or teachers, completed securely.
- Play-based observation. An in-person, child-led session using developmental measures, designed to feel comfortable and unhurried for your child.
- Scoring & interpretation. The psychologist integrates every source into one clear developmental picture.
- Feedback session. We sit down together, explain the findings in plain language, and map out supports.
- Written report. You receive a detailed report you own, ready to share with the programs and providers you choose.
In person, by appointment. Because young-child evaluations rely on hands-on developmental observation, this assessment is conducted in person — currently on Thursdays. We'll find a time that works at your consult.
Pricing & transparency
Simple self-pay, no surprises
The child and toddler autism evaluation is priced individually and confirmed during your free consultation, billed as transparent self-pay. Because we don't work through insurance, there's no months-long waitlist — which matters most when your child is young and early supports count.
Why self-pay works in your favor
- No insurance waitlist — early evaluation when it matters most
- Your child's records stay private
- A senior clinician's attention from start to finish
Good Faith Estimate
Before any testing begins, you'll receive a Good Faith Estimate in writing — your right under the federal No Surprises Act. Clear costs, agreed up front.
Turnaround
How long it takes
After your child's in-person session, the written report is typically completed within 1–2 weeks. We'll confirm the timeline at your consult so you can plan next steps with confidence.
What your report can be used for
A foundation for the right supports
Early-intervention services
Documentation to help connect your child with early-intervention programs.
School supports
Findings that inform conversations about classroom supports and accommodations.
Access to therapies
A basis for pursuing speech, occupational, behavioral, and developmental therapies that fit.
Understanding strengths & needs
A clear picture of how your child experiences the world — gifts included.
Out-of-network & reimbursement. As a self-pay practice, services are out-of-network. We provide superbills on request — if your plan has out-of-network benefits, a superbill can be submitted for possible partial reimbursement. See Fees & Insurance for details.
Questions
Child autism evaluation FAQ
Is my child too young to be evaluated?
Developmental evaluations can be appropriate for very young children, including toddlers. Bring your questions to the free consult and we'll talk through what's right for your child's age and situation.
Does the evaluation have to be in person?
Yes. For young children, hands-on developmental observation is essential, so this evaluation is conducted in person — currently on Thursdays, by appointment.
Will the visit be hard on my child?
The session is child-led, unhurried, and built around play. We work to keep it comfortable, and you're closely involved throughout.
Will my child definitely receive a diagnosis?
An evaluation is a careful assessment, not a predetermined outcome. The report reflects what the observation and developmental history actually show, with practical recommendations either way.
How do I get started?
Begin with a free 20-minute consult. We'll listen to your observations and, if it's a fit, schedule the in-person evaluation.
Noticing differences in your little one?
Start with a free 20-minute consult. We'll listen with care and help you understand the right next step — no pressure.