AUTISM EVALUATIONS
About Autism Evaluations
Seeking an autism evaluation can feel overwhelming. My goal is to provide a thoughtful, supportive evaluation process that offers understanding, practical recommendations, and a clear path forward.
What is the ADOS-2?
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), is considered the gold standard observational assessment for autism spectrum disorder. It is one component of a comprehensive evaluation and helps identify patterns of social communication and behavior associated with autism.
Through Figley Counseling & Associates, I provide ADOS-2 observations and comprehensive autism evaluations for individuals four years of age and older.
As a master’s-level evaluator trained through Western Psychological Services (WPS), I strive to make the evaluation process both thorough and compassionate.
Who May Benefit From an Evaluation?
Autism presents differently from one individual to another. Some children demonstrate noticeable communication differences early in life, while many verbally fluent children, adolescents, and adults are identified much later.
Common Reasons Families Seek an Evaluation
- Difficulty making or maintaining friendships
- Trouble understanding social situations or nonverbal communication
- Social anxiety or masking
- Advanced vocabulary but ongoing social challenges
- Exhaustion following school or social interaction
- Intense interests
- Sensory sensitivities
- Rigid thinking or routines
- Executive functioning difficulties
- Emotional outbursts or shutdowns
- Repetitive behaviors
What Is Included?
- Parent interview and developmental history
- ADOS-2 observation
- TONI-4 nonverbal cognitive assessment (when appropriate)
- Additional clinical assessment as indicated
- Comprehensive written report
- Feedback session reviewing results and recommendations
How Can an Evaluation Help?
An autism evaluation is about much more than receiving a diagnosis. For many individuals and families, it provides a framework for understanding lifelong strengths, challenges, and differences while offering practical recommendations for moving forward.
- Develop a deeper understanding of yourself or your child.
- Identify strengths as well as areas of challenge.
- Guide counseling and therapeutic interventions.
- Support educational planning and school accommodations.
- Provide documentation for services or supports when appropriate.
- Offer practical recommendations tailored to your unique situation.
What to Expect
Every evaluation is individualized, but the process generally includes:
- Initial consultation and scheduling.
- Clinical interview and developmental history.
- Administration of the ADOS-2 and any additional assessment measures.
- Careful scoring, interpretation, and report writing.
- A feedback session to discuss results, answer questions, and review recommendations.
My goal is for you to leave not only with answers, but with a clearer understanding of practical next steps.
My Approach
Receiving an autism evaluation can bring a mixture of emotions—relief, uncertainty, curiosity, hope, or even grief. My goal is to create an environment where individuals and families feel respected, understood, and supported throughout the process.
Every person has a unique story. Rather than simply identifying challenges, I strive to recognize strengths, celebrate individuality, and provide recommendations that are both practical and encouraging.
Whether the evaluation confirms autism or points in another direction, my hope is that you leave with greater clarity and confidence about the path ahead.
NEXT STEPS
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re ready to schedule your first appointment or simply have questions, I’d be honored to hear your story. Together we can determine whether counseling or an autism evaluation is the right next step for you or your family.
Not sure which service is the best fit? That’s perfectly okay. Reach out through the Contact page, and we’ll decide together.
McCain Counseling 