Autism & Psychiatric Evaluation

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This evaluation is completed in 4 appointments and assesses the presence or absence of signs or symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD.) We complete evaluations for 3 year olds and adults. For those younger than 6 years of age, we may be able to complete the evaluation in 3 appointments

 

The first appointment includes a psychiatric evaluation with only parents/guardians present for younger or non-verbal children, and with parents/guardians and child or teen if verbal. This will take approximately 1 1/2 hours.

If you have information from prior providers, school/teacher comments, school testing/progress reports, psychological testing/evaluations, medical/neurological history/information, it will be very helpful to bring this to the initial evaluation. 

Dr Weibrecht may also provide other screening forms for the parent/guardian to complete for full assessment.

 

In children who are older than 4 years old, there may be an additional ("second") appointment in order to parse out any other possible diagnoses that have overlapping signs and symptoms with autism. We want to be sure that we arrive at the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan/

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The second/third appointment consists of utilization of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - 2 (ADOS-2.) This has been considered the gold standard for screening of behaviors and more that may be present in individuals with ASD. This is completed with parents/guardians present for toddlers and younger children with speech delays, for example, and without parents/guardians in the room for older children and teens. However, parent/guardian must be present for drop off or wait in the lobby in these cases.

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The third/fourth appointment is held in order to summarize the findings on the ADOS-2, obtain additional information and further assess the child or teen. Recommendations for the child or teen will also be discussed. This appointment generally takes an hour. 

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