Autism Assessment in Illinois
Comprehensive autism evaluations for toddlers, children, teens, and adults. Our clinical neuropsychologists assess cognitive and social-emotional functioning across all three of our Illinois locations.
What Is an Autism Assessment?
An autism assessment at Piece by Piece is a targeted neuropsychological evaluation designed to assess cognitive and social-emotional functioning as it relates to the presence of autism.
Our team of licensed clinical neuropsychologists takes time to understand each patient’s background and concerns before selecting tests that examine the specific areas of functioning most relevant to autism. The goal is not just a diagnosis, but a clear understanding of how the patient thinks, feels, and behaves, and what support will make the most difference.
Results are used to develop a customized, research-based treatment plan and can be shared with your doctors, therapists, and schools with your permission.
Who Should Get an Autism Assessment?
An autism assessment may be the right next step if:
- Your child’s pediatrician or teacher has raised concerns about social or developmental milestones
- You are a parent of a toddler or young child and want answers early
- Your child has received a prior evaluation but you want a more comprehensive assessment
- You are an adolescent or adult who suspects autism and wants a formal evaluation
- You need a diagnosis to access school accommodations, therapy services, or workplace support
Why Illinois Families Trust Piece by Piece
- Evaluations for patients starting at 18 months: one of the earliest entry points available across our locations
- Team of licensed clinical neuropsychologists: with extensive experience in autism evaluation
- Individual and family-focused approach: we work with the patient and the family together
- Telehealth available for adults: virtual autism evaluations offered for adults who need a flexible option
- Care coordination included: we collaborate with schools and can attend IEP/504 meetings on your behalf
- Most major insurance accepted: benefits verified before any services are provided
- Three Illinois locations: Chicago, Lake Forest, and Oak Brook
What Happens During an Autism Assessment?
Step 1: Intake Interview Your first appointment is a diagnostic interview with the doctor, conducted either in person or virtually. This session covers your areas of concern, developmental and medical history, and background. Appointments typically last between 3 and 6 hours.
Step 2: Testing Following the interview, interactive tests are selected to examine cognitive and social-emotional functioning as it relates to autism. Testing is typically completed within a day. If additional time is needed, a follow-up session will be scheduled.
Step 3: Results and Follow-Up After testing, the clinician scores the results and prepares a comprehensive report. A follow-up meeting to discuss the findings and next steps is scheduled 2 to 3 weeks after the evaluation.
Step 4: Treatment Planning and Support Results are shared with your care team with your permission. We collaborate with schools to support IEP/504 development and can attend meetings on your behalf to help ensure the right supports are in place.
Support After Your Autism Assessment
For patients who need ongoing support after an autism evaluation, we offer:
- Therapy and Counseling: CBT, ERP, person-centered therapy, family systems, and parent training tailored to each client’s needs
- Care Coordination: collaboration with schools, pediatricians, and other providers to support continuity of care
- Executive Functioning Coaching: individual coaching for children, teens, and adults focused on planning, organization, and task management
We also maintain community referral partnerships with autism therapy providers and other specialists for services outside our scope, including ABA therapy, speech-language therapy, and occupational therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages do you provide autism assessments for?
We serve patients from 18 months and up in Oak Brook, ages 2 to 40 in Lake Forest, and ages 6 and up in Chicago.
Do you offer telehealth autism assessments?
Yes. Virtual neuropsychological evaluations are available for adults with referral questions related to ASD. This is a flexible option for working adults.
Do you accept insurance for autism assessments?
Yes. We accept most major insurance, self-pay, and sliding scale options. We will verify your insurance benefits before any services are provided. Financial assistance and pro-bono services are also available on a limited basis.
When will I receive the results?
A follow-up meeting to discuss results is scheduled 2 to 3 weeks after the evaluation. Our team will provide an estimated timeframe during your appointment.
Do you work with schools after an autism assessment?
Yes. With your permission, we collaborate with schools to help develop treatment plans and can attend IEP/504 meetings on your behalf.
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