Autism and Developmental Evaluations
Getting an autism or developmental evaluation for your child is important if you notice signs of developmental delays or differences, such as not meeting milestones, communication difficulties, behavioral concerns, academic challenges, or social interaction issues. An evaluation can provide clarity, guide interventions, and ensure your child receives the support they need to thrive. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes, helping your child develop essential skills and better adapt to their environment.
Reasons to seek an evaluation:
Developmental Concerns: If your child is not meeting typical developmental milestones in areas such as speech, motor skills, or social interactions, an evaluation can help determine the cause.
Behavioral Signs: Persistent behaviors such as difficulty with eye contact, repetitive actions, or challenges in adapting to changes might indicate developmental differences. An evaluation can provide clarity and direction for addressing these behaviors.
Communication Difficulties: If your child has trouble expressing themselves, understanding language, or interacting with peers, a professional assessment can identify any underlying issues and recommend strategies to improve communication skills.
Family History: If there is a history of autism or other developmental disorders in the family, evaluating your child can help detect any early signs and provide a proactive approach to support.
Healthcare Professional Recommendation: If your pediatrician or another healthcare provider suggests an evaluation based on observations during routine check-ups, it's wise to follow their advice to ensure your child’s development is on track.
Social Interaction Issues: Difficulty in forming relationships with peers or understanding social cues can be a sign of autism or other developmental disorders. An evaluation can help identify the best ways to support your child’s social development.
Early Intervention: Identifying developmental issues early allows for timely intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes. Early support can enhance your child’s ability to learn, communicate, and interact effectively.
While it is important to accurately answer whether or not a diagnosis is appropriate, I feel every child is unique and understanding a child’s strengths and areas of difficulty is essential. My goal is to work with families on how we can best support a child so they can show their best self!
What to expect:
Each evaluation is specific to the family’s needs and concerns. We will decide together what is needed for a thorough evaluation evaluation to answer questions and concerns you may have.
A 60 minute initial intake is scheduled with the parents to discuss concerns prior to the evaluation. A 60 minute feedback visit is also scheduled following the evaluation to discuss all of the results in detail.
Assessments provided: Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) measures to assess cognitive and developmental functioning, behavioral, social-emotional and daily living skills.
Cost:
$2000 for Intake, Evaluation, and Feedback visit.
We are currently out-of-network with all insurance plans. We are able to provide a Superbill for you to submit to insurance for any out-of-network benefits that you might have.
Stephanie Takamatsu, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Stephanie Takamatsu is a psychologist who provides individual therapy for adults to support their journey from pregnancy through the postpartum period, as well as child-parent therapy for a variety of concerns. She received her doctorate from University Missouri-Columbia, completed her internship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH and completed her fellowship at the Colorado Children’s Hospital in Aurora, CO, providing comprehensive assessments and treatment for concerns related to Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental delays. Most recently, she worked at the University of Colorado Hospital in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and created the NICU follow-up program to help families understand and support their child’s development over time.
