Autism Evaluations
What Is Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability that has persistent challenges characterized by social communication difficulties, possible speech impairments, repetitive and restrictive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. According to the CDC 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with ASD. Boys have a higher prevalence of being diagnosed, however, this is often due to the difference in presentation between boys and girls, leading to a higher likelihood of missed diagnoses in girls and women.
Desert Sage Health Evaluations
At Desert Sage Health, our Autism Evaluations go beyond the standard assessment—we take a whole-person approach to ensure a thorough and accurate diagnosis. Instead of simply identifying Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we also assess for other potential co-occurring mental health conditions, recognizing that autism often exists alongside disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that at least 70% of children and adolescents with ASD have one or more co-occurring mental health disorders, with ADHD being the most common. Our evaluations provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s unique needs, ensuring the most effective support and treatment recommendations.
Our autism evaluations are thorough, flexible, and tailored to your needs. We collaborate with parents/caregivers, and teachers/ informant to gain an in-depth perspective, ensuring an accurate diagnosis. If you only need an autism assessment without evaluating for other conditions, we can customize the evaluation accordingly.
Because our approach is detailed and client-centered, the evaluation process typically involves one to three in-person sessions, with the final report completed within three to four weeks after the last in-office session. We prioritize timely results without compromising accuracy. If you or your child needs adjustments to the process, we offer flexible scheduling to make the experience as smooth as possible.
Our evaluation reports are clear, reader-friendly, and meet the necessary criteria for insurance providers, schools, and disability applications. Once the evaluation is complete, we schedule a feedback session to review the results, and a copy of the final report is securely provided through our HIPAA-compliant patient portal.
At Desert Sage Health, we are committed to providing accurate, comprehensive, and compassionate autism evaluations to help individuals and families navigate the next steps with confidence. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation.
what to expect
The Autism Evaluation Process
We accept insurance or self-pay for Evaluation Services. The first step in the process is working with our New Patient Coordinator to determine your eligibility and insurance coverage. Desert Sage Health completes any required pre-authorizations, which is handled by our on-site clinical director. During this initial process, we will gather background information to aid in the qualification and authorization process.
You or your child will then be scheduled for at least one two-hour in-person office visit, which will include an interview to gather additional information about behaviors, history, and concerns. At this visit, we will also begin a variety of assessments.
These assessments may vary based on age and typically include:
Intelligence testing
An interactive and observational assessment (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second edition-ADOS-2)
Clinical observation/ interview and questionnaire that assess for developmental delays, interpersonal and behavioral patterns, sensory sensitivities, and general impressions. (Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition-CARS2).
A variety of social, emotional, and behavioral questionnaires completed by the patient when age-appropriate
Social, emotional, and behavioral questionnaires completed by parents/caregivers and teacher/informants
Performance measures to identify difficulties with sustained attention and concentration
Adaptive behaviors questionnaires/interview
Review of additional information such as METs and/or previous neuropsychological evaluations
A feedback session will take place after the completion of all assessments and the finalization of your report. During this feedback session, assessment results will be reviewed, any diagnosis(es) given, and personalized recommendations will be provided.
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after an Autism diagnosis?
A formal Autism diagnosis opens the door to essential therapeutic interventions and support services, including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health counseling. Many insurance providers and specialized clinics require a diagnosis before these services can be approved and implemented.
Early intervention is key—research shows that identifying autism at a young age and starting therapy as soon as possible can significantly improve behavioral, emotional, and mental health outcomes. At Desert Sage Health, we work quickly and efficiently to ensure you or your child receive an accurate diagnosis, helping you access the critical resources and treatments needed for long-term success.
What if I am unsure of what evaluation to ask for?
If you are unsure where to start in determining which evaluation is right for you, we can help. Contact our office who will gather basic information and will send you an Evaluation Determination Questionnaire. This questionnaire is reviewed by our clinical director and is a jumping-off point to determining what evaluation will be most beneficial.
Do you meet Triwest Autism Care Demonstration requirements?
When developing our autism evaluation process, meeting the requirements for Triwest/ Tricare was of utmost importance. We are an ASD-approved provider, and we ensure that required assessments are completed during the evaluation process (ADOS-2, CARS2, and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales).
When a child meets the criteria for autism we complete and submit the Definitive Diagnosis and DSM-5-TR Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorders form. Additionally, we send a copy of the finalized report to the Demonstration Line.