Autism Testing & Diagnosis in New York
Autism is a developmental condition that can affect communication, learning, and social skills. While every autistic person is different, some people with autism may experience difficulty with social interaction, challenges with nonverbal communication, or differences in executive function, motor skills, or emotional regulation.
Comprehend the Mind is a pioneer in NYC, not only in Autism testing and assessment but also in education.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez, our director, and a longtime advocate of neurodiversity in schools and the workplace,
is the author of a textbook on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of Autism.
What compelled Dr. Hafeez to write the textbook was the overwhelming need for proper diagnostic methods
in Autism evaluations for both children and adults.
Burgeoning Autism adult diagnoses are often made by therapists or other medical professionals who are not
well-versed in Autism, and they often rely on self-rating scales for ‘testing’.
In children, testing tends to be more focused on school and learning rather than the child’s self-growth or tailored needs.
At Comprehend the Mind, the clinical team has decades of experience in Autism evaluations,
and a keen clinical eye is the most critical part of its assessment.
No single stand-alone test should be used to diagnose Autism, but rather a carefully designed battery
to understand the individual behind the diagnosis.
If you or a loved one is showing possible signs of autism, a professional evaluation can provide clarity and direction. At Comprehend the Mind, our experienced psychologist team provides autism testing in NYC and diagnostic evaluations for children, teens, and adults. Our private practice provides a comprehensive evaluation using trusted diagnostic tools so families and individuals can better understand their needs and access the right support.
What is the Autism Spectrum
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent challenges with social communication and interaction, and by restrictive or repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities, interests, or activities. The word ‘spectrum’ refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability that people with ASD can experience. Symptoms of ASD typically appear in early childhood, often within the first two years of life, but may not be recognized until later in cases of less severe challenges or higher functioning individuals, who may inadvertently mask symptoms.
Read more about signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder below.
Understanding the Signs of Autism
Recognizing the signs of autism can sometimes be difficult because autism exists on a spectrum. Some individuals may show differences early in childhood, while others remain undiagnosed until adolescence or adulthood.
Common signs may include:
- Difficulty with social interaction or conversation
- Differences in social-emotional reciprocity
- Challenges with nonverbal communication such as eye contact or gestures
- Language delays or difficulties with speech and language
- Repetitive behaviors or strong preferences for routines
- Sensory differences, including auditory sensitivity
- Challenges with executive function or organization
Some children may also appear nonverbal or have delayed communication development. In other cases, autistic adults may have learned ways to mask symptoms, which can make autism under-diagnosed or sometimes misdiagnosed. Burgeoning Autism adult diagnoses are often made by therapists or other medical professionals who are not well-versed in Autism, and they often rely on self-rating scales for ‘testing’. In children, testing tends to be more focused on school and learning rather than the child’s self-growth or tailored needs.
It is only important that your chosen clinical team has decades of experience in Autism evaluations, and a keen clinical eye is the most critical part of its assessment. No single stand-alone test should be used to diagnose Autism, but rather a carefully designed battery to understand the individual behind the diagnosis.
How does Autism Testing differ at Comprehend the Mind
The clinical and psychometric team at Comprehend the Mind begins an Autism evaluation with a detailed initial assessment consisting of an interview of the individual, child, and/or parent, a review of all previous records, and designing a tailored
assessment plan. The following session(s) assess Autism within the context of a greater neuropsychological battery, using tests like the ADOS-2, the gold standard in Autism testing, when performed by an experienced clinician, objective scales such as the CARS-2, GARS-3, teacher and parent scales, as well as adult rating scales such as the RITVO and camouflaging scales. The diagnoses and clinical impressions, while derived in great part from the data, are also reached collaboratively as a team, rather than one individual neuropsychologist. Research shows that interrater reliability in Autism leads to far more accurate diagnoses than when assessing alone. Recommendations are carefully planned from OPWDD and ABA services, to placement in the right school programs, for children. Adults benefit from guidance on workplace and higher learning accommodations, therapy, and medication.
Why an Autism Diagnosis is Important
Receiving an autism diagnosis can be a meaningful step toward understanding oneself or supporting a loved one. A clear diagnosis process can help individuals access services, resources, and accommodations that improve quality of life.
A formal diagnosis can provide:
- Eligibility for school or workplace accommodate support
- Access to early intervention programs for young children
- Referrals for behavior therapy or other specialized support
- Greater understanding of behavioral challenges and emotional needs
- Connection to helpful resources within the autistic community
Many autistic individuals face barriers because their needs were not recognized earlier. Being formally diagnosed can help people receive the understanding and support they deserve.
Our Comprehensive Neuropsychological Autism Diagnostic Evaluations
Our team provides comprehensive testing and autism diagnostic services using well-established diagnostic criteria. The evaluation process is designed to carefully assess communication, behavior, and developmental history.
A typical autism assessment may include:
- A detailed clinical interview and developmental history
- Standardized diagnostic testing
- Observation of social skills and nonverbal communication
- Evaluation of speech and language development
- Assessment of cognitive abilities and executive function
These diagnostic evaluations help clinicians determine if autism is present and whether an individual meets criteria to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
In some cases, the evaluation may also identify co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, or learning differences.
Schedule a Neuropsychological Autism Test in NYC
We understand that getting a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, which is why our clinicians take a thoughtful and compassionate approach to every neuropsychological test for autism.
We recognize that autism presents differently in each person and therefore, our evaluation process differs. Some autistic individuals may have strong academic abilities but may have difficulty with social communication or emotional regulation, while others may experience language delays or developmental differences.
If you believe you or a loved one may be autistic, professional autism services can provide valuable clarity. Our experienced psychologist team provides comprehensive evaluation services designed to support individuals across the lifespan.
Whether you are seeking answers for a child, autistic adults, or someone who has been undiagnosed, we are here to guide you through the process and help you access the right support. Insurance accepted at our private practice. Learn more here.
Comprehend The Mind-Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services
Address : 114-20 Queens Blvd Cs2, Forest Hills, NY 11375, United States
Phone number : +1 718-441-0166