Child Autism Testing in NYC
If your child has been referred for autism testing or you've noticed differences in their social communication, behavior, or development, a comprehensive evaluation can provide the clarity you need.
At Park West Psychology, we provide comprehensive autism evaluations for children and teens in Manhattan. Our assessments are designed to determine whether your child meets criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), identify their unique strengths and challenges, and provide clear recommendations for school, therapy, and other supports.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people in a variety of ways. For children, ASD is often identified when developmental milestones are delayed or developing differently than expected, leading a pediatrician, school, or other professional to recommend a comprehensive psychological evaluation.
"All children have tremendous talents. Our job is to help them see and develop those talents."
— Michael Carrera
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a child develops, communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world around them. Children with ASD may have differences in social communication, sensory processing, repetitive behaviors or interests, and the way they learn or respond to their environment.
Because autism is a spectrum, every child presents differently. Some children have more noticeable support needs, while others have subtle characteristics that may not become apparent until school or social demands increase. A comprehensive autism evaluation helps determine whether these differences are consistent with ASD and identifies the child's individual strengths and areas where support may be beneficial.
What Are Common Signs of Autism in Children?
In many cases, a child is referred for a specialized autism evaluation after a pediatrician, teacher, or another professional notices developmental differences. However, parents often recognize early signs first and can seek an evaluation on their own.
Your child may benefit from an autism assessment if they demonstrate any of the following:
9 months: Doesn't make facial expressions or consistently respond to their name.
12 months: Isn't interested in interactive play or using common gestures such as waving or pointing.
15 months: Seems unusually sensitive or unusually unaware of sensory input, including sounds, lights, textures, smells, or tastes.
18 months: Doesn't show interest in objects that others point to, talk about, or share.
24 months: Has difficulty responding to social or emotional cues, such as making eye contact, laughing with others, or imitating simple actions.
30 months: Makes repetitive sounds or movements, lines up toys, or becomes very upset by changes in routines.
3 years: Has difficulty expressing emotions, understanding others' emotions or perspectives, or engaging with peers.
5 years: Prefers solitary play and struggles to make friends or participate in cooperative play.
Any age: Experiences sensory sensitivities, avoids eye contact, engages in repetitive self-soothing behaviors, has sleep or gastrointestinal concerns, or develops highly focused interests.
While these signs do not necessarily mean a child has autism, they may indicate that a comprehensive autism evaluation would be beneficial.
Benefits of a Comprehensive Autism Assessment
A comprehensive autism evaluation does more than determine whether your child meets the criteria for autism spectrum disorder. It provides valuable information that can help you better understand your child's unique strengths, challenges, and support needs.
An autism assessment can help:
Determine whether your child meets the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Identify your child's cognitive, language, social, and adaptive functioning strengths
Recognize challenges that may benefit from additional support at home or school
Identify co-occurring conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, or emotional concerns
Provide personalized recommendations for therapy, educational supports, and community resources
Support eligibility for school accommodations, such as an IEP or 504 Plan, when appropriate
Give parents, educators, and healthcare providers a clearer understanding of how to best support the child's development
Rather than simply providing a diagnosis, a comprehensive autism evaluation serves as a roadmap that helps families make informed decisions about their child's care, education, and long-term success.
What to Expect During an Autism Evaluation
Many parents think autism testing simply answers the question, "Is my child on the autism spectrum?" While the evaluation will answer that question, its purpose is much broader.
A comprehensive autism evaluation provides a deeper understanding of your child's development, communication, learning style, social functioning, and overall strengths and challenges. The goal is not only to determine whether your child meets the criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but also to identify the supports, accommodations, and resources that can help them thrive at home, in school, and in everyday life.
Every Evaluation Is Individualized
Because autism is a spectrum, no two children present exactly alike. Some children have more noticeable signs of autism, while others have subtle characteristics that become more apparent as social and academic expectations increase. For this reason, every autism evaluation is tailored to your child's age, developmental level, symptoms, and referral questions rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Our Autism Assessment Process
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The autism assessment begins with an intake interview with parents or caregivers to discuss the child's developmental history, strengths, challenges, and any concerns related to social communication, repetitive behaviors, or sensory differences. We'll also discuss other concerns that may be present, such as attention difficulties, anxiety, depression, or learning challenges. This initial consultation provides the background information needed to develop an individualized evaluation plan.
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With your permission, collateral interviews with teachers, therapists, and other professionals are an important part of the evaluation process. These conversations provide additional perspectives on how your child functions across different settings and help create a more complete understanding of their strengths and challenges.
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The comprehensive autism evaluation typically lasts 3 to 4 hours and includes evidence-based, standardized assessment tools appropriate for your child's age and developmental level.
Depending on your child's needs, the evaluation may assess:
Autism symptoms
Cognitive functioning (IQ)
Adaptive skills
Language development
Academic achievement
Social communication
Executive functioning
Attention and emotional functioning
Breaks are provided as needed, and observations occur throughout structured activities, play, and interpersonal interactions. At the end of the appointment, caregivers receive initial feedback and an overview of the next steps.
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After testing is complete, we'll schedule a feedback session to review the results together. You'll receive a detailed written report summarizing the evaluation findings, diagnostic impressions, and individualized recommendations.
The report may be used to support school accommodations, such as an IEP or 504 Plan, therapy referrals, and access to additional services when appropriate. We'll explain the findings in depth, answer your questions, and discuss recommendations that support your child's continued growth and development.
Schedule an Autism Evaluation in NYC
I understand that scheduling an autism evaluation can feel overwhelming for many parents. While an assessment can provide important answers and help your child access the services and support they need, taking that first step isn't always easy.
My goal is to make the evaluation process as clear, supportive, and comfortable as possible for both you and your child. During an initial consultation, we'll discuss your concerns, any referral questions from your pediatrician, school, or other providers, and determine whether a comprehensive autism evaluation is the right next step.
If you're looking for autism testing for your child or teen in New York City, we are here to help.