Autism Testing for Teens
Our Approach
Autism can look very different from one child to the next and it often presents differently across development. That’s why our evaluations are comprehensive, individualized, and grounded in neuropsychology.
Our autism assessments for kids and teens age 13+ combine a thorough clinical interview, symptom questionnaires, and pen-and-paper tests to determine whether neurodivergence, such as autism spectrum disorder, may be present.
You deserve real answers and your child deserves to be understood in the full context of who they are.
What an Autism Assessment Can Do for Your Child
If your child is experiencing sensory sensitivities, social differences, cognitive rigidity, difficulty relating to others, or other symptoms that interfere with your life, an autism assessment can offer the clarity you’ve been seeking.
Clarify the diagnosis
Differentiate autism from other neurodevelopmental or emotional conditions and ensure your child receives an accurate, developmentally appropriate understanding.
Highlight strengths and challenges
Measure domains like social cognition, circumscribed interests, sensory differences, and executive functioning to give you a clear profile of how your child learns and thrives—and where extra support could help.
Support accommodations at school
Offer personalized recommendations for IEPs, 504 plans, classroom strategies, and learning environments that align with your child’s needs.
Reveal the full picture
An autism assessment pulls together patterns from your child’s history, behavior, and cognitive profile, helping you understand not just what’s happening, but why. It’s a comprehensive look at the inner workings that shape how your child thinks, feels, and functions.
Guide treatment and support
Offer concrete, actionable recommendations for next steps, which may include therapy, parent guidance, school collaboration, social skills support, sensory or environmental accommodations, or additional services as appropriate.
Autism testing might be helpful if:
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Your teen struggles with social communication, peer relationships, or understanding social cues
Your teen notices sensory sensitivities to noise, textures, lights, or transitions
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Your teen has intense or focused interests and difficulty with flexibility or change
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Teachers or caregivers have raised concerns about social development or classroom functioning
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Your teen seems to be “masking,” exhausted after social interactions, or misunderstood by others
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You want a clearer understanding to better advocate for your child at school and in daily life
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What to Expect From the Process
We know that deciding to move forward with an autism assessment for your child can feel like a big step. Our process is designed to be clear, supportive, and family-centered, so you always know what’s coming next and feel confident in the care your child is receiving.
1 | Complimentary Consultation
We begin with a 15-minute consultation call with a parent or caregiver. This is an opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and determine whether an autism evaluation is the right next step for your child.
2 | Testing Day
Your child or teen will attend an in-person testing sessions, typically two separate sessions lasting a total of 6 to 7 hours.The day includes:
Developmentally appropriate interaction and observation
Structured and unstructured tasks assessing social communication and cognition
Questionnaires focused on emotions, sensory experiences, attention, and behavior
Parents may also complete forms and provide relevant school records to help us understand your child across settings.
3 | Analysis & Report Writing
After testing, we spend about two weeks analyzing the data and writing a comprehensive, personalized report. This document includes diagnoses (if applicable), insights about your cognitive and emotional functioning, and clear, actionable autism treatment recommendations.
4 | Feedback Session
We’ll meet with parents for a 45-minute follow-up to review results in detail. We’ll discuss how we arrived at our conclusions, answer your questions, and what the next recommended steps are. Our goal is for your family to leave feeling informed, empowered, and supported.
FAQs
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Plan to spend about 4 to 5 hours in person. We’ll take breaks as needed and move at a pace to meet your child’s developmental needs.
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Your child should come well-rested, well-fed, and ready to focus. Bring anything they rely on to feel comfortable—like glasses, hearing aids, or mobility aids. Speak carefully with your child’s clinician about caffeine and prescription stimulant medication ahead of your assessment, as these substances can alter results.
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Slate Psychology is an “out-of-network” provider. However, many insurance plans reimburse for testing related to autism when they’re considered medically necessary. You’ll receive a detailed superbill with all the codes and documentation you’ll need to submit for reimbursement.
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While some practices offer virtual autism assessments, we feel strongly that autism assessment data is most accurate when collected in person. In-person sessions allow for fewer distractions, facilitate better observation of nonverbal cues, and provide access to specialized testing materials essential for accurate diagnosis.
