Autism Evaluations for Children

Who this evaluation is for

This evaluation is designed for school-age children (roughly ages 5–17) where there are concerns about autism spectrum disorder. I specialize in children who present in ways that standard assessments sometimes miss — including those who are social, verbal, high-achieving, or who have learned to mask their difficulties.

You don't need a referral, and your child doesn't need to have been evaluated before. If you're wondering, that's reason enough to find out.

What the evaluation includes

Every evaluation is tailored to your child's specific presentation and needs. A comprehensive autism evaluation typically includes:

• Detailed parent interview covering developmental history, current concerns, school performance, and social functioning
• Review of any prior evaluations, medical records, or school reports you choose to share
• Direct 1:1 testing with your child using standardized and non-standardized measures — including the ADOS-2 when appropriate
• Supplementary measures when the ADOS-2 alone may not capture the full picture (particularly for girls and high-masking children)
• Teacher rating forms and school input, as appropriate
• Comprehensive written report with diagnosis, interpretation, and specific recommendations
• Feedback session to review findings with parents and answer questions

A note on girls and atypical presentations

The standard diagnostic tools for autism were developed primarily on male samples — which means they can miss autism in children who don't fit the stereotypical profile. Girls, highly verbal children, and those who are socially motivated often "pass" screenings even when autism is present.

I specifically look for what standard tools miss. When the ADOS-2 isn't sensitive enough, I supplement with additional measures designed to identify more subtle or atypical presentations. For children whose presentation centers on extreme demand avoidance, a PDA-informed assessment may be more appropriate.

What you'll receive

A thorough written report that documents findings, provides a clear clinical conclusion, and — most importantly — translates everything into specific, actionable recommendations for your child's school, providers, and daily life. I write recommendations parents can actually use.

Have more questions? Visit our FAQ page for answers to the most common questions families ask before getting started.

Families seeking autism evaluations in Guilford, Madison, Branford, and across the Connecticut Shoreline are welcome to reach out for a free consultation.

Shapiro Psychology is located in Guilford, CT and serves families across Madison, Branford, Clinton, Old Saybrook, East Haven, North Haven, New Haven, and the Connecticut Shoreline.