Psychoeducational & Autism (ASD) Assessment

If your child has symptoms of both Autism (ASD)  and a learning disability, ADHD, and/or mental health issue, the Center for Pediatric Excellence can do a combined assessment.

For more information, check out our informational document on Psychoeducational with ASD Assessments or look through the questions below.

Here are questions we are often asked about our Psychoeducational with ASD Assessment along with our answers.

What is a Psychoeducational with Autism (ASD) Assessment?

The goal of a Psychoeducational with ASD assessment is to provide patients with answers for why they are struggling and provide them information and recommendations to succeed. The assessment combines a full psychoeducational assessment with the child ASD assessment. Adults can also be evaluated with the Psychoeducational with Autism assessment.

Why do both Psychoeducational and Autism Assessments at once?

The benefit of doing both in one assessment process is that it will save time and cost. It is your choice if you and your child would prefer doing one assessment and then using those results to decide whether to move forward with the second assessment.

What types of diagnoses can come out of a Psychoeducational with ASD Assessment?

These assessments are usually able to identify:

  • Giftedness

  • Learning disabilities

  • Intellectual delays

  • Strengths and weaknesses in cognitive abilities

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Academic achievement relative to peers

  • ADHD

  • Emotional problems

  • Social difficulties

  • Mental health concerns

Who does the Psychoeducation with ASD Asessment

Assessments are completed by one of our trained, licensed psychologists. Currently Dr. Brazeau is the only psychologist that completes this type of assessment. Some of the testing may be done by the psychometrist and is then assessed and interpreted by Dr. Brazeau.

How old does my child need to be to have a Psychoeducational with ASD Assessment at the Center for Pediatric Excellence?

Children need to be at least 6 years old to be seen for a Psychoeducational with ASD Assessment at the Center for Pediatric Excellence. Currently, none of our clinicians are able to do Psychoeducational with ASD Assessments for children 5 or under.

What is involved in a Psychoeducational with ASD Assessment?

These are the most comprehensive assessments we provide at the Center for Pediatric Excellence. Psychoeducational with ASD Assessments involve a significant amount of time over a number of sessions to complete. Typically, the steps are:

1. 1-hour initial interview to understand what concerns you and/or your child have and a review of your child’s history

2. 9 hours of testing (three 3-hour sessions)

3. If needed and with consent, the psychologist will conduct informational interviews with teachers and/or other care providers

4. 1-hour follow-up interview for the psychologist to offer their initial impressions and gather any other information they need

5. Once all the information is gathered, the psychologist needs 6 hours for scoring and report writing

6. 1-hr feedback session to go over the results, answer questions, and offer recommendations for next steps

How long does it take to complete a Psychoeducational with Autism Assessment?

The entire process of this type of assessment takes 9-12+ weeks from the initial interview to feedback session. Based on appointment scheduling, it can take longer in some cases.

What happens after the assessment?

The assessment report will summarize the findings and provide recommendations. You may choose to share all or some of the report with the school to help secure support and accommodations. Based on the findings, in discussion with the psychologist, you may be referred to other providers to explore treatment options.

Are Psychoeducational with Autism Assessments covered by OHIP?

No. Many private insurance plans provide some degree of coverage for psychological assessments. Check with your insurance provider to verify what they will cover. Although you don’t need a referral to book the appointment, some insurance companies require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement.

How much does a Psychoeducational with Autism Assessment cost?

The cost of a Psychoeducational Assessment at the Center for Pediatric Excellence is a baseline of $4,050 ($225 per hour x 18 hours). “This includes time the psychologist spends with your child, interviews with teachers and care providers, and test scoring and report writing. The psychologist will notify you if they need to bill you for additional time to complete reports or additional writing. Your clinician will discuss with you any additional time needed to complete reports or complete additional interviews.

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

No. Psychoeducational assessments are not covered by OHIP, so they do not require a referral from a physician. Check with your insurance provider to verify what they will cover. Although you don’t need a referral to book the appointment, some insurance companies require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement.

How do I get started?