Assessment Services
Autism Evaluation
Gold-standard ASD assessment for children & adults, including the ADOS-2
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects aspects of how a person communicates, relates to others, and experiences the world. Whether you're a parent noticing something different in your child's development or an adult who has always felt like you see the world differently, an autism evaluation can bring meaningful clarity. Our evaluations include the ADOS-2, one of the most widely respected and rigorously validated observational tools for autism assessment, and we serve clients in Golden, Denver, Steamboat Springs, and throughout Colorado.
01 — Understanding
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by differences in social communication and interaction, along with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. The word "spectrum" reflects the wide range of ways autism can look, from individuals who need significant daily support to highly independent people who may have gone decades without a diagnosis.
Autism is not a disease to be cured. Many autistic individuals describe their neurology as a different, not deficient, way of experiencing the world. A diagnosis can be a powerful tool for self-understanding, access to services, and finding community.
02 — who it’s for
Who Might Benefit from ADHD Testing?
An autism evaluation may be appropriate for children or adults who:
Have difficulty with back-and-forth conversation or seem to "miss" social cues.
Prefer sameness, routine, or have difficulty with transitions and unexpected changes.
Have unusually intense or narrow interests.
Engage in repetitive movements or behaviors (stimming) such as rocking, hand-flapping, or scripting.
Have sensory sensitivities to sounds, textures, lights, tastes, or smells.
Struggle to make or maintain friendships despite wanting connection.
Feel chronically exhausted from having to "mask" or camouflage true reactions in social situations.
Received a diagnosis of ADHD, anxiety, or social communication disorder, but still feel something is missing.
Are adults who were not diagnosed in childhood but recognize themselves in autism descriptions.
03 — The process
What an Evaluation Involves
Our autism assessments combine the gold-standard ADOS-2 with comprehensive interview, cognitive, and behavioral data.
The ADOS-2: The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is the gold standard for autism assessment. We create structured, semi-structured social and play situations to observe communication, social interaction, and behavior in real time. The ADOS-2 has different modules appropriate for individuals of different ages and language levels, from toddlers to adults.
Developmental & Clinical Interview: A comprehensive interview covers developmental milestones, early childhood history, social functioning, sensory experiences, and current daily life. For children, parents are the primary informants. For adults, self-report is central, and collateral information from a parent or partner may also be gathered.
Cognitive & Adaptive Testing: Depending on age and referral concerns, cognitive testing (IQ) and adaptive functioning measures may be administered to understand overall ability level and real-world functional skills. This information is important for recommendations and, when relevant, access to services.
Behavior Rating Scales: Standardized questionnaires completed by parents, teachers, or the individual themselves provide additional data on autism-related traits across different environments.
Differential Diagnosis: Many conditions can share features with autism, including social anxiety, ADHD, OCD, language disorders, and trauma responses. A thorough autism evaluation rules these in or out and identifies co-occurring conditions when present.
04 — The benefits
What You Walk Away With
A clear, honest answer: Whether the outcome is an ASD diagnosis or a differential diagnosis, you'll leave with understanding.
Self-understanding: Many autistic adults describe their diagnosis as profoundly clarifying and validating.
Access to services: A diagnosis may open doors to school-based support, state services, and disability accommodations.
Better-matched treatment: Therapy approaches differ significantly for autistic individuals; an accurate diagnosis leads to better care.
Community: Many autistic individuals find meaningful connections in autistic community spaces after receiving their diagnosis.
A note on autism in women, girls, and underdiagnosed populations
Autism has historically been studied and diagnosed primarily in young boys. As a result, many girls, women, and gender-diverse individuals, as well as people of color, have been missed or misdiagnosed. Female-presenting autism often involves more social masking, better imitation of social norms, and internalized struggles rather than visible behavioral differences. We are experienced in recognizing the full range of autism presentations, including in individuals who have learned to mask their autistic traits and may not "look autistic" on the surface.
If you've wondered whether autism explains your experiences and been dismissed or told you "don't seem autistic," we take that seriously and will conduct a thorough, fair assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We evaluate individuals across the lifespan, starting at age three. It is never too late to seek an evaluation.
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The ADOS-2 is considered the gold standard for autism assessment and is included in all of our autism evaluations. It is not the only piece of information we consider (the full evaluation picture matters), but it provides a critical, objective observational component that questionnaires alone cannot capture.
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Absolutely. ADHD and autism frequently co-occur, and a prior ADHD diagnosis does not preclude autism. Our evaluations help to provide diagnostic clarity across all areas of concern.
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With your signed consent, we are happy to share your child's report with their school, teachers, or other providers. Our reports include specific recommendations that schools can use to develop or update IEPs and 504 Plans.
Take the next step
Looking for Answers?
Schedule your free 15-minute consultation to discuss an autism evaluation. There's no obligation — just an open conversation.