Autism Evaluations
I offer autism evaluations for children ages 18 months and up, as well as teens.
At what age can autism be diagnosed?
Testing for autism can be performed in children as young as 12 months of age. However, I find that testing is most reliable if done at 18 months of age or older. Some children will have subtle signs while others will have more notable signs.
If you have concerns about the possibility of autism, it is generally better to have your child evaluated sooner rather than later. If your child does meet criteria for autism, they can qualify for early intervention programs. Even if you choose not to enroll your child in therapy, understanding your child’s behavior and needs can go a long way toward knowing how to support them.
What does the autism evaluation include?
The full evaluation, which takes about 3 hours, includes:
A 90-to-120-minute visit with parents, caregivers, and/or patient (depending on age) to obtain a thorough history. This includes:
A comprehensive developmental and behavioral history based on the Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R).
A comprehensive medical history to help evaluate for other causes of concerning behaviors (such as ADHD, anxiety, OCD, sensory processing conditions, genetic disorders, or another contributing medical condition).
ADOS-2 testing, which is a 45-minute standardized evaluation utilizing various activities (toys, puzzles, reading) based on age and language abilities. This can be done on the same day as the history-taking visit or on a separate day, depending on age.
What happens after the evaluation?
It takes me about 2 weeks to complete scoring for the ADOS-2 and ADI-R and write a comprehensive report of my findings, diagnostic impression, and recommendations. I will email you a copy of the report and schedule a follow-up phone call or virtual visit to answer any questions you may have. I will also mail you a hard copy of the report if requested.
Can I get a prescription for ABA therapy?
If your child meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), then I can provide a prescription for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy. This type of therapy can be covered by most insurance plans, including Medicaid.
What are my qualifications?
I have ten years of experience working in pediatrics with a range of children of all ages. I have cared for many children on the autism spectrum. Because I see a variety of children and teens (including those with and without autism), I am better able to differentiate between neuro-typical and neuro-atypical behaviors. I can also help identify if there are other factors at play, such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, intellectual delays, or other medical conditions.
I have degrees and medical training from Stanford University, the Harvard Graduate School of Education, UC San Diego School of Medicine, and the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
I completed specific training to perform ADOS-2 testing through the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Autism Research & Drexel University A. J. Drexel Autism Institute. I use standardized assessment tools for all evaluations.
What is the cost?
The cost for the full evaluation and report is $1500.
Why this much? Doing a reliable evaluation takes expertise and plenty of time, including:
Time spent setting up and performing the ADOS-2 test and ADI-R interview (3 hours)
Time spent scoring the ADOS-2 test and interview (1 hour)
Time spent writing the report (4 hours)
Time spent sending documents and answering follow-up questions (0.5 -1 hours)
For families facing financial hardship, I offer monthly payment plans so you can pay off the cost over time. Please inquire if needed.
Can I get reimbursed through my insurance?
I will provide you with a “superbill”, which is an itemized receipt with CPT codes that insurance companies use for billing purposes. You can try to submit this bill with a claim form to your insurance company for reimbursement for part or all of the cost of the autism evaluation. Some insurance companies may allow such claims while others will not. It is a good idea to call your insurance company and ask about this prior to scheduling an appointment if you plan to try to seek reimbursement. I cannot provide claim forms or specific instructions (since every insurance company has its own restrictions and requirements), only the superbill. I also cannot submit claims on your behalf.
Is there a wait list?
No. Generally, we can schedule the evaluation within 2-4 weeks.
How do I schedule?
You can call me directly any time at (801) 707-9224, or email me at drcapella@healingartspediatrics.com.
I generally reserve slots for autism evaluations on Wednesdays.
For younger children (toddlers and young school age children), I recommend a two-part visit. You would bring your child into the clinic in the morning for the ADOS-2 test. Later that day, I would carry out the ADI-R interview with you (the parent/guardian) over Zoom. This is to avoid having to have your child in the clinic for more than an hour, which can cause them to get tired and fussy.
For older children and teens, I can complete the entire process during a 3-hour appointment slot.
Is there a cancellation fee?
Appointments that are cancelled or re-scheduled with less than 48 hours notice will incur a $150 cancellation fee. No shows will incur a $150 no-show fee and will not be re-scheduled.