Autism Testing

Autism testing at We Care Support Services is a comprehensive evaluation for toddlers, children and teens, led by licensed clinicians in Orlando, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. It combines a developmental interview, direct observation with the ADOS-2, standardized testing and parent and teacher input, and ends with a feedback session and a written report that schools and doctors accept.

We understand that seeking answers about developmental differences can be an emotional journey. Our team guides families through the autism diagnostic process with accuracy, compassion and evidence-based practice. Call (877) 302-5628 to get started.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social interaction, communication, and behavioral patterns. Symptoms vary widely—often referred to as a “spectrum”—ranging from subtle difficulties in social cues to significant challenges in daily functioning.

Whether you are noticing early signs in a toddler or seeking clarity for a school-aged child, early recognition is key. A formal autism diagnosis opens the door to personalized interventions, educational accommodations, and therapies that significantly enhance quality of life.

Why Choose We Care Support for Autism Testing?

We take a personalized approach to autism evaluations, recognizing that every individual’s brain works differently. By combining advanced diagnostic tools with clinical expertise, we deliver reliable results you can trust.

Experienced Professionals: Our multidisciplinary team includes licensed psychologists and clinicians specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders and ASD diagnosis.
Comprehensive Evaluations: We go beyond a simple checklist. Our holistic assessments consider medical history, psychological factors, and environmental contexts.
Family-Centered Care: We partner with families to ensure you feel informed, empowered, and supported throughout the testing process.
Evidence-Based Practices: We utilize the “Gold Standard” of testing instruments to ensure diagnostic accuracy.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our testing centers in Orlando and Palm Beach County are designed to be safe, comfortable, and sensory-friendly.

What to Expect During the Autism Testing Process

We know that starting an autism assessment can feel overwhelming. We have streamlined our process to be as supportive and transparent as possible:

1. Initial Consultation Your journey begins with a detailed intake session. We gather developmental history, discuss current concerns, and review any previous medical or school records. This step helps us identify specific strengths and challenges to tailor the evaluation.

2. Diagnostic Assessments We employ a multi-method approach involving standardized tests, direct observation, and caregiver interviews. We assess key areas including:

Verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Social interaction and reciprocity.
Restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and sensory processing.
Cognitive and adaptive functioning.

Key Tools: We utilize industry-leading instruments such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R).

3. Additional Evaluations Autism often co-occurs with other conditions. Depending on individual needs, we may conduct neuropsychological testing or speech-language assessments to provide a complete picture of your child’s developmental profile.

4. Comprehensive Feedback Session Once testing is complete, we schedule a feedback appointment to review the findings. During this session, we:

Explain the diagnosis and results in clear, accessible language.
Provide a detailed written report accepted by schools and medical providers.
Offer a roadmap of recommendations for therapies (like ABA, Speech, or OT) and community resources.

5. Follow-up Support Our care doesn’t end with a report. We provide ongoing support to help families navigate treatment options, IEP/504 educational planning, and local resources in Central and South Florida.

Who Benefits from Autism Testing?

Our autism testing services are designed for individuals across the lifespan:

Toddlers & Young Children: Early diagnosis is critical for accessing early intervention services, which are proven to improve long-term outcomes.
School-Age Children: An official diagnosis can unlock essential school services, specialized instruction, and accommodations.
Teenagers & Adults: It is never too late for answers. We provide adult autism testing to help individuals gain self-awareness, understand their unique neurotype, and access workplace accommodations.
Individuals Facing Challenges: If you or your child struggle with social nuances, sensory overwhelm, or unexplained behavioral shifts, a professional evaluation can provide the “why.”

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Early identification is the key to unlocking potential. Timely autism interventions enable individuals to:

Develop essential communication and social skills.
Improve academic performance and learning strategies.
Reduce frustration and behavioral challenges.
Build stronger, more meaningful relationships with peers and family.

Accessible Testing Services in Florida

At We Care Support, we strive to make autism evaluations accessible to every family in our community. Our administrative team is happy to assist with questions regarding insurance coverage and payment options.

Locations: We serve clients in Orlando, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach.
Telehealth Options: For families unable to visit our centers, we offer initial consultations via secure telehealth platforms to ensure convenience.

Compassionate Care Every Step of the Way

Navigating neurodivergence can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. At We Care Support, we pride ourselves on compassionate, person-centered care that empowers individuals. From the first phone call to the final feedback session, we are here to make your journey as smooth and effective as possible.

Early signs of autism parents often notice

About 1 in 31 eight-year-olds in the United States has been identified with autism, according to the CDC. Signs usually appear in early childhood, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism screening at 18 and 24 months. Talk to us about an evaluation if your child:

Makes little eye contact, rarely points to show you things, or does not respond to their name by 12 months.
Has delayed speech, loses words or skills they used to have, or repeats phrases (echolalia).
Prefers to play alone, finds it hard to join other children, or struggles with back-and-forth conversation.
Lines up toys, follows rigid routines, or becomes very upset by small changes.
Has intense interests, repetitive movements such as hand-flapping or rocking, or strong reactions to sounds, textures or lights.

Girls and children with strong language skills are often identified later, because their differences can be subtler. If something feels different, an evaluation gives you a clear answer either way.

How long does an autism evaluation take?

Most child autism evaluations involve an intake interview, one or two testing appointments and a feedback session. Face-to-face testing usually takes several hours in total and is split across visits for younger children. The full process, including scoring and the written report, is typically 12 to 18 billable hours for a comprehensive assessment. We give you a timeline at intake, and if you have a deadline such as an IEP meeting, tell us so we can plan for it.

What your autism evaluation report includes

A clear answer on whether your child meets DSM-5-TR criteria for autism spectrum disorder, and the level of support needed.
Results for communication, social interaction, behavior, cognitive ability and adaptive (daily living) skills.
Any co-occurring conditions we identify, such as ADHD, anxiety, language disorder or intellectual disability.
Specific recommendations for therapies (such as ABA, speech and occupational therapy), school services and home strategies.
Documentation that can support IEP or 504 plan decisions and applications such as Florida’s Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities.

Cost and insurance for autism testing

We are in network with Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, UMR, Oscar Health, MultiPlan, Medicare and VA Community Care. Autism evaluations are often covered when medically necessary; you are responsible for your deductible and copays. Our out-of-network rate is $160 per hour. We verify your benefits and explain expected costs before your first appointment. See rates and insurance.

Where we offer autism testing

Autism testing is available at all three offices, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm:

Orlando: 1601 Park Center Drive, Suite 14, Orlando, FL 32835
West Palm Beach: 2054 Vista Parkway, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
Palm Beach Gardens: 3801 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

Testing an older teen or adult? See adult autism testing.

Autism testing FAQs

What age can a child be tested for autism?

Autism can be reliably diagnosed in many children by age 2. We evaluate toddlers, school-age children and teens. There is no age that is too late.

Do I need a referral from a pediatrician?

Not for a private evaluation, but some insurance plans require one for coverage. We check this when we verify your benefits.

Will the school accept your diagnosis?

Schools must consider outside evaluations when making decisions about services. Our reports are written so school teams can use them in IEP and 504 plan meetings.

How should I prepare my child?

Tell your child they will play games and do puzzles with a friendly helper. Bring snacks, comfort items, glasses or hearing aids if used, and any previous reports.

What if my child does not have autism?

The evaluation still explains what is going on. Many children have another explanation, such as a language disorder, ADHD or anxiety, and the report gives recommendations for that.

Do you offer telehealth?

Initial consultations can take place by secure telehealth. Diagnostic testing such as the ADOS-2 is done in person.

Articles on this topic

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data and statistics on autism spectrum disorder.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
National Institute of Mental Health. Autism spectrum disorder.
American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR.