Autism Evaluations
in New York and Vermont
Understanding whether autism is present, and how it shows up for a specific person, can be life-changing. A thorough evaluation provides clarity, opens doors to appropriate support, and helps individuals and families move forward with confidence.
MindWell’s licensed clinicians conduct comprehensive autism evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults across New York and Vermont. Every evaluation concludes with a detailed written report and a dedicated review session to walk through findings and recommendations together.
Autism Evaluations
in New York and Vermont
Understanding whether autism is present — and how it shows up for a specific person — can be life-changing. A thorough evaluation provides clarity, opens doors to appropriate support, and helps individuals and families move forward with confidence.
MindWell’s licensed clinicians conduct comprehensive autism evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults across New York and Vermont. Every assessment concludes with a detailed written report and a dedicated review session to walk through findings and recommendations together.
Understanding Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, connects with others, and experiences the world. It is a spectrum, meaning characteristics, strengths, and challenges vary widely from person to person.
Because autism presents differently across ages, genders, and individuals, it is frequently missed or misdiagnosed, particularly in women, girls, and adults who have developed ways of masking their differences over time. A comprehensive evaluation looks beyond surface presentation to understand the full picture.
An accurate diagnosis is not just a label. It is a foundation, for accessing the right support, securing accommodations, and gaining a clearer understanding of yourself or your child.
What to Expect During Your Autism Evaluation
Intake Session Can be 100% Virtual
Your first appointment is a comprehensive clinical interview with one of our licensed clinicians, and it can be conducted fully virtually for your convenience. We’ll gather detailed information about your history, current challenges, symptoms, and daily functioning — at home, at work or school, and in relationships. For children and adolescents, parents or caregivers are an integral part of this conversation. This session gives us the full picture we need to design your individualized evaluation.
Testing Conducted In-Person
The testing session is where the formal evaluation takes place, and all testing is conducted in person at our Albany clinic. Depending on age and referral concerns, it typically includes standardized cognitive and attention measures, behavioral rating scales, and symptom checklists completed by you and, where relevant, a parent or teacher. Sessions usually last two to four hours. Please come rested and, if applicable, take any regularly prescribed medications as usual unless your clinician directs otherwise.
What Testing Looks Like
Social Communication and Behavioral Activities: You will participate in activities and structured tasks designed to explore social communication, reciprocal interaction, and patterns of behavior. These activities are adapted to your age and needs to help your clinician understand how you communicate, engage with others, and experience the world around you.
Developmental History and Questionnaires: You will be asked to share information about your developmental history, social interactions, communication, sensory experiences, behaviors, and daily functioning. When appropriate, input from parents, caregivers, partners, or others who know you well may also be included to provide a broader understanding of your experiences across settings and throughout development.
Clinical Observations: Your clinician will observe how you communicate, engage in activities, interact with others, and respond to different situations. These observations, combined with developmental history and additional information gathered during the evaluation, help build a comprehensive understanding of your strengths, challenges, and characteristics associated with autism.
Summary & Review of Recommendations can be 100% Virtual
Your final feedback session is an opportunity to review the evaluation findings with your clinician, discuss any diagnoses, and ask questions. Your clinician will explain the results and provide individualized, actionable recommendations for treatment, accommodations, and next steps. For school age children, recommendations may include academic supports and documentation for school based accommodations.
During this session, you will gain a clearer understanding of the evaluation findings and how they relate to your or your child’s strengths, needs, and daily functioning. Your clinician will discuss recommendations and help you identify appropriate next steps.
Please note that the comprehensive written report will be made available once any remaining balance has been paid in full.
Key Benefits of an Autism Evaluation at MindWell
Understanding Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, connects with others, and experiences the world. It is a spectrum — meaning characteristics, strengths, and challenges vary widely from person to person.
Because autism presents differently across ages, genders, and individuals, it is frequently missed or misdiagnosed — particularly in women, girls, and adults who have developed ways of masking their differences over time. A comprehensive evaluation looks beyond surface presentation to understand the full picture.
An accurate diagnosis is not just a label. It is a foundation — for accessing the right support, securing accommodations, and gaining a clearer understanding of yourself or your child.
What to Expect During Your Autism Evaluation
Intake Session Can be completed virtually
Your first appointment is a comprehensive clinical interview with one of our licensed clinicians. We’ll gather detailed information about your history, current challenges, symptoms, and daily functioning — at home, at work or school, and in relationships. For children and adolescents, parents or caregivers are an integral part of this conversation. This session gives us the full picture we need to design your individualized evaluation.
Testing Conducted in person
The testing session is where the formal evaluation takes place. Depending on your age and referral concerns, testing typically includes standardized cognitive and attention measures, behavioral rating scales, and symptom checklists completed by you and, where relevant, a parent or teacher. Sessions typically last two to four hours. You are encouraged to come rested and, if applicable, to take any regularly prescribed medications as usual unless otherwise directed by your clinician.
What Testing Looks Like
Testing is not a pass or fail — it is a structured way of understanding how your brain works. Here is what to expect:
Cognitive & Attention Tasks — You will complete a series of structured tasks on a computer or with paper materials that measure attention, processing speed, working memory, and executive functioning. These tasks are designed to be straightforward, though some are intentionally repetitive to assess sustained attention over time.
Behavioral Rating Scales — You and others who know you well (parents, teachers, or partners) will complete questionnaires about your behavior, attention, and emotional regulation across different settings. These provide critical context beyond what is captured in a single testing session.
Clinical Observations — Your clinician will observe how you approach tasks, manage frustration, and sustain effort throughout the session. These observations are an important part of the overall picture.
Summary & Review of Recommendations Can be completed virtually
Once testing is complete and scored, your clinician will prepare a comprehensive written report. You will then meet to review the findings together — including your diagnosis, a clear explanation of your results, and specific, actionable recommendations for treatment, accommodations, and next steps. For school-age children, recommendations will address academic supports and any documentation needed for school accommodations. You will leave this appointment with a full copy of your report and a clear path forward.
Autism Treatment change to Key benefits of Autism Evaluation
Autism Evaluation FAQs
At what age can someone be evaluated for autism?
Autistic traits are often present early in childhood, and formal evaluation can reliably identify autism in children as young as two. For others, the impact of autism may not be fully recognized until adolescence or adulthood, when social, academic, or workplace challenges become more prominent.
MindWell conducts autism evaluations beginning at age 6 through adulthood. For children aged five and younger, we recommend a developmental evaluation or a consultation with your child’s pediatrician.
Why do people seek an autism evaluation?
People pursue autism evaluations to understand differences in communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and daily functioning that have been present throughout their life. For many, a diagnosis validates years of feeling different and provides a framework for understanding themselves more clearly. A formal diagnosis also opens access to accommodations, therapeutic supports, and services that can make a meaningful difference across settings.
Should I see my pediatrician before scheduling an evaluation?
If you have concerns about autism, whether for yourself or your child, we encourage you to start by consulting your primary care provider or pediatrician. They can complete an initial screening and help determine whether a formal evaluation is warranted. That said, you are also welcome to reach out to MindWell directly to discuss your concerns.
What does an autism evaluation at MindWell include?
Where are evaluations conducted?
How long does the evaluation process take?
The full evaluation process, from intake through feedback, typically spans four weeks. Testing sessions generally range from two to five hours depending on the type of evaluation and the age of the individual being assessed. Some evaluations may be completed across two sessions.
How long does it take to receive my report?
Your feedback appointment is scheduled in advance as part of your testing series. At that appointment, your clinician will review the completed findings and recommendations with you. The comprehensive written report is finalized after feedback and typically takes an additional one to two weeks to prepare. It will be released to you once the final payment has been received.
Does MindWell accept insurance for evaluations?
Psychological evaluations at MindWell are self-pay. We do not bill insurance directly for evaluation services, but we are happy to provide a superbill upon request that you can submit to your insurance provider for possible out-of-network reimbursement. We recommend contacting your insurer in advance to understand your out-of-network benefits for psychological testing. Fees vary depending on the type of evaluation and the provider.
How much does an evaluation cost?
For current fee information, please click on the “More Information” button below. We are happy to discuss your specific concerns and help determine the right evaluation before any financial commitment is required.
Do I need a referral to schedule an evaluation?
How do I get started? Ready to take the next step?
Visit www.mindwellcenter.com/getstarted to complete the Evaluation Questionnaire and schedule a phone screen at a time that is convenient for you. During the screen, our care coordination team will gather basic information about your concerns, walk you through the evaluation process, and help determine which assessment is the right fit for your needs.
What if the results are not what I expected?
Our evaluations are open-ended and guided by the data gathered — the outcome may not always align with a diagnosis you anticipated or currently self-identify with. Regardless of the findings, your clinician will provide clear, honest feedback and recommendations that reflect your or your child’s unique strengths, needs, and ways of engaging with the world.
Does MindWell take a neurodiversity-affirming approach to evaluations?
What Our Clients Say - Ithaca, NY
My experience with MindWell has been wonderful. The client coordinating team worked to ensure I met a therapist best suited for my needs, and the clinicians I have seen are caring individuals whose scientific based approach to mental health have helped me tremendously. MindWell has changed therapy for me, and I feel so fortunate to have them here in Ithaca.
- shoshana c.
The pandemic among other things put a strain on our marriage and finding out about MindWell was at the perfect time. After filling out online, we talked to an intake specialist and were matched with a therapist which we are both extremely happy with. It has been a positive experience and we are working everyday to better our relationship and it's because of MindWell that we now know we can make it.
- clara s.
My therapist at MindWell Psychology is an exceptionally skilled counselor. I have faith in her abilities and am convinced that she is able to put customers at ease and give them the impression that they are supported no matter what they are going through.
- robin s.
When our daughter started having some drastic behavior changes, we reached out to MindWell and after the initial intake; she was matched with someone and we are finally seeing some differences in her. She talks openly about how she enjoys going to therapy. So happy with her progress.
- addison b.
What Our Clients Say - Albany, NY
I am a psychologist in MA and worked with/know personally several of the Psychologists at MindWell including, Christina Colgary, Lizzie O'Rourke, and Emilee Valler. They are remarkable clinicians and I have referred several people in NY to their practice. Highly recommend considering Mindwell for your or your child's therapy needs!
- Rachel M.
This is an overall fantastic and conscientious organization. My family's experience has been nothing but positive. Intake was smooth and scheduling is simple and organized. They were taking new patients which was already an uncommon feature! Our therapist was a perfect match and they were clearly well supported by Mindwell admins and management which allowed them to focus on giving their best.
- A M.
What Our Clients Say - Burlington, VT
Mindwell has provided excellent in-person and on-line therapy services for members of my family for the last year. We cannot speak highly enough about the professionalism and care provided by the therapist, the patient care coordination team and the Mindwell management team. They have helped turned a difficult situation into something manageable and ultimately positive.
- sarah g.
Therapy at Mindwell has been professional and helpful. Their friendly office staff is a nice bonus!
- K M.
The MindWell Difference:
Care Rooted in Science &
Compassion
We believe that diversity is a strength and strive to create a space built on trust, respect, and openness where every individual feels seen and supported.
Inclusive
All backgrounds and identities welcomed
Evidence-Based
Grounded in research and continuous learning.
Respectful Dialogue
A safe space for open, honest conversations.
Human-Centered
Guided by compassion,
humility, and connection.
Mindwell has been an incredible resource for our family! The expertise, professionalism, and dedication of the staff is truly unmatched. The psychologist has gone above and beyond to support our child, including through engagement with the school, regular parent-only support sessions, and tailored intensive therapy. All the staff are warm, empathetic, and very responsive to questions and issues that arise. Setting up appointments (both online and in person) is very easy. We are so lucky to have found them.
-Iris P.
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-Sarah.
-Shoshana.
-Addison.
