Child & Adolescent
Autism Evaluation

At Curious Minds, our Child Autism Evaluations are designed for children who may be on the autism spectrum or for parents seeking a deeper understanding of their child's cognitive and behavioral nuances. Supported by our compassionate and experienced licensed psychologists, our evaluations aim to decode the unique intricacies of your child's cognitive processes, paving the path for targeted interventions and a brighter future.

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What is a Child Autism Evaluation?

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A Child Autism Evaluation is a comprehensive exploration of your child's cognitive, behavioral, and social patterns to identify potential markers of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our evaluations comprehensively survey areas of communication, social interactions, and repetitive behaviors, offering a compassionate understanding of your child's world. Every evaluation takes place in a child-friendly and nurturing environment, ensuring a comforting experience for both you and your child.

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Curious minds want to know…How can having an autism evaluation help my child or adolescent?

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• Understanding: Gain a holistic picture of your child's cognitive, social, and behavioral landscape.

• Validation: An autism diagnosis can provide clarity, confirming suspicions and grounding future interventions in solid understanding.

• Tailored Interventions: Knowing your child's unique spectrum of abilities allows for the creation of individualized support strategies.

• Optimized Learning: Insights from the evaluation can help in tailoring educational environments for optimal learning experiences.

• Enhanced Social Skills: Interventions informed by the evaluation can aid in developing essential social skills, enriching your child's interactions.

• Resource Access: A confirmed diagnosis provides access to a host of resources, therapies, and specialized support tailored for children with ASD.

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A Child Autism Evaluation at Curious Minds is a significant stride towards unlocking the beautiful spectrum of your child's world. By understanding their unique cognitive and behavioral patterns, we stand beside you in ensuring that they receive the best care, intervention, and support. Reach out to us today and take the first step in understanding and celebrating your child's unique way of perceiving the world.

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How to Prepare for a Psychological Evaluation: 

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• Get a Good Night's Sleep: A well-rested mind can better focus and engage in the testing process.

• Eat a Balanced Meal: Hunger can distract you. Ensure you have a nutritious meal before the test, especially if you know the assessment will be long.

• Dress Comfortably: Wear something you feel relaxed in, as you might be sitting for a while.

• Stay Calm and Honest: Answer questions honestly and try not to overthink.

• Come Prepared: Gather historical information that may be relevant to the current evaluation. This may include medical records, prior psychological evaluations, school report cards, work performance reviews, or Individualized Educational Programs (school IEP’s). Bring an up-to-date list of all prescription medications and supplements you are taking.

 
What to Expect During the Testing Process: 

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• Initial Interview: Psychological Evaluations start with an initial interview to understand the reason for testing and gather background information. This guides decision-making regarding what tests are needed to answer the referral question.

• Varied Testing Methods: Depending on the purpose, you might encounter different testing methods, from multiple-choice questions to interactive tasks or open-ended questions. Curious Minds utilizes the latest psychological testing technology with computer based testing as well as interactive testing measures.

• Breaks: If the testing session is long, you'll typically be given short breaks.

• Safe Environment: The psychologist will ensure that the testing environment is comfortable and free from distractions.

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What to Expect After the Testing Process: 

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• Debriefing: After the testing session, brief impressions may be provided and a feedback session will be scheduled.

• Detailed Report: You'll receive a comprehensive report detailing the test results, interpretations, diagnosis and recommendations during the feedback session.

• Discussion and Clarifications: The psychologist will discuss the findings with you, helping you understand the results and answering any questions.