My Services
Diagnosis of Autism
According to the CDC, one in 44 children is born with Autism. For some, a diagnosis can be made very young, by the age of 18 months. For others (generally higher functioning individuals) the diagnosis is made sometime after the age of 5. With the use of standardized tests such as the ADOS-2 The Gold Standard) or CARS-2 along with a full developmental history, questionnaires, play interactions and observations, a definitive diagnosis can be usually be made in the first in person visit.
Diagnosis of ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopment condition that is characterized by difficulties with attention, impulsively and often (but not always) hyperactivity. Children with ADHD are often labelled as "lazy" because they have significant difficulties with initiating and sustaining attention on tasks that are not of interest to them and they are extremely prone to distractions.
Diagnosis of Intellectual Disability
Intellectual Disability co-occurs in some individuals with Autism and some individuals have it as their sole diagnosis. This diagnosis is only made when cognitive abilities are well below average and the deficits are also accompanied by significant delays in adaptive functioning (e.g. delays is self care abilities). Through cognitive testing and adaptive questionnaires, I can rule in or out an official diagnosis of Intellectual Disability. Many families find it helpful to pursue this type of assessment as it can lead to securing supports from the Regional Center which often follow their child into adulthood.