Autism in children and teens
Autism affects how children communicate, play, and handle sensory input. With an assessment you get clarity on your child’s needs and a plan that supports both your child and your family.
What does autism mean in children and teens?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental profile that affects how a child reads social cues, processes sensory input, and communicates. Early signs vary from strong special interests to different play styles.
In the assessment we map your child’s developmental history, language skills, sensory profile, and social interaction. We distinguish autism from ADHD, language disorder, trauma, or other stressors to reach a conclusion that helps your child long term.
“A good autism assessment gives language to your child’s experience and strengthens the family’s ability to create the environment where your child thrives.”
During the assessment we look at:
- Social communication, eye contact, play, and how your child seeks closeness or recovery.
- Sensory reactions, eating, sleep, and how your child handles change.
- Language, cognitive strengths, and interests — at school, at home, and with peers.
- Co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, tics, or developmental differences.
We use tools like ADOS-2, ADI-R, SRS-2, and complementary scales alongside interviews and observations.
A safe process with clarity at every step
A child assessment aims to understand your child’s needs and secure the right support as early as possible. If your child has persistent difficulties with social interaction, communication, or routines that affect wellbeing or development, an assessment can clarify whether autism is the reason. Early identification helps at school, home, and in free time, so we focus on a calm process with clear steps.
Initial parent consultation
We start with a 30-minute screening call covering developmental history and current concerns. After the call we decide if a full assessment is appropriate and explain next steps. If not, we recommend other support. Depending on age, your child can join parts of the call.
Parent interviews and school input
In-depth interviews with you about your child’s development, strengths, and challenges. You complete structured forms. We also gather school or preschool input via teacher forms and, when helpful, a call to understand how daily life works in groups and learning environments.
Child observation and testing
A psychologist meets your child for play-based observation and age-appropriate tests of communication, social interaction, and cognition. We create calm, child-friendly conditions and pause as needed so your child feels safe.
Medical review
A child and adolescent psychiatrist or pediatrician conducts a medical review to rule out other causes and map co-occurring conditions.
Multidisciplinary case review
Psychologist and psychiatrist review all information together and assess whether autism criteria are met and if other diagnoses are present. The aim is an accurate, evidence-based diagnosis.
Feedback and support
We hold a feedback session to review results and conclusions verbally and provide a written report. You receive tailored recommendations for school support and adaptations, guidance for home (routines, visuals, sensory strategies), and referrals when needed to habilitation, speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychological treatment, and more.
Ongoing support after the assessment
We see the assessment as the start of the journey. We help your child put the recommendations into practice through coaching or therapy sessions.
Support is shaped to your child’s and family’s needs and what feels most important right now.
Family sessions
Support to understand the diagnosis and create routines that work for everyone.
Support for your child
Coaching, emotion regulation, and tools to find strategies for daily life.
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find the answer? Reach out and we’ll guide you.
Do we need a referral?
No, you can contact us directly.
How is the school involved?
We gather teacher ratings and invite them to discuss adaptations. When needed we can do an observation on-site or digitally.
What if my child is anxious about the assessment?
We adapt the pace and use clear preparation. We can send materials beforehand so you know what to expect.
What support is there after diagnosis?
We offer follow-ups, family sessions, and coordination with other services. You can book sessions for new needs, for example before changing schools or at other life stages.
Ready to book an autism assessment?
Take the first step toward understanding. We’ll guide you through the process and help you build a daily life where your child can grow in the right direction.
Book an intro callPrefer a call back? Email us and we’ll get back when it suits you.