Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments

Providing assessments for toddlers, preschool, children, and adults.

At Level Up Wellness Group, we understand the importance of early identification and tailored support for individuals on the autism spectrum. Our comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments are designed to provide clarity, guidance, and actionable insights to support individuals and their families.

Assessments for Non-Speaking and Minimally Verbal Individuals (Ages 2-9)
Expertise in Autism Diagnosis for Females, Teens, and Adults

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication and interaction, as well as the presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities. Autism manifests differently in each individual, with some displaying more pronounced challenges in social interactions and communication, while others might excel in specific areas but struggle with sensory sensitivities or repetitive behaviors. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in strengths and challenges that individuals with autism can experience.

At Level Up, we see Autism in the form of a wheel and not a spectrum. Diagnosis help to develop support needs for the person with autism and their family.

Early assessment can open doors to effective interventions and resources tailored to individual needs.

Autism Assessments at Level Up Wellness Group

Assessments for Non-Speaking and Minimally Verbal Individuals (Ages 2-9)

Our speech-language pathologists and psychologists are uniquely trained in specialized assessment methods for children who do not use spoken words to communicate. These evaluations incorporate alternative assessment approaches with data being shared with the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital.

Expertise in Autism Diagnosis for Females, Teens, and Adults

Autism in females and older individuals often presents differently than in males due to the use of masking and social camouflage. Many teenagers and adults may have unknowingly suppressed their autistic traits, leading to missed or late diagnoses. Our team has specialized training in recognizing these subtle presentations, using evidence-based assessments and a neurodiversity-affirming approach to provide accurate diagnoses and meaningful support.

Why Choose Level Up Wellness Group for ASD Assessments?

Expert Clinicians: Our team includes highly trained psychologists and specialists with extensive experience in ASD diagnostics.
Comprehensive Reports: Our assessments provide detailed results, practical recommendations, and strategies to support growth and development.
Supportive Environment: We ensure a welcoming, non-judgmental space for individuals and families.

Comprehensive Autism Assessments by Specialized Psychologists

At Level Up Wellness Group, we are committed to providing thorough and accurate autism assessments conducted by our team of highly trained psychologists. Utilizing gold-standard tools such as the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised), and CARS-2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), we ensure that each assessment is comprehensive and tailored to meet the unique needs of every individual.

Who Benefits from a Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment?

You or your loved one may benefit from an assessment if you notice:

Challenges with social interactions or communication

Repetitive behaviors or restricted interests

Sensory sensitivities or difficulties adapting to change

Delayed developmental milestones

Understanding

The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment Process

When completing an assessment, the following processes occur:

1. Initial Consultation: A meeting or online session to discuss concerns, gather developmental history, and determine next steps.
2. In-Depth Evaluation: Includes standardized assessments, observations, and interviews with caregivers or family members.
3. Personalized Support Plan: Based on the assessment results, we create a tailored roadmap outlining specific interventions, therapies, and resources to support ongoing growth and development.
4. Comprehensive Feedback: A detailed report with findings, recommendations, and resources tailored to your needs.

Benefits of Early ASD Assessment

Access to tailored interventions and therapies.
Support with educational planning and accommodations.
Greater understanding of strengths and areas of growth.
Empowerment for individuals and families through actionable insights.

Comorbid Conditions in Autism

Autism often co-occurs with other conditions, known as comorbidities, which can complicate the diagnostic process and impact the individual’s overall well-being. Some of the most common comorbid conditions include:

1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

Prevalence: Approximately 30-50% of individuals with autism also have ADHD, characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Importance of Identification: ADHD can exacerbate difficulties with focus, organization, and managing emotions, making it crucial to distinguish these symptoms from those of autism for effective treatment.

2. Anxiety Disorders:

Prevalence: Up to 40% of individuals with autism experience significant anxiety, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Importance of Identification: Anxiety can lead to heightened stress, avoidance behaviors, and interfere with daily functioning. Accurate identification allows for targeted interventions to manage anxiety alongside autism.

3. Sensory Processing Disorder:

Prevalence: Over 80% of individuals with autism have sensory processing issues, where they may be overly sensitive or under-responsive to sensory stimuli (e.g., sounds, textures, lights).
Importance of Identification: Sensory challenges can significantly impact daily life, making environments overwhelming or under-stimulating. Identifying sensory processing issues is essential for creating supportive environments.

4. Intellectual Disability:

Prevalence: Around 31% of individuals with autism have an intellectual disability, affecting their cognitive functioning and adaptive skills.
Importance of Identification: Understanding the level of intellectual functioning helps in developing appropriate educational and therapeutic strategies.

5. Sleep Disorders:

- Prevalence: Up to 80% of individuals with autism experience sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or irregular sleep patterns.
- Importance of Identification: Sleep issues can exacerbate other symptoms, including irritability, inattention, and anxiety, highlighting the need for comprehensive management.

6. Gastrointestinal Issues:

Prevalence: Around 50% of children with autism have chronic gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
Importance of Identification: Addressing GI issues can improve overall comfort, behavior, and quality of life, underscoring the need for a holistic approach to care.

7. OCD and Autism:

There are several key similarities between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), such as:

Engagement in compulsive-like behaviors
Displaying restricted, repetitive behaviors and intense interests
Experiencing difficulty with changes in routines or environments

However, there is a crucial distinction between the two conditions. For individuals with OCD, obsessions and compulsions are often distressing and unwanted. These behaviors are typically driven by anxiety or fear, such as the belief that if a certain action isn’t performed, harm will occur. In contrast, repetitive behaviors in autistic individuals, including stimming (self-stimulatory behaviors) and intense interests, are generally experienced as soothing, enjoyable, and purposeful.

For example, both an autistic individual and someone with OCD may flick a light switch repeatedly. The autistic person might enjoy the sensory input from the sound and visual changes, using the behavior as a form of self-regulation. Meanwhile, the person with OCD might believe that failure to flick the switch a specific number of times could lead to a negative consequence, making the behavior anxiety-driven and distressing.

Research underscores that repetitive behaviors are a fundamental characteristic of autism and should not automatically be seen as indicative of OCD. It’s essential to differentiate between the two to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate support and intervention strategies.

Information on restrictive-repetitive behaviours (RRB) and OCD can be found here: https://iocdf.org/autism/ocd-and-autism/

The Importance of In-Depth Assessment and Accurate Identification

Given the high prevalence of comorbid conditions, an in-depth assessment is critical for accurately diagnosing autism and identifying any co-occurring conditions. Misdiagnosis or overlooking comorbidities can lead to ineffective treatment and missed opportunities for intervention. For instance, untreated ADHD or anxiety can significantly impact a person’s ability to engage in social or academic activities, further complicating their experience of autism.