Autism Testing and Diagnosis in Chesterfield, VA
Thriveworks Chesterfield is pleased to provide Autism Testing and Diagnostic Services. Are you a parent or caregiver attempting to get much needed services for your child? Many of the services available through the school system are driven by an individualized education plan (speech-language, occupational and physical therapy, behavior analysis, etc) may require a formal diagnosis. Alternately, you may be seeking a diagnosis for purely personal reasons; perhaps to come to terms with your own abilities, and find ways to overcome your unique challenges.
What is the ADOS 2?
The current gold standard instrument used to determine the presence of such disorders is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). The ADOS-2 is a semi-structured assessment of communication, social interaction, and play (or imaginative use of materials) for individuals suspected of having an autism spectrum disorder. The ADOS 2 consists of standardized activities that allow the clinician to observe and rate the occurrence or non-occurrence of behaviors that have been identified as important to the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders.
Why choose an ADOS 2 assessment over another evaluation?
While many health professionals administer a variety of screening tools for Autism Spectrum Disorders (M-CHAT, SRS-2, SCQ, ASRS, Ages and Stages, SORF, etc). these tools are not intended or validated to provide a formal diagnosis. These tools indicate the need for more formal testing, such as the ADOS-2. Thriveworks Chesterfield is able to administer the ADOS 2 for persons 31 months and older.
What should I expect when calling to schedule as assessment?
Parents and caregivers are welcome to call to schedule the ADOS 2 for the child in question. Adults may call and initiate the process for themselves. Thriveworks Chesterfield requires three appointments for completion of the ADOS 2. The first appointment will include completing consent forms, release forms for other providers involved, and completing an intake for sufficient historical information. The second appointment will be for the administration of the ADOS 2. The final appointment is to receive the report of results and for interpretation of the results by the clinician. When calling, only the initial appointment will be made, the time and date for the second and third appointments will be set during the first appointment.
What happens during the administration of the ADOS 2?
Administration of the ADOS 2 generally takes around one hour. Administration includes completing a variety of age appropriate activities in a structured manner. The clinician for the ADOS 2 may take brief notes throughout, and will use the ADOS 2 administration guide during the activities to ensure structured administration. Parents may or may not be present during the administration, depending on the age and development of the child who is participating. This will be decided and discussed during the intake meeting.
When and how will I receive results?
Your provider will score the ADOS 2 immediately after administration to ensure that all details are remembered. Formal write up of the results will be completed within two weeks of the administration. A follow up meeting with the clinician is required for interpretation of results. Decisions regarding who should attend the follow up meeting will be made during the intake meeting. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend, and possibly the child depending on age and development. Adults who completed the testing will need to attend the follow up meeting. The report will include results indicating if the participant is or is not on the Autism spectrum, as well as detailed feedback in regards to areas of weaknesses, strengths, and intervention recommendations. The report can be released to anyone the adult, parent, or caregiver desires (ie teachers, in-home counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists etc).
How much does the evaluation cost?
Currently formal autism testing and diagnosis is not covered by most insurance plans. Thriveworks Chesterfield charges a flat fee for the entire process, including the intake session, test administration, formal report and follow up session. The fee can be broken up into two payments, the first being due on the day of your intake evaluation and the remainder on the day the results are reviewed and a copy of your professional evaluation report provided. At Thriveworks Chesterfield we pride ourselves on providing thorough autism testing and diagnosis services without an extensive waiting time for either an appointment or the receipt of evaluation results. Additionally, we offer individual counseling, social skills group therapy, and a parent/caregiver support group should additional services be recommended at the conclusion of testing. Call 804-419-4122 to schedule an intake appointment today with an Autism Specialist today.