At Dr. Robin Lowey & Associates, we specialize in providing comprehensive and thorough evaluations to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in children, adolescents, and adults. Our team of licensed psychologists and certified school psychologists take a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to ensure that each evaluation is as complete and accurate as possible.
We recognize that diagnosing ASD can be a complex and nuanced process, so we take great care to ensure that we are able to provide you with clear, reliable results. To begin, you and/or your child will participate in a detailed clinical interview with one of our experienced specialists. This interview will allow us to gather an in-depth understanding of your medical, developmental, family, educational, and social history, as well as any specific concerns you may have. In addition to the clinical interview, you and/or your child will be asked to complete various rating scales, which help assess key behaviors, communication skills, and social interactions that may indicate the presence of ASD. We will also administer standardized tests of intellectual abilities and academic achievement. These assessments allow us to obtain a clearer picture of each individual’s cognitive strengths and challenges, which are important factors to consider when diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders.
One of the key components of our evaluation process is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2 (ADOS-2). Widely regarded as the “gold standard” for observing behaviors associated with autism, the ADOS-2 is a structured observational tool designed to assess communication, social interaction, and play skills. The ADOS-2 is crucial in providing direct insight into how an individual engages with others, which is essential for making an accurate diagnosis of Autism.
After the evaluation process is complete, our team will generate a comprehensive report summarizing all the findings. This report will provide a clear diagnosis, if appropriate, and include a detailed explanation of the assessment results. We will then meet with you to provide feedback and discuss the implications of the findings. During this feedback session, our evaluators will offer tailored recommendations for next steps, including potential interventions, therapies, and educational strategies that can best support you moving forward.