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Autism Testing for
Children & Teenagers
Get Diagnosed
Get the Clarity Your Child Deserves.
Overview of the Testing Process
Step One: The Consultation
Once you speak with our care-coordinator and feel comfortable getting your child started, they will be scheduled for the consultation with the testing specialist. Consultations are conducted through a convenient and private video session. If you and the testing specialist agree you child is the right fit for the full testing process, you will then move forward with the next phase.
Step Two: The Evaluation and Assessment
During this process, you and your child will meet with the clinical psychologist you have been matched with, either through telehealth video sessions or in-person at our San Francisco office. The full process varies in the amount of time it takes to complete depending on the complexity of testing that needs to be done. This will be discussed during the consultation, so you will have a better understanding of how long it will take to get an accurate and valid diagnosis. Total testing time is 10-12 hours for most individuals. It consists of a clinical interview, a battery of forms and tests, and collateral interviews. Once all testing is completed and all the data is gathered, the clinician will score and interpret all of the results. They will then integrate this information into a comprehensive report which includes any relevant diagnosis and treatment recommendations. This thorough process is considered the gold standard for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in children and adolescents.
Step Three: The Feedback Session
After completing the consultation and testing process for autism, you will have a final feedback session with your clinician. In this session, they will review any diagnosis they have come up with, help you understand their reasoning, and answer any questions you have about your results. They will recommend next steps, such as working with another care provider or therapist, and give you a better understanding of how this affects your day to day life. You will leave the testing process with a better understanding of your experience and what to do about it.
Why comprehensive testing for Autism Spectrum Disorder?
If you want to seek out the most useful treatment and resources, you need to accurately diagnose the problem.
This can be difficult with Autism Spectrum Disorder. While there are questionnaires and other informal measures, these don’t deliver a high degree of confidence and reliability. When the picture is more complicated, it requires a skilled and knowledgeable expert to provide an accurate diagnosis.
An accurate diagnosis will allow you to better understand why you are the way you are, and identify resources to help you excel.
Meet our testing specialists
Autism Testing For Children
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents may notice differences in social communication, limited eye contact, delayed speech, intense focus on specific interests, or strong reactions to sensory input. These signs can appear in early childhood or become more noticeable during school years when social demands increase.
For teenagers, evaluations emphasize social relationships, school performance, and emotional regulation. Testing also considers life transitions such as preparing for high school, college, or employment. The process remains comprehensive, but the questions and recommendations are tailored to an older child’s developmental stage.
Yes. Comprehensive autism evaluations often screen for co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or depression. This ensures your child receives a complete picture of their strengths and challenges, which is essential for effective treatment and educational planning.
An accurate diagnosis can lead to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan. These programs can provide support such as social skills training, speech therapy, or sensory-friendly accommodations to help your child succeed academically and socially.
Yes. SF Stress & Anxiety Center offers secure video consultations for the initial meeting and, when appropriate, parts of the assessment. Some tests may require in-person visits to ensure accuracy, but telehealth options increase flexibility for families.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, but most evaluations include an initial consultation, testing sessions, and a feedback meeting. Your testing specialist will provide a detailed schedule and explain how much time to expect from start to finish.
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. While children can develop new skills and benefit from therapies that improve communication and daily functioning, autism itself is not something a child outgrows. Early and ongoing support can, however, make a significant difference in independence and quality of life.
Explain that the evaluation is not a test they can pass or fail but an opportunity to better understand how they learn and interact. Make sure your child is well rested and bring any school reports, previous assessments, or notes from teachers to help the clinician form a complete picture.
ONLINE ANXIETY THERAPY, COUNSELING & COACHING
Video & Phone Sessions
Video and phone sessions are a convenient solution for people who can’t find a specialist in their area or would rather not drive across town to an appointment. Research has proven that remote and in-person sessions are equally effective.
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