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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment – kids & teens

If you have concerns that your child may have autism, or if a teacher, paediatrician, or another professional has raised the possibility, you are not alone. Many families arrive at this point after a long road of questions and uncertainty. Our role is to bring clarity to that process.

At Bhatia Psychology Group, ASD assessments are conducted by registered clinical psychologists using the ADOS-2, the gold-standard observational tool for autism diagnosis. We identify your child’s challenges alongside their strengths, and provide insights that guide therapeutic and educational support tailored to their specific needs. You will leave with answers you can trust.

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What is an ASD assessment?

Besides psychoeducational and ADHD assessments, we offer testing for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The evaluation is suited to a child/teen who potentially has high-functioning ASD.

A proper diagnosis and understanding of how your child’s brain functions will help them get the right tools and support to reach their full potential. Through an ASD Assessment, we evaluate a person’s cognitive ability, processing skills, language skills, social skills, academic capability, and view of the world.

Many children with ASD — especially those who have the support and strategies they need — can achieve happiness and success throughout their lives.

It’s recommended when:

  • Displays social communication delays
  • Has few or very fixed interests
  • Is overly sensitive to light, sound, smell, and touch
  • Struggles to engage with their peers and teachers.

The gold standard in autism assessment – ADOS-2

Not all autism assessments are equal. At Bhatia Psychology Group, our ASD evaluations include the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition). This is the most rigorously validated observational assessment tool for autism spectrum disorder in the world.

The ADOS-2 involves structured, direct interaction between your child and a trained psychologist, and is designed to elicit and observe the specific social and communicative behaviours relevant to an ASD diagnosis. 

It is considered the gold standard because it provides objective, standardized observational data — not just questionnaires or checklists, but direct clinical observation by a qualified professional.

The ADOS-2 is expensive to acquire and requires specialized training to administer and interpret. Not all clinics offer it. At Bhatia Psychology Group, it is a standard part of our ASD assessment process — because we believe your child’s evaluation should be built on the strongest clinical foundation available.

How ASD testing works

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) testing aims to understand an individual’s developmental, cognitive, and behavioural profile. This testing helps diagnose ASD and guides future intervention and educational strategies. Typically, the assessment process involves:
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Intake

A thorough ASD assessment is built on a thorough understanding of your child’s history. Your child’s psychologist meets with you to gather a detailed developmental history, from early milestones through to current school and home observations. We review any previous assessments, medical records, and teacher reports to build a thorough understanding of your child before the assessment begins.

Assessment

Your child is assessed directly by a registered clinical psychologist using the ADOS-2, the gold-standard observational tool for autism, alongside cognitive testing, language and communication assessment, adaptive behaviour measures, and standardized rating scales completed by parents and teachers. The combination of direct observation and multi-informant data ensures a comprehensive, well-supported assessment.

    Treatment

    Your psychologist prepares a detailed written report integrating all assessment findings, and meets with you in a dedicated feedback session to walk you through what was observed, what the results indicate, and what they recommend. You will leave with a comprehensive report and a clear understanding of your child’s profile, their strengths, their support needs, and a clear path forward.

    Frequently asked questions

    ASD assessment
    Why is it important to get an ASD assessment for my child?
    An ASD assessment provides an action plan that helps support your child with learning and social challenges. By giving them the social and educational support they need, they can thrive and reach their full potential.
    What is typically included in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment?
    On average, an assessment includes the following. However, every child is different, so the details are confirmed in the initial appointment.

    – Consultation and intake
    – Screening measures
    – Extensive developmental history collection
    – Direct assessment
    – Scoring and reporting
    – Feedback session

    How should I prepare my child for the assessment?
    Before your child or teen’s appointment, your psychologist provides the necessary information. They may also ask for copies of questionnaires, forms, or report cards.
    Will my child's school be informed of the assessment results?
    This is not done unless you have provided explicit written or verbal consent.
    What is the ADOS-2 and why does it matter?

    The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is the most widely validated observational tool for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder. Unlike questionnaires or checklists alone, it involves direct, structured interaction with your child conducted by a trained psychologist — providing objective observational data that forms the cornerstone of a rigorous ASD assessment. At Bhatia Psychology Group, the ADOS-2 is a standard part of every youth ASD evaluation.