Diagnostic Evaluation Process
Our evaluations are conducted by specialist clinical pediatric psychologists using the most rigorous, evidence-based tools in the field. Here’s exactly what that looks like and why it matters.
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is the most widely used and rigorously validated tool for autism assessment in the world. It is considered the gold standard by researchers and clinicians alike, and it is the centerpiece of every diagnostic evaluation at ANNA.
During the assessment, your child’s clinician creates naturalistic play and social interaction opportunities and carefully observes how your child communicates, plays, and connects. It is designed to feel like a warm, engaging interaction for your child, not a test.
We believe
The ADOS-2 features modules designed for various ages and developmental stages, ensuring your child’s assessment is always suitable for their current level.
Evaluation
At ANNA, the ADOS-2 is just one part of a thorough evaluation. We believe that no single tool can provide the full picture. To understand your child, we assess various developmental dimensions from different perspectives and sources. Examples of tools that may be used include:
The Process
The evaluation is paced around your child. We follow their energy, their comfort level, and their needs throughout.
Before the evaluation itself, your family meets with our team for an intake session. We learn about your child’s history, their daily life, and what prompted you to seek an evaluation.
Over the course of the day, your child’s neuropsychologist administers the age-appropriate assessment battery in a warm, child-friendly environment designed to make your child feel comfortable and at ease.
Following the evaluation, your child’s neuropsychologist analyzes all findings across every tool and every source of information, including your input from the intake session.
Once the report is complete, you come in for a dedicated feedback session with your child’s neuropsychologist.
Coverage
ANNA is in-network with most commercial and MassHealth plans. Your Care Coordinator handles all insurance verification and authorization before your first appointment.
Evaluations are conducted at ANNA’s centers in Wayland, Sudbury, Weston, Braintree, and Woburn.
Get in TouchDefinitions
Feel free to reach out to us at intake@annaautismcare.com if you have any further questions. We’re here to assist you!
Comprehensive assessment of infant and toddler development across five scales: Cognitive, Language, Motor, Social–Emotional, and Adaptive Behavior. Used to identify developmental delays, monitor progress, and build a full developmental profile.
A cognitive ability assessment for older children that measures verbal and nonverbal reasoning, spatial ability, and processing speed. Helps us understand how your child thinks and learns.
The gold-standard observational assessment for autism, conducted directly with your child through structured play and social interaction. The foundation of our diagnostic process.
A comprehensive assessment of behavioral and emotional functioning, completed by both parents and teachers where applicable. Captures how your child is experiencing and navigating their world across different settings.
Measures your child’s adaptive functioning across communication, daily living skills, socialization, and motor skills. Tells us how your child is applying their abilities in real-world situations.
A comprehensive developmental assessment covering physical, adaptive, social and emotional, cognitive, and communication domains. Provides a broad picture of your child’s overall development.
A parent-completed measure of social communication skills, focused interests, and repetitive behaviors. Gives us insight into how your child experiences social connection.
If you’re earlier in the process and wondering whether your child’s development warrants a closer look, an autism screening may be a helpful and low-pressure first step. Screenings are brief tools that help identify whether a full diagnostic evaluation makes sense for your child.
