Understanding autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental difference that shapes how a person communicates, relates to others and experiences the world. It looks different in every child: some children are very verbal and struggle mostly with friendships or flexibility, while others have delayed speech or strong sensory needs. Understanding your child’s profile early means support at home and school can be matched to how they actually learn and connect.
At Calmora, autism evaluations are led by Dr. Naomi Fischer, PsyD, a child and adolescent psychologist. She evaluates children from age 5 and teens, looking at social communication, play and peer relationships, language, thinking skills, sensory responses and everyday adaptive skills, using DSM-5 criteria. Because ADHD, anxiety and language disorders can look like autism—and can also occur alongside it—a thorough evaluation helps make sure both the diagnosis and the recommendations are accurate.
Signs that may prompt an evaluation
If you notice several of these in your child, an autism evaluation may help.
- Repetitive movements or play
- Echoing words or phrases (echolalia)
- Delayed, limited or unusual speech
- Strong need for sameness, routines or very focused interests
- Difficulty with daily routines, transitions or following multi-step directions
- Limited or inconsistent eye contact
- Rarely sharing interests or enjoyment
- Fewer facial expressions or gestures than peers
- Difficulty reading social cues, tone of voice or body language
- Strong reactions to sounds, textures, light, smells or touch
- Very selective eating, often linked to texture or smell
- Trouble making or keeping friends, or preferring to play alone
What happens during an autism evaluation?
Clear steps, evidence-based tools and plenty of time for your questions.
The evaluation is designed to understand your child’s strengths as well as their challenges. Most autism evaluations at Calmora include:
- A detailed developmental interview with parents or caregivers
- Play-based and conversational assessment with Dr. Fischer, such as the ADOS-2
- Cognitive and language testing
- Parent and teacher rating scales
- Review of school records and, with your consent, input from teachers and pediatricians
- A written report with diagnosis and recommendations
- A feedback session to walk through results and next steps together
Testing is usually completed over two or three appointments, and the written report follows within a few weeks. You leave with practical recommendations for school, home and therapy.
Why early answers help
Autism Is Being Recognized More Often
You may be hearing more about autism than in the past. The CDC now estimates that about 1 in 31 eight-year-olds in the U.S. has been identified with autism, in part because awareness and screening have improved. Even so, many children—especially girls and children who are very verbal—are still identified later than they could be.
A diagnosis is not a label that limits your child. It can open the door to school supports such as an IEP or 504 plan, to speech, occupational or behavioral therapy, and to a clearer understanding at home. Whatever the results, you’ll leave with a plan that fits your child.