Autism Spectrum Assessment
Learn more about our process for Austism Spectrum Disorder testing in Encino
Is your child struggling to interact socially, overwhelmed by sensory issues, or struggling in school? You may be wondering if Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) could be the cause.
ASD often presents as differences in communication, social engagement, sensory processing, and learning styles. Many children with ASD experience hurdles in relating to others and expressing themselves, sometimes adopting coping mechanisms to blend in.
Navigating a world designed for neurotypical individuals can make it especially hard for neurodivergent children to feel included and understood.
Too often, kids and teens with ASD internalize the idea that something is “wrong” with them, feeling out of place compared to their peers. As a parent, you witness your child’s efforts to fit in and seek answers to help them thrive.
Knowledge is power, and an Autism spectrum assessment at Whole Child Neuro can help your family uncover what’s really going on.
Our process is designed to foster understanding, boost self-esteem, and equip your family with actionable insights—without stigma or shame. Rather than worrying that a diagnosis will make life more difficult, you’ll discover how working with your child’s individual brain profile can make everyday life easier and more fulfilling for everyone.
Our Approach to Autism Spectrum Assessment
At Whole Child Neuro, our pediatric neuropsychologists utilize advanced, evidence-based assessments to identify your child's neurodevelopmental profile, determine the presence of ASD, and guide tailored interventions.
What to Expect from an Autism Assessment
We understand that considering an autism evaluation can feel daunting. Watching your child face challenges in an environment not built for their needs is tough, but our compassionate team supports you every step of the way.
Our neurodiversity-affirming approach ensures findings are presented in a clear, accessible manner for parents, and are easy to communicate with educators and your child’s care team. We take the time to thoroughly explain the results, answer your questions, and guide you towards the most supportive next steps. Our goal is to transform assessment into a powerful tool for self-understanding and confidence, rather than a source of stigma.
By the end of the process, you’ll have a deeper understanding of your child’s learning style and a personalized roadmap to help them reach their full potential.
How Autism Assessment Works at Whole Child Neuro
Step 1 - Reach Out to Our Office
Fill out our contact form on our website, or give us a call at 818-900-9444 to schedule an intake appointment.
Step 2 - Intake Consultation
Dr. McDonald meets with you and your child to discuss concerns, and gathers a thorough developmental, social, educational, psychological, and medical history—including input from your child’s educators.
Step 3 - Autism Spectrum Assessment
Step 4 - Feedback & Ongoing Support
A few days after testing, you’ll have a feedback session with Dr. McDonald to review results and recommendations. You’ll learn how your child learns best and what obstacles they face.
You’ll receive a comprehensive written report detailing the findings and recommended action plan, including information for schools regarding accommodations.
Whole Child Neuro remains available for ongoing support, monitoring progress, and collaborating with your child’s care team to adapt strategies as needed.
Who can benefit from an Autism Assessment?
If your child shows any of the following signs, an autism assessment may be helpful:
Challenges in verbal or nonverbal communication at home or school
Challenges with unwritten social expectations
Repetitive self-soothing behaviors (arm flapping, rocking, lining up toys, repeating sounds)
Difficulty connecting with peers, making friends, or understanding social cues
Trouble expressing or interpreting emotions
Intense interest in specific topics or activities
Distress when deviating from their routine and difficulties with transitions, or struggling to adjust their behavior to fit their environment
Sensory sensitivities (discomfort in noisy environments, preference for certain textures)
Executive functioning difficulties (including trouble with planning, organization, and memory, such as memorizing math times tables, etc.)
Autism Spectrum Assessments Your Family Can Trust
Strengths-Based – We recognize capabilities and talents, addressing more than challenges alone.
Neurodiversity-Affirming – Autism is regarded as a natural variation rather than a deficit.
Comprehensive – Our assessments incorporate gold-standard measures, such as the ADOS-2.
Lifespan Expertise – Evaluations are conducted for children from age 2 through adulthood.
Practical Solutions – Clients receive targeted strategies to address real-life scenarios.
At Whole Child Neurodevelopment Group, we strive to provide the highest quality testing services and neuropsychological evaluations for children and young adults to help them reach their full potential. We provide autism assessments for children and adults throughout the Greater Los Angeles area — including individuals in Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, and Beverly Hills — from our office here in Encino.