Autism Assessment for Children and Teens
Thorough, compassionate autism assessments in Coquitlam and Medicine Hat that look at the whole child and give your family a clear path forward.
Understanding your child, not just a diagnosis
If you have been wondering whether your child might be autistic, you are not alone, and you do not have to figure it out by yourself. An autism assessment gives you a clear picture of how your child experiences the world: how they communicate, connect, play, learn and respond to sensory input and change.
Our assessments are led by Registered Psychologists who have worked with autistic children for more than 20 years. We take a neuroaffirming, strengths-based approach. Whether or not a diagnosis fits, you leave with a better understanding of your child and practical recommendations for home, school and community.
When to consider an autism assessment
Every child is different, but families often reach out when they notice:
- Differences in speech, language or how their child communicates
- Difficulty with back-and-forth play or making and keeping friends
- Strong preferences for routine, and big reactions to change
- Intense, focused interests
- Sensitivity to sounds, textures, lights or crowds
- Frequent meltdowns or shutdowns, especially after school
- A sense that their child is working very hard to fit in
Girls and some boys may mask, or hide, their differences, especially at school. If something does not add up, it is worth asking.
What our autism assessment includes
- Parent intake interview and developmental history
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2)
- Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R)
- Standardized questionnaires for parents and, with consent, teachers
- Cognitive testing for children under 6, included in the fee
- A feedback meeting to walk through results in plain language
- A detailed written report with practical recommendations
- Completion of funding forms where a diagnosis is made
Assessment options by age
Under 6
Comprehensive autism assessment including cognitive testing.
$3,995
Age 6 and over
Comprehensive autism assessment.
$3,290
Autism plus psychoeducational (age 6 and over)
One coordinated assessment of autism, learning and cognitive profile.
$4,700
Flat fee, usually paid in three instalments. The report is released once the fee is paid in full. Please give five business days’ notice to cancel an assessment appointment.
Funding after a diagnosis
British Columbia
A private autism diagnosis from a Registered Psychologist can be used to apply for BC Autism Funding, which provides up to $22,000 a year for children under 6 and up to $6,000 a year for ages 6 to 18. Psychologists do not need to be on the RASP list to provide the diagnosis. We complete the Non-BCAAN Diagnosis form for you.
Alberta
A diagnosis can support an application to Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD). Creative Minds Consulting is an FSCD vendor and is contracted with Child and Family Services.
Why families choose Creative Minds for autism assessment
- Clinicians who began their careers working alongside autistic children
- Experience with complex profiles, including ADHD, anxiety, giftedness and learning differences
- Reports that explain the "why" and what to do next
- Play therapy, counselling and parent coaching available in the same practice after the assessment
- No referral needed
- Assessments are currently booking 4 to 5 months out, and psychoeducational assessments in BC with our psychometrist have immediate availability
Autism assessments in Coquitlam and Medicine Hat
Our Coquitlam clinic serves families from Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Burnaby, New Westminster and across the Lower Mainland. Our Medicine Hat clinic serves Medicine Hat, Redcliff and southeast Alberta, so families do not need to travel to Calgary.
Autism assessment questions
Take the first step
Book a free 15-minute consult to talk through your concerns, or book your assessment directly.