Our Autism/ADHD Testing Process
Thank you for reaching out to Child Testing. Please read this information in its entirety. Call or text us (813) 468-6528 with any other questions not answered below we’re here to assist you!
The at-home testing process
Testing is done in person right in your home by a school psychologist, who travels to location . All that is required is a quiet space with a table and 2 chairs (such as the dining room or kitchen table). Click HERE for more information on how to prepare for at-home testing. Aside from the convenience of not having to drive anywhere, at-home testing offers numerous proven advantages including: reducing testing anxiety, privacy, and more importantly TIME EFFICIENCY. Because of the evaluator’s experience the entire testing process usually takes under 2 hours ️ making it a stress-free experience for the student. After testing, you will be emailed a PDF report within 2 business days. Parents are as asked to call in to discuss results.
What is autism spectrum disorder?
ASD is a complex disorder of very early brain development that is approximately four times more common in boys than in girls. Different children can be affected in very different ways, ranging from mild to severe, but they all share some form of following symptoms
- Difficulty with social interaction, pragmatics and communication, other language oddities
- Repetitive behaviors or compulsions, stimming and other predictable rituals
- Rigidness, lack of adaptability, difficulty coping with transitions or abrupt changes to routine or new environments
- Narrow, restricted or specific interests. Some children are “experts” in a specific topic such as trains, maps or solar systems
- Sensory differences (often referred to as Sensory Processing Disorder) which can include heightened sensitivity or avoidance to noise, touch or smell, OR sensory craving where the child has an insatiable need for sensory input (usually touching everything, bumping, crashing or sliding onto things, and lack of awareness of boundaries and personal space (proprioceptive awareness)
- Coordination difficulties, awkward posture
- Easily overwhelmed by over stimulating environments often resulting in meltdowns, generalized anxiety or separation anxiety, will often hide when a new person is introduced
- Some children in this category may be intellectually gifted as shown on a standardized IQ test (FSIQ 130<)
Attention-Deficit/
- Attention difficulties, may appear aloof or not listening
- Trouble staying focused in tasks, chores or play
- Appears not to listen, even when spoken to directly
- Difficulty following through on instructions, switches from task to task without finishing
- Trouble sitting still for prolonged period of time, constantly on the move, fidgety, squirmy
- Some children may exhibit poor emotional regulation, low coping mechanisms towards frustration with impulsive or disruptive behavior
- Girls will exhibit inattentiveness more often than boys and will usually go undiagnosed for may years
The child must be at least 3 years of age at the time of testing. The assessment process will involve:
- An IQ test. The tests we use are the Wechsler Intelligence Scales: WPPSI-IV (Ages 2.10 through 7) or the WISC-V (Ages 6 through 16.10)
- In-depth parent interview
- Review of child’s developmental, medical, and family history
- An autism behavioral rating scale when there is suspicion of autism
- Observations of your child’s behavior
Early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan. In fact, new research shows that children who receive early intervention may outgrow many of the features associated with autism spectrum. The purpose of this assessment is to define what kinds of interventions and supports your child needs in order to meet expected developmental and academic benchmarks for his or her age. For instance: smaller class size, ABA therapy, occupational therapy for sensory integration, speech/language therapy, gifted program placement and other supports that would be included in an IEP or 504 plan.
After testing you will be emailed a PDF report which will include diagnosis and recommen
Credentials
The assessment is done by Michelle Rexach, licensed school psychologist with the Florida Department of Health Lic #SS905 (click HERE for bio). She has over 25 years experience in the field, specializing in autism, ADHD, dyslexia, giftedness and twice exceptional students. Her reports have been received by schools in practically every school district in FL (click HERE for list of references).
Costs & Payment
Beginning in 2024 we will have a flat rate of $995 for all of FL.
Payment is due in full the day of testing. Siblings tested the same day receive a $50 discount. Accepted forms of payment are: personal checks, Zelle, Venmo, cash and money orders. Please be advised that our private testing is an out-of-pocket cost, we don’t take medical insurance
FES-UA scholarship recipients may apply for reimbursement.
Appointments
To make an appointment, simply text or call us with your city and county. We recommend scheduling as soon as possible since our next availability is typically a month away. For a sooner appointment you can request to be added to the cancellation waitlist.
Please call or text (813) 468-6528 or email [email protected] with any further questions, thank you!