FAQs

An autism evaluation is a comprehensive evaluation completed by a specialized professional to determine whether a person meets the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This type of evaluation involves a clinical interview regarding background information, medical history, developmental history, as well as, completing standardized measures of the individual’s social, communication, and behavior patterns. In addition, for child evaluations, the provider will conduct a structured observation of your child engaging in activities.

If a person is showing symptoms of autism (ex. Lack or regression of social communication, repetitive behaviors, resistance to change, etc.) or he/she has failed a standardized autism screening, it is recommended he/she get formally tested. Refer to the National Institute of Mental Health (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/autism-spectrum-disorder)for more information regarding sign/symptoms of autism. Testing may also be appropriate in situations in which your child is not meeting developmental milestones in a timely manner. Please refer to the Center for Disease Control r(https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/index.html)egarding developmental milestones appropriate for each age group.

Although, there is no specific age a child should be evaluated, early intervention is the key to a good prognosis for autism. Therefore, ideally, by the age of 2 years old would be recommended.

Families should send the provider any relevant documentation/medical records prior to the first appointment. Examples of records that would need to be shared with the provider include the following: any positive autism screening measure, speech/OT/PT records, or individualized education plans (IEPs). In addition, families should complete all AATC initial intake paperwork in the client portal prior to their first appointment.

Research shows that clients showed just as much satisfaction with virtual autism testing as compared to in-person testing. In addition, individuals suspected of autism often do not like changes in routine and can have anxiety when visiting healthcare offices. Virtual testing provides clients with access to this service in the comfort of their home. In addition, the clinician can benefit from observing the client in his/her natural environment which can give a better glimpse into the client’s level of functioning and day-to-day behavior. See related article below regarding parental satisfaction with telehealth autism assessments: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10803-022-05576-1.pdf (https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10803-022-05576-1.pdf)

If an ASD diagnosis is rendered during the assessment process, the provider will provide an evaluation report which outlines recommendations for next steps. Parents can also elect to enroll in AATC’s consultation services in which they can receive parent training on individualized topics which they want to target for intervention. Consultation services can also assist parents in navigating the process to obtain the proper services needed for early intervention for their child.

AATC accepts online credit/debit card payment through our electronic medical record system. All fees must be paid PRIOR to the start of the appointment. If the client does not pay prior to the appointment, the appointment will be cancelled. AATC does not currently take insurance; however, clients can request superbills to submit to their insurance providers for out-of-network services. It should be noted that AATC providers will not interface with your insurance provider so any inquiries by the insurance company regarding the service will have to be handled by the client.

All services can be provided in-person at a rate of $250/hour to local areas in Louisiana within 20 miles of the provider"s residence including Ascension Parish (Prairieville, Gonzales ,etc.), East Baton Rouge Parish (Baton Rouge), and Livingston Parish (Denham Springs, Watson, etc.). Additional locations such as Covington/Mandeville area, Greater New Orleans area, and Lafayette may be eligible for in-person services at an increased rate. However, AATC is open to traveling to any area in northern Louisiana (Shreveport, Monroe), Florida (Pensacola, 30A, Destin, Tampa, Miami, Orlando, Naples, etc.) and Texas (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, etc.) if travel expenses can be included and rates negotiated.

First, you will need to contact AATC at 225-285-3956 to inform us of what service you need so we can answer any questions that you have. Next, the initial intake paperwork will be sent to you through the client portal to complete. Once AATC receives the completed initial paperwork and any additional medical records needed for the service, you will be scheduled for your first appointment.

The following organizations/websites that have general resources about autism that you may find helpful: Autism Speaks https://www.autismspeaks.org/ (https://www.autismspeaks.org/) Autism Society https://autismsociety.org/ (https://autismsociety.org/) Autism Self Advocacy Network https://autisticadvocacy.org/ (https://autisticadvocacy.org/) Autism Research Institute https://autism.org/ (https://autism.org/) National Autism Association https://nationalautismassociation.org/ (https://nationalautismassociation.org/)

AATC serves the entire states of Texas, Florida, or Louisiana. Therefore, areas like Dallas (https://editor.wix.com/html/editor/web/renderer/edit/af9de039-5df0-4987-b298-8af4910c788d?metaSiteId=27a9b890-7d74-4c63-b5f7-3b99eab09cdf)((https://editor.wix.com/html/editor/web/renderer/edit/af9de039-5df0-4987-b298-8af4910c788d?metaSiteId=27a9b890-7d74-4c63-b5f7-3b99eab09cdf), Houston (https://editor.wix.com/html/editor/web/renderer/edit/af9de039-5df0-4987-b298-8af4910c788d?metaSiteId=27a9b890-7d74-4c63-b5f7-3b99eab09cdf ((https://editor.wix.com/html/editor/web/renderer/edit/af9de039-5df0-4987-b298-8af4910c788d?metaSiteId=27a9b890-7d74-4c63-b5f7-3b99eab09cdf), Austin (https://editor.wix.com/html/editor/web/renderer/edit/af9de039-5df0-4987-b298-8af4910c788d?metaSiteId=27a9b890-7d74-4c63-b5f7-3b99eab09cdf ((https://editor.wix.com/html/editor/web/renderer/edit/af9de039-5df0-4987-b298-8af4910c788d?metaSiteId=27a9b890-7d74-4c63-b5f7-3b99eab09cdf)), and Miami (https://editor.wix.com/html/editor/web/renderer/edit/af9de039-5df0-4987-b298-8af4910c788d?metaSiteId=27a9b890-7d74-4c63-b5f7-3b99eab09cdf ((https://editor.wix.com/html/editor/web/renderer/edit/af9de039-5df0-4987-b298-8af4910c788d?metaSiteId=27a9b890-7d74-4c63-b5f7-3b99eab09cdf)) are all within our catchment area.

1. Our evaluations are more comprehensive than our competitors. It is common for evaluations to include questions regarding symptoms, developmental milestones, adaptive skills, and social functioning. However, our assessments can also include detailed information about sensory processing and functions of challenging behavior. In addition, AATC completes an observation in the natural environment so there is a clearer picture of how your child functions in his/her day-to-day life and not in a contrived setting like an office. AATC also thinks it is important to speak with parents about their stress related to their child’s difficulties. AATC's goal is to get a full picture of what the family is experiencing so we can make the best and most individualized recommendations as possible. 2. Our owner has extensive experience in both assessment and treatment of autism including applied behavior analysis (ABA). In addition, she has worked in multiple settings with individuals with autism (ex. clinic, school, community, hospital, etc.) Often times, clinicians who do autism assessments only work with families during the diagnostic process. AATC also offers parent consultation services post diagnosis to navigate next steps. 3. Our telehealth services prevent your child from having to go to a “doctor’s office visit" that can be stressful for individuals with autism or anxiety. Our entire assessment process can be completed from your own home where your child feels most comfortable.

Those interested in an adult assessment should call (225.285.3956) with any questions. Once a client decides to move forward, AATC will give them client portal access and send all initial paperwork through the portal to complete. The client should also upload any relevant clinical documentation into the portal. Once the initial paperwork is returned, the first appointment will be scheduled. The first appointment will be an intake appointment which will include discussion of background information and a diagnostic interview. The second appointment will be the administration of standardized measures of autism symptoms, social functioning, and sensory processing. Assessment of possible comorbid conditions will also be administered to clarify diagnosis as needed. The third appointment will include discussion of the prepared report that documents the test results. The evaluator will go over the results, personalized recommendations, and any questions the client has at this appointment. Session fee must be paid prior to each appointment. It is suggested that anyone seeking an adult evaluation have an informant that can attest to their symptoms or related medical/school/therapy records showing a pattern of symptoms preferably over the life span.

1. No Waitlists — Fast Access to Answers Insurance systems commonly require months (or years) of waiting. With private pay, you bypass those delays and get scheduled quickly. This allows you to move forward with clarity, support, and next steps without losing valuable time. 2. A Thorough, Unrestricted Evaluation Insurance companies often dictate what tests can be used, how many hours are covered, and what must be documented to “justify” a diagnosis. Private pay removes those restrictions. This means you receive a clinically driven, strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming evaluation based solely on your needs—not an insurance company’s checklist. 3. More Time with a Psychologist Private pay enables the depth of assessment that autistic individuals deserve. You receive: • Ample time for interviews • Comprehensive review of developmental history • Evidence-based assessment tools • Detailed interpretation and feedback • Space to ask questions, process results, and plan next steps There is no pressure to rush, and no billing codes limiting care. 4. A Strength-Based, Clear, and Actionable Report Insurance reports are often written narrowly for reimbursement. My private-pay evaluations produce high-quality, practical reports that support you across settings, including: • Schools • Colleges • Employers • Disability services • Accommodations requests • Therapy providers Your report is designed to be useful—not just billable. 5. Privacy and Autonomy Private pay keeps your information fully private. Nothing is shared with insurance companies or placed into their databases. You decide who receives your results, when, and how. 6. No Diagnosis Required for Services Insurance-based models often require a diagnosis within specific billing categories before services can begin. Private pay allows you to explore questions, concerns, or support needs without pressure to fit into a diagnosis to access help. 7. Care Tailored to Your Goals, Not Insurance Rules Your evaluation can focus on: • Subtle autism presentations • Late-identified autism • Masking/camouflaging • Co-occurring anxiety or ADHD • Sensory and communication profiles • Recommendations that match your real-life needs Your goals drive the assessment—not billing requirements. 8. Clear, Transparent Pricing Private pay eliminates surprise bills, denials, and “out-of-network” confusion. You know the cost upfront and receive a high-touch, expert-led evaluation experience from start to finish.