Assessment for Autism
Spectrum Disorder
Multi-disciplinary autism assessments for children, youth, and adults in Edmonton & St. Albert. Our evaluations provide insights into social-communication skills, sensory processing, and adaptive strengths. We work to understand each individual's neurodevelopmental profile and develop strategies that support success and wellbeing in all areas of life.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, processes sensory information, and experiences the world. Every individual with autism is unique, with their own pattern of strengths and challenges.
A comprehensive autism assessment is essential for:
Obtaining an accurate diagnosis
Understanding your or your child's unique profile
Identifying strengths to build upon
Accessing appropriate support services and funding
Developing tailored intervention strategies
Advocating for accommodations in school or work settings
Gaining clarity and self-understanding
Understanding Autism Assessments
Investment &
Insurance Coverage
Priced at $2,190, this assessment includes:
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What It Is:
We begin with an in-depth interview to gather essential developmental, medical, social, and behavioral history.
For Children and Youth:
Parents or caregivers provide detailed information about:
Developmental milestones (when did they start talking, walking, etc.)
Early childhood behaviors and social interactions
Current concerns and challenges
Strengths and interests
Behavioral patterns at home, school, and in the community
Sensory sensitivities or preferences
Communication style and abilities
For Adults:
We conduct a self-report interview, along with gathering information from family members (when possible) about:
Childhood developmental history
Current social, occupational, and daily living challenges
Strengths and areas of interest
Previous diagnoses or assessments
Goals for the assessment
Why It Matters:
This detailed background information is crucial for understanding the individual's unique profile and interpreting assessment results accurately. Your insights provide context that standardized tests alone cannot capture.
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The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is the gold-standard, internationally recognized assessment tool for evaluating autism spectrum disorder.
How It Works:
The ADOS-2 involves a series of structured and semi-structured activities designed to observe:
Social communication and interaction
Restricted and repetitive behaviors
Play skills (for younger children)
Conversation and social reciprocity
Use of gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact
What It Looks Like:
For younger children: Play-based activities, interactive games, and social tasks
For older children and teens: Conversation tasks, social scenarios, and structured activities
For adults: Interview-style conversation combined with interactive tasks
The assessment is conducted in a comfortable, supportive environment and feels natural and engaging for the individual being assessed.
Why It's Important:
The ADOS-2 provides standardized, reliable observations of social communication and behavior that are essential for accurate autism diagnosis. It's recognized by professionals, schools, and support services worldwide.
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Our multidisciplinary team evaluates both cognitive abilities and language/communication skills to understand the full picture.
Cognitive Assessment (Conducted by Psychologist):
Age-appropriate cognitive testing may include:
Problem-solving and reasoning skills
Visual-spatial abilities
Memory and attention
Processing speed
Adaptive functioning (daily living skills)
Language and Communication Assessment (Conducted by Speech-Language Pathologist):
Comprehensive evaluation of:
Expressive and receptive language abilities
Vocabulary and word knowledge
Sentence structure and grammar
Social communication skills (pragmatics)
Nonverbal communication (gestures, facial expressions)
Conversational abilities and turn-taking
Understanding of figurative language, humor, and sarcasm
Why It Matters:
Understanding cognitive strengths and language abilities helps us differentiate autism from other conditions, identify co-occurring challenges, and develop tailored recommendations. Many individuals with autism have uneven skill profiles, and identifying these patterns is essential for effective support.
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We assess behavioral patterns, emotional regulation, and social-emotional functioning to understand how autism may impact daily life.
What We Evaluate:
Social skills and peer relationships
Emotional regulation and coping strategies
Adaptive behaviors (self-care, independence)
Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
Sensory sensitivities and responses
Attention and executive functioning
Anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges (common in individuals with autism)
Assessment Tools May Include:
Behavioral rating scales (completed by parents, teachers, or self-report)
Direct observation during assessment activities
Structured interviews about daily functioning
Why It Matters:
Autism affects more than just social communication—it impacts emotional well-being, daily routines, sensory experiences, and overall quality of life. Understanding these areas allows us to provide comprehensive, holistic recommendations.
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After completing all assessment components, we schedule a thorough debrief meeting to discuss our findings, answer your questions, and provide guidance.
What Happens:
We explain the assessment results in clear, compassionate, and understandable language
We discuss whether diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder are met
We review your or your child's unique strengths and areas of challenge
We provide specific, actionable recommendations for support, therapy, accommodations, and resources
We answer all your questions and address your concerns
We discuss next steps, including referrals and available services in your area
Timing:
The debrief meeting is typically scheduled within 2-3 weeks of the assessment date.
Why It Matters:
We want to ensure you fully understand the results and feel empowered to move forward with confidence. This is an opportunity for open dialogue, collaborative planning, and compassionate support.
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You will receive a comprehensive written report that documents all assessment findings, diagnostic impressions, and recommendations.
What's Included:
Detailed background and developmental history
Description of all assessment tools and procedures used
Test scores and interpretations
Observations of behavior, communication, and social interaction
Diagnostic summary (including whether ASD criteria are met according to DSM-5 standards)
Strengths and areas of challenge
Specific, individualized recommendations for:
Parents and family members
Teachers and school teams
Therapists and other professionals
Workplace accommodations (for adults)
Referrals to additional services, therapies, or support programs
Resources and next steps
Report Length:
Typically 20-30 pages, providing a thorough and professional document.
Why It Matters:
This report serves as essential documentation for:
Accessing therapy services and support programs
Applying for funding (e.g., Family Support for Children with Disabilities, AISH)
Advocating for school accommodations or IEP development
Workplace accommodations
Self-understanding and advocacy
Medical and therapeutic planning
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Good News: Most Extended Health Benefit Plans Cover Autism Assessments
Autism spectrum disorder assessments conducted by registered psychologists are typically covered by extended health insurance plans under psychological services.
What to Know:
Coverage amounts and annual limits vary by insurance plan
Most plans cover psychology services with limits ranging from $500-$2,000+ per year
Speech-language pathology services may be covered separately under paramedical benefits
Some plans cover the full cost; others cover a portion
We recommend checking with your insurance provider before scheduling to understand your specific benefits
How It Works:
We provide detailed receipts with all necessary information for insurance reimbursement
Receipts clearly itemize services by practitioner (psychologist and speech-language pathologist)
You submit the receipt to your insurance provider for reimbursement
We do not offer direct billing at this time
Any remaining balance not covered by insurance can be claimed as a medical expense on your taxes
Check With Your Provider:
Before booking, we encourage you to contact your insurance company and ask:
"Does my plan cover autism assessments by a registered psychologist?"
"Does my plan cover speech-language pathology services?"
"What are my annual coverage limits for psychological services and speech-language pathology?"
"Do I need a referral from a physician for coverage?"
"Can I use both my and my spouse's benefits to maximize coverage?"
Additional Assessment Options
We understand that each child is unique, which is why we offer additional assessment options to address specific concerns.
If you wish to add one or more of these areas of assessment, additional fees may apply.
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You may wish to also have your child assessed in the areas of cognition, learning and social-emotional development.
The cost for an autism assessment plus psychoeducational assessment with a Registered Psychologist is $3,400.
If a Speech-Language Pathologist is also needed for the autism assessment portion, there will be an additional cost of $600. After an initial phone call, we will help determine if a Speech-Language Pathologist is required for your child’s assessment.
You can learn more about our psychoeducational assessments by visiting here. -
For children exhibiting signs of attention difficulties or hyperactivity, we utilize the Conners-3, a gold-standard tool for screening Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms. This assessment provides valuable insights into:
Inattention and distractibility levels
Hyperactivity and impulsivity
Executive functioning skills
By identifying ADHD symptoms early, we can recommend appropriate interventions, accommodations, and support services available in Edmonton, St. Albert and surrounding areas. This evaluation is particularly beneficial for children struggling with focus at home or academic settings.
If parents consent, we are always open to collaborating with a child's school team to learn more about how the child functions in other areas of their daily life.
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Anxiety can significantly impact a child's learning and communication abilities. We offer age-appropriate anxiety assessments to evaluate anxiety levels across different age groups:
PAS (Preschool Anxiety Scale) for younger children
SCARED (Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders) for school-age children
BAI (Beck Anxiety Inventory) for teens and adults
These tools help us understand the nature and severity of anxiety symptoms, allowing us to tailor our speech therapy and educational recommendations accordingly. We can guide you towards appropriate mental health resources in your area and suggest strategies to manage anxiety in various settings.
The Power of Two Disciplines
Autism spectrum disorder affects multiple areas of functioning—social interaction, communication, behavior, and cognition. A single professional cannot fully capture this complexity. That's why our multidisciplinary approach is powerful.
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What a Psychologist Brings:
In-depth understanding of behavior, cognition, and development
Expertise in social-emotional functioning and mental health
Skill in administering and interpreting the ADOS-2 (gold standard autism assessment)
Ability to assess cognitive abilities, adaptive functioning, and executive skills
Knowledge of co-occurring conditions (ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities)
Why It Matters:
A psychologist can evaluate the broader behavioral and cognitive patterns that characterize autism, identify strengths and challenges, and differentiate autism from other developmental or psychological conditions.
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What a Speech-Language Pathologist Brings:
Specialized knowledge of communication development and disorders
Expertise in language assessment (expressive, receptive, pragmatic)
Skill in evaluating social communication skills
Understanding of nonverbal communication (gestures, eye contact, facial expressions)
Ability to assess conversational abilities, perspective-taking, and social language
Why It Matters:
A speech-language pathologist provides critical insights into how autism affects communication—one of the core diagnostic features. They can identify specific language strengths and needs that inform diagnosis and intervention planning.
Better Together
When a psychologist and speech-language pathologist work together, you receive:
A more accurate diagnosis: Two professionals observing from different perspectives reduces the risk of misdiagnosis
Comprehensive evaluation: All areas of functioning are thoroughly assessed
Richer insights: Different disciplinary lenses reveal a fuller picture of strengths and challenges
Holistic recommendations: Interventions address communication, behavior, cognition, and social-emotional needs
Collaborative expertise: Our team discusses findings together to ensure consistency and accuracy
The Result:
A thorough, accurate, and compassionate assessment that leads to effective intervention planning and meaningful support.
Why This Investment Matters
An autism assessment is a life-changing investment. For many individuals and families, receiving an autism diagnosis provides:
Clarity and understanding about themselves or their child
Access to services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral support
Eligibility for funding (e.g., Family Support for Children with Disabilities, AISH, PUF)
School accommodations that support learning and social success
Workplace accommodations that enable adults to thrive professionally
Self-advocacy skills and a framework for understanding strengths and needs
Community and connection with others who share similar experiences
Many families and individuals find that the insights, support, and opportunities that follow a comprehensive autism assessment are invaluable.
What to Expect: The Autism Assessment Process
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Reach out to our team to discuss your concerns and learn about our autism assessment process.
What Happens:
You'll speak with a member of our team about the individual's challenges, behaviors, and your goals for the assessment
We'll explain what the assessment includes, how it works, and answer your initial questions
We'll discuss pricing, insurance coverage, and scheduling
We'll determine if our autism assessment is the right fit for your needs
Next Steps:
If you decide to move forward, we'll schedule your interview and assessment appointments.
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Before the formal assessment, we gather detailed background information through an in-depth interview.
For Parents/Caregivers:
We'll discuss your child's:
Developmental history and milestones
Social and communication behaviors
Behavioral patterns, interests, and routines
Sensory sensitivities
Strengths and challenges across settings
Current functioning at home, school, or in the community
For Adults Seeking Assessment:
We'll discuss:
Your childhood developmental history (with input from family, if possible)
Current social, communication, and occupational challenges
Strengths, interests, and preferences
Previous diagnoses or assessments
Your goals and questions
Format:
This interview can be conducted in-person at our St. Albert location.
Why It's Important:
This conversation provides essential context for interpreting assessment results and understanding your unique profile.
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The individual (child, youth, or adult) will participate in the ADOS-2 assessment and additional evaluations with our psychologist and speech-language pathologist.
What to Expect:
The ADOS-2 involves engaging, structured activities (play, conversation, social tasks)
Cognitive and language assessments may be conducted
Behavioral observations occur throughout
Breaks are provided as needed
The environment is comfortable, supportive, and judgment-free
What It Looks Like:
For children: Play-based activities, games, interactive tasks
For teens and adults: Conversation, social scenarios, structured tasks
Preparation Tips:
For children: Explain that they'll be doing activities, playing games, and talking with friendly professionals
For adults: Come with an open mind and be yourself—there are no right or wrong answers
Bring any comfort items, favorite snacks, or sensory supports if needed
Location:
All assessments are conducted in-person at our St. Albert location in comfortable, sensory-friendly rooms.
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After the assessment, our team carefully scores all tests, analyzes results, and collaborates to write a comprehensive report.
What Happens:
Assessment data is reviewed and interpreted
The psychologist and speech-language pathologist discuss findings together
Diagnostic impressions are formed based on DSM-5 criteria
Specific, individualized recommendations are developed
A detailed report is written
Timeline:
This thorough process typically takes 2-3 weeks to complete.
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We schedule a meeting to review the assessment findings, discuss the diagnosis, and answer all your questions.
What We Cover:
Explanation of all assessment results
Discussion of whether autism spectrum disorder diagnostic criteria are met
Review of strengths and areas of challenge
Social communication and behavioral patterns observed
Co-occurring challenges (if identified)
Detailed recommendations for support, therapy, and accommodations
Resources, referrals, and next steps
Your Opportunity:
Ask questions, seek clarification, and discuss how to move forward with confidence and support.
Timeline:
The debrief meeting is typically scheduled within 2-3 weeks of the assessment date.
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Following the debrief, you'll receive your detailed diagnostic and interpretive report.
What You'll Receive:
A professional, comprehensive report (typically 20-30 pages)
Diagnostic summary and DSM-5 criteria analysis
Test scores and interpretations
Behavioral observations and clinical impressions
Specific recommendations tailored to your needs
Resources and referrals
How to Use It:
Access therapy services (speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA)
Apply for funding and support programs
Advocate for school accommodations or IEP development
Request workplace accommodations (for adults)
Share with medical and therapeutic professionals
Develop self-understanding and advocacy skills
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Our support doesn't end when you receive your report. We're here to help you navigate next steps.
Ongoing Support:
Questions about the report or recommendations? Reach out anytime.
Need help communicating findings to schools or other professionals? We can provide guidance.
Looking for therapy or support services? We can refer you to appropriate resources in your area.
School and Workplace Collaboration:
With your consent, we're happy to communicate with schools, employers, or other professionals to discuss findings and recommendations.
Follow-Up:
If new concerns arise or circumstances change, we're here to support you.
FAQs
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The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is the internationally recognized "gold standard" assessment for autism spectrum disorder. It involves structured and semi-structured activities—such as play for younger children or conversation tasks for older individuals—designed to observe social communication, interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors. The ADOS-2 provides standardized, reliable observations that are essential for accurate autism diagnosis and is recognized by professionals, schools, and support services worldwide.
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We conduct autism assessments for individuals of all ages—children, youth, teens, and adults. Our assessment tools and approach are tailored to the individual's age and developmental level. Whether you're seeking a diagnosis for your preschooler, school-aged child, teenager, or yourself as an adult, we have the expertise to conduct a thorough and accurate evaluation.
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The assessment process typically takes 2-4 hours with the individual being assessed, including the ADOS-2, cognitive testing, and language evaluation. This does not include the parent/caregiver interview (60-90 minutes) or the debrief meeting (60-90 minutes). The entire process from initial contact to receiving your written report usually takes 4-6 weeks.
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Most extended health insurance plans and employee benefit programs cover autism assessments conducted by registered psychologists and speech-language pathologists. Coverage amounts and annual limits vary by plan. We recommend reviewing your insurance policy or speaking directly with your provider to understand your specific coverage. We provide detailed receipts for insurance reimbursement. Many plans have separate allowances for psychology and speech-language pathology services, which may increase your total coverage for this multidisciplinary assessment.
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If the assessment does not support an autism diagnosis, that's valuable information too. Our comprehensive evaluation will still identify strengths, challenges, and areas of need. We may identify other conditions (such as ADHD, language disorders, anxiety, or learning disabilities) that explain the difficulties you're experiencing. Our report will include specific recommendations for support, therapy, and resources, regardless of whether autism criteria are met. You'll leave with clarity and direction.
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Yes, we can assess young children for autism spectrum disorder. Early diagnosis is valuable because early intervention leads to the best outcomes. The ADOS-2 includes modules specifically designed for toddlers and young children. However, autism can be more challenging to diagnose in very young children, and sometimes a "wait and monitor" approach with early intervention services is recommended. We'll provide guidance tailored to your child's age and developmental stage.
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Absolutely. We conduct autism assessments for adults seeking diagnosis or clarity. Many adults discover they have autism later in life, and receiving a diagnosis can be life-changing—providing self-understanding, access to support, workplace accommodations, and connection to the autism community. Our ADOS-2 assessment includes modules designed specifically for adolescents and adults. We approach adult assessments with sensitivity, respect, and an understanding of the unique experiences and strengths of autistic adults.
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For children, talk to them beforehand to help them know what to expect. Explain that they'll be doing fun activities and games with friendly people. For adults, come with an open mind and be yourself—there are no right or wrong answers. It's helpful to gather any previous assessment reports, medical records, or school documents beforehand. Think about examples of behaviors or challenges you'd like to discuss. Bring comfort items, snacks, or sensory supports if needed. Most importantly, rest well the night before and arrive ready to engage.
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Yes. Our autism assessments are comprehensive, conducted by experienced registered professionals, and meet professional and educational standards. Schools in Alberta recognize and accept autism diagnoses from qualified psychologists. Our detailed report includes specific recommendations for school accommodations, IEP development, and educational support. With your consent, we're happy to communicate directly with your child's school team to discuss findings and recommendations.
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Yes. A formal autism diagnosis opens the door to many funding programs and support services, including:
Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) for adults
Program Unit Funding (PUF) for preschoolers
School-based supports and accommodations
Therapy services (speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral support)
Community programs and social groups
Our comprehensive report provides the documentation needed to apply for these programs.
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An autism assessment specifically evaluates whether an individual meets diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder, focusing on social communication, behavior, and sensory differences. A psychoeducational assessment evaluates cognitive abilities, academic skills, and learning challenges (such as learning disabilities or ADHD) to support educational planning. While there is some overlap, they serve different purposes. Some individuals may benefit from both assessments. We can help you determine which assessment (or both) is right for your needs.
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It's common for autism to co-occur with other conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities, or sensory processing challenges. Our comprehensive assessment evaluates multiple areas of functioning and can identify co-occurring conditions. If we identify additional challenges, we'll include that information in our report along with recommendations for addressing each area of need. Understanding the full picture allows for more effective, holistic support.