Child & Adult Developmental Delays and Autism Evaluations

Child & Adult Developmental Delays and Autism Evaluations

In a confidential and comfortable setting, South Miami Psychology Group offers a comprehensive suite of testing services for children, adolescents, and adults – including ADD/ADHD, psychoeducational, developmental, emotional support animal, gifted/intelligence (IQ), immigration/hardship, psychological/personality, and vocational evaluations. Please read on for more detail!

Every child’s journey is unique, and understanding their world is the first step towards a brighter future.

At South Miami Psychology Group, we recognize the concerns and challenges parents face when they suspect their child might have a developmental delay. We’re here to guide you through this journey with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to your child’s wellbeing.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition marked by challenges in social interaction, speech, nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. While there is no single medical test for diagnosing ASD, a comprehensive evaluation of a child’s developmental history and behavior is crucial.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention, especially between the ages of 2 and 5, can be pivotal in providing children with the support they need for a successful, independent life. We understand the importance of early detection and intervention in children with autism.

Our Approach to Developmental Screening

If you’ve noticed developmental delays in your child, starting with a developmental screening is a practical first step. Recommended at 9, 18, and 30 months of age, these screenings are vital as studies show that one in four children under six might be at risk for developmental delays or disabilities. For autism concerns, a developmental screening is advised at 24 months or whenever challenges persist. While most frequently developmental concerns become evident in childhood, individuals may present with developmental concerns at any point in the lifespan, given the pervasive and lifelong nature of the disorder.

During the screening, you’ll complete a questionnaire about your child’s emotional, behavioral, cognitive, motor, and language development. These screenings help us focus on specific areas of your child’s growth.

Specialized Autism Testing

If developmental screening suggests a potential for autism, our expert team at South Miami Psychology Group is ready to assist with detailed autism testing and diagnosis. Our methods include:

  • The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2): A semi-structured standardized observation assessing repetitive behavior, play, communication, and social skills.
  • The Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2), a qualitative structured interview utilized to gather and organize information needed to diagnose autism spectrum disorder, including language and communication, social relationships and emotional responses, and sensory use and interests.
  • And questionnaires to differentiate autism from other conditions and determine presence and severity of social impairment, including:
    • The Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition:
    • The Autism Spectrum Rating Scales (ASRS)
    • The Gilliam Autism Rating Scale, Third Edition (GARS-3)
    • The Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)

We also conduct evaluations for cognition, motor skills, language, vision, and hearing.

Our Four-Step Process for Autism Testing

  • Call Us: Begin with an initial consultation to discuss your concerns and verify any applicable insurance benefits.
  • Initial Evaluation: Our clinical team will engage with you and your child in a welcoming setting, usually consisting of 3 or more sessions, using structured assessments of cognition and academics, as well as play/activity-based tests like the ADOS-2.
  • Analysis and Review: Our psychologists will meticulously review the results and create a comprehensive report, typically within two to four weeks.
  • Diagnosis Report: We’ll provide a comprehensive report and recommendations, including treatment options and support in finding suitable schools, therapists, and community resources.

Want to know what the evaluation process looks like? Read on…

Our Four-Step Process for Autism Testing

  • Call Us: Begin with an initial consultation to discuss your concerns and verify any applicable insurance benefits.
  • Initial Evaluation: Our clinical team will engage with you and your child in a welcoming setting, usually consisting of 3 or more sessions, using structured assessments of cognition and academics, as well as play/activity-based tests like the ADOS-2.
  • Analysis and Review: Our psychologists will meticulously review the results and create a comprehensive report, typically within two to four weeks.
  • Diagnosis Report: We’ll provide a comprehensive report and recommendations, including treatment options and support in finding suitable schools, therapists, and community resources.

At South Miami Psychology Group, we’re dedicated to supporting you and your child every step of the way. Our goal is to ensure that every child receives the understanding and care they need for a fulfilling and joyful life.

Still have doubts? Call for a free 15-minute consultation with one of our testing psychologists for an honest conversation on whether testing is right for you and your family.

Please contact our office at (305) 662-2686 to speak with one of our testing psychologists to learn how we can meet you and your child’s testing needs.