Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects how a child communicates and interacts with others, as well as how they perceive and process sensory information. It is a spectrum disorder, which means that the severity and symptoms can vary greatly from child to child. Some children with autism may have difficulty with social interactions, communication, and may engage in repetitive behaviors or have a narrow range of interests. Others may have more severe symptoms and may need significant support with daily activities. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference in the long-term development and quality of life of a child with autism. It is important for parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to work together to identify and address the needs of a child with autism, and to provide them with the necessary supports and accommodations to enable them to reach their full potential.

The first step is typically to consult with a pediatrician, who can perform developmental screenings and refer the child to an autism specialist for a more thorough evaluation. In order to receive funding in BC, autism assessments must be completed in a specific way. Over the course of more than a decade, we have conducted hundreds of such evaluations. We provide autism assessment for children as young as 1 year-old all the way up to adulthood.

Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be challenging because the condition presents differently in each individual. It often requires a comprehensive evaluation by a team of professionals with expertise in the diagnosis of ASD, such as a psychiatrist, pediatrician, psychologist, or a speech therapist. At All Brains, our autism assessment team includes all those experts. We use a combination of techniques such as observations, interviews with parents and caregivers, developmental assessments, and standardized tests. Remember that early diagnosis and intervention can lead to better outcomes for individuals with ASD, so it is important to seek a professional opinion if there are concerns about a child's social development.

Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can also be challenging, as the condition affects individuals differently and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. At All Brains Clinic, our team of experts is dedicated to providing comprehensive and individualized care for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We understand that each individual with ASD is unique and requires a tailored approach to treatment. Our team includes expert psychiatrists, psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists, who work together to provide a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis.

We use evidence-based therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech and language therapy to help individuals with ASD improve their communication skills and behavior. We also provide social skills training to help individuals with ASD develop friendships and interact with others. Our occupational therapists help individuals with ASD develop fine motor skills and improve their ability to perform daily activities.

We also may recommend medications to treat specific symptoms associated with ASD, such as anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) if necessary. We work closely with families and caregivers to support the individual with ASD in their treatment journey and to ensure that the treatment plan is tailored to the individual's needs.

At All Brains Clinic, we are committed to providing the highest quality care for individuals with ASD and ensuring that they receive the support they need to reach their full potential.

At All Brains, we provide a comprehensive autism assessment that involves a multi-disciplinary team of experts. Our assessments include a thorough evaluation of any mental health problems, speech and language assessemnt, adaptive behavior assessment, and depending of the age and need, cognitive assessment. Click here for a step-by-step breakdown of the assessment procedure for our comprehensive Autism Assessment.

At All Brains, we are autism experts; our assessment, though, goes well beyond autism.

• Our comprehensive ASD assessment includes a full mental health evaluation to look for other coexisting conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, tics, and so on.
• Also, all of our ASD assessments include a speech and language pathology (SLP) evaluation. For kids under the age of 6, having an SLP assessment is required to qualify for autism funding. The main reason we include SLP in all of our ASD assessments, even for children 6 and above, is that our speech and language pathologists are also autism experts. We use SLP as another lens to complement our ASD assessment.
• For kids under the age of 6, we include cognitive testing, which is another requirement for funding. For kids 6 and above, cognitive assessment is included whenever we feel indicated (at no extra charge).
• ASD assessment at All Brains comes packaged with post-assessment support. For children under 6, we offer one session of parent training to help parents receive some practical tips on how to support their child. In addition, every family will have access to our highly sought-after Resource Liaison service , which connects them with support and resources tailored to their specific needs and available in their community.

At All Brains, we have assessed thousands of toddlers, preschoolers, children, and teens. While it is never too late, early intervention is always the best. At any age, positive outcomes are possible with the right treatment plan. At All Brains, we provide comprehensive ASD assessments to toddlers as young as 12 months old who have no speech, adults who are verbally fluent, and people of all ages in between.

Absolutely! A comprehensive assessment of strengths and weaknesses is crucial to putting together a specifically tailored treatment plan for your child's needs. We discuss those recommendations in detail with you during our feedback session and reflect them in our report. But that’s not all. We have included post-assessment support as part of the assessment package to jumpstart the treatment process. Here are some of the treatment options backed by science for your preschooler or teen with autism:

• Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA): This is a widely used and evidence-based intervention that focuses on teaching new skills and reducing problem behaviors through positive reinforcement and repetition.
• Speech and language therapy: This can help improve communication skills and social interactions.
• Occupational therapy: This can help with fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living skills.
• Social skills training: This can help teach children with ASD how to interact with others and understand social cues.
• Parent training and support: This can help parents learn strategies for managing their child's behavior and promoting their development.

The cost of comprehensive autism assessment for preschoolers (5 years old and younger) is $3500, and it includes:

Autism Assessment
Full Mental Health Assessment
Speech and Language Pathology Assessment
Cognitive Assessment
Adaptive Behavior Assessment
Parent Training Session
Resource Liaison Session

The cost of comprehensive autism assessment for children, adolescents, and adults (6 years old and older) is $3200, and it includes:

Autism Assessment
Full Mental Health Assessment
Speech and Language Pathology Assessment
Cognitive Assessment (only if indicated)
Adaptive Behavior Assessment
Resource Liaison Session

To learn more about various payment options please click here.

Yes, quality assessment Autism assessment free of charge is available through BC Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN), which requires a physician's referral. Therefore, the first step to getting your child assessed for autism through BCAAN is to make an appointment with your doctor or pediatrician. Your doctor may refer you to an assessment program in the area where you live (click here for more details). Your willingness to wait for BCAAN as well as a few other factors that are age-specific will determine whether you decide to pursue a private assessment. As of December 23, 2022, the overall wait time in BC is approximately 80.6 weeks. Wait times may vary across the province.

All of our assessments at All Brains are team-based. Specialized physicians are involved in all of our assessments, including the ASD assessment. That is why a doctor’s referral is required.

If you don’t have a referring doctor, please let our staff know. We can assist you in connecting with a primary care physician to see what assessment might be needed and, if necessary, making a referral.

If you are not seeking an assessment but wish to proceed directly with therapy or coaching, a doctor’s referral is not required.

While most of our assessments could be delivered over a secure video connection, for autism assessments, some parts of the testing require in-person evaluation by our specialists.

Currently, all of our clinicians are only permitted to see patients in British Columbia. Therefore, even for our virtual appointments, you must be physically present in BC. Future changes to this arrangement may be possible, so stay tuned!