Frequently Asked Questions:
What is an ASD assessment?
An ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) assessment is a comprehensive assessment that uses standardized testing to determine factors impacting your learning and education. It reveals strengths and weaknesses and helps you better understand yourself, determining whether you fit the diagnostic criteria for ASD.
The assessment covers intelligence, academic abilities, cognitive skills, ADHD, memory, and mental health.
Who should get an ASD assessment?
Anyone can receive a psychoeducational assessment, however these assessments are best suited to:
- those in school or planning to go back to school
- those looking for accommodations at work
- those looking to receive government support from
- Ontario Autism Program
- Disability Tax Credit
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
This assessment is beneficial in better understanding your learning and mental health. If you are seeking school accommodations, this is the assessment for you.
What is the timeline?
The assessment includes 3 sessions:
- In-person testing day
- 2-3 hours for the ASD Baseline
- 4-5 hours for the ASD + Psychoeducational
- Virtual clinical interview with the clinician (3 hours)
- Will take place about 2 weeks after testing
- You will be asked some questions about symptoms and history
- The first half of the interview takes place with the client, someone who knew the client in childhood, and someone who knows the client now to gather collateral information. The second half is for the client only. If you do not have people to provide collateral information or don’t feel comfortable, we can do the clinical interview with you only.
- Virtual feedback session to review results and recommendations (45 minutes)
You will receive the comprehensive report via email after the feedback session.
What is considered during the assessment?
The assessment covers intelligence, academic abilities, cognitive skills, ADHD, memory, and mental health.
Behavioural and emotional factors that influence learning are also assessed during your assessment.
Are there questionnaires to do at home?
Consent and intake forms should be completed before the testing day. Questionnaires and measures will be sent to you to complete before the clinical interview. After the clinical interview, additional questionnaires may be sent to you.
All forms and questionnaires must be completed before the feedback session.
If there is a delay in gathering information due to incomplete questionnaires, our psychologist will deliver the feedback as planned and send the report once all the information has been incorporated.
Who conducts the assessment?
A psychometrists administer the tests
A psychological associates conduct the clinical interview
A psychologist provides feedback of the results.
Can the assessment be virtual?
If you cannot do the testing in person, we can arrange to conduct a virtual assessment on a case-by-case basis. You may wish to consult with your school’s learning centre to assist with this process.
Is there weekend availability?
Yes, we have weekend availability to book your assessment. However, there is an additional charge of $100 for weekend assessments.
What happens on the testing day?
Before the testing day, you will have consent and intake forms to complete.
On the testing day, you will meet with the psychometrist and review the consent and any questions. The psychometrist will administer tests that measure memory, executive functioning, intelligence, academic abilities, and focus.
Ensure you have eaten beforehand and bring snacks/lunch and drinks, so you are prepared to do testing for several hours.
Please also ensure that you do not use your phone or devices during the assessment as this may serve as a distraction.
What happens during the clinical interview?
Your virtual clinical interview(s) will take place about 2 weeks after the testing. You will be asked some questions about symptoms and history.
The first half of the interview takes place with the client, someone who knew the client in childhood, and someone who knows the client now to gather collateral information. The second half is for the client only. If you do not have people to provide collateral information or don’t feel comfortable, we can do the clinical interview with you only.
Who should attend the clinical interview?
The first half of the interview takes place with the client, someone who knew the client in childhood, and someone who knows the client now to gather collateral information. The second half is for the client only.
If you do not have people to provide collateral information or don’t feel comfortable, we can do the clinical interview with you only.
What happens during the feedback session?
About 3 weeks after the clinical interview, once we receive the last piece of information from you, your feedback appointment will take place.
The psychologist will review the report, results, and recommendations, as well as any diagnoses that were made.
Recommendations and services available will be explained for support with ADHD, learning difficulties, and mental health problems, if applicable.
Who should attend the feedback session?
Students should attend their feedback session to receive the results of their assessment. If young adults would like their parents to join the session to receive the results, their parents can do so.
When will I receive my assessment report?
You will receive a comprehensive report of the results of your assessment shortly after your feedback session.
What is included in the report?
Your report will include your history which we gathered from the clinical interview, the clinical information, and numerical data of your performance.
It will also outline applicable diagnoses and specific recommendations. These recommendations may be related to learning, attention, and psychotherapy. If applicable, the psychologist will review the type of psychotherapy that would be most beneficial.
What can I expect after my assessment?
During the feedback session, recommendations and services available will be explained for support with ADHD, learning difficulties, and mental health problems, if applicable.
We are here to support you throughout this process.
