A Child and Adolescent Autism Evaluation at LC Psych is a comprehensive psychological assessment designed to determine whether a child or teenager meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), understand the specific profile of strengths and…
A Child and Adolescent Autism Evaluation at LC Psych is a comprehensive psychological assessment designed to determine whether a child or teenager meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), understand the specific profile of strengths and challenges the child presents, and generate actionable recommendations for support at home, at school, and in therapy. Early and accurate identification of autism in children opens the door to services and supports that can profoundly shape the trajectory of a child's development — making the quality of the evaluation critically important.
Autism presents along a wide spectrum of ability, communication style, and support need, and it looks different at different developmental stages. The evaluation process at LC Psych is designed to capture this complexity with a thorough, individualized approach — not a brief checklist, but a multi-session, multi-method assessment conducted by a psychologist with specialized training in autism spectrum conditions in children and adolescents.
The child autism evaluation at LC Psych includes the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) — the gold-standard observational assessment for autism in children and adolescents. Administered by a trained and certified clinician, the ADOS-2 involves structured and semi-structured tasks and social interactions designed to observe the social communication behaviors and restricted or repetitive patterns that characterize autism. The specific ADOS-2 module used is matched to the child's developmental and language level.
A parent developmental interview — drawing from the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised) or a comprehensive structured clinical interview format — gathers detailed developmental history including early language milestones, social development, behavioral patterns, sensory responses, and the onset and course of concerns. Cognitive testing assesses intellectual functioning across verbal and nonverbal domains. Adaptive behavior assessment (typically using the Vineland) measures real-world independence and social functioning. Standardized rating scales from parents and teachers provide additional informant perspectives. The complete battery is individually tailored and scheduled across multiple appointments to ensure accuracy and minimize fatigue for the child.
Children who show differences in social communication — such as limited eye contact, difficulty with reciprocal conversation, reduced interest in peer relationships, or challenges understanding nonverbal social cues — should be considered for an autism evaluation. Other indicators include repetitive behaviors or routines, intense and narrowly focused interests, notable sensory sensitivities (over- or under-reactivity to sound, touch, taste, light, or movement), and language development that differs from typical patterns. Concerns may emerge as early as toddlerhood or may only become apparent as social expectations increase in middle childhood or adolescence.
For older children and teenagers, autism may present more subtly — particularly in those who have developed social camouflaging skills. A teenager who exhausts themselves trying to fit in socially, struggles to read between the lines of social interactions, is deeply passionate about specific subjects, or describes feeling fundamentally different from peers may benefit significantly from a comprehensive evaluation, even when their challenges have not previously been framed in autism terms.
Parents receive a comprehensive written psychological report prepared by the evaluating psychologist following the completion of the assessment. The report documents all evaluation methods and findings, provides diagnostic conclusions with supporting evidence, and delivers a detailed set of individualized recommendations. Educational recommendations address eligibility for special education services and specific accommodations and supports relevant to the child's profile. Therapy referrals are specific to the child's needs — addressing anxiety, social skills development, or other co-occurring concerns. Referrals to community resources and autism-specific support organizations are also included when relevant.
A feedback session is held with parents — and with the child in an age-appropriate way — to review findings, answer questions, and discuss next steps clearly and compassionately. LC Psych evaluators take time to help parents truly understand their child's profile, not just the diagnostic label, and to provide guidance for how to advocate effectively for their child in educational and clinical settings. The goal is for every family to leave with clarity, confidence, and a genuine sense of what comes next.
If you are concerned about your child's social, communication, or behavioral development, an evaluation is the most important step you can take toward understanding and supporting them. LC Psych's licensed psychologists have specialized training in autism spectrum conditions across the full developmental range. To schedule an evaluation or ask questions about the process, call 859-525-4911 or visit lcpsych.com. Your child's strengths and needs deserve to be understood fully — and that understanding starts with a single conversation.
Each clinician below offers Child and Adolescent Autism Evaluation. Explore their profiles to learn more about their approach and availability.
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
6900 Houston Rd.
Building 500 Suite 11
Florence, KY 41042
Office hours
Mon – Thurs: 8AM – 9PM
Friday: 8AM – 5PM
Saturday: 8AM – 2PM
Our therapists are accepting new clients. Schedule your first appointment today — in-person or via telehealth, evenings and weekends available.
Schedule Online
