Assessment

Autism Assessment in
Irvine & Orange County

Comprehensive autism evaluations for all ages — from toddlers and young children to teens and adults — with deep expertise in presentations that are often missed.

If you're wondering whether you, your child, or your teen might be on the autism spectrum, a comprehensive assessment can provide the clarity you've been looking for. Many people spend years feeling different — masking in social situations, overthinking every interaction, wondering why things that seem easy for others feel so exhausting — before finding answers.

I evaluate people of all ages — from toddlers and young children where parents or providers are seeing early signs, to older teens and adults whose autism has gone unrecognized for years. I have particular expertise with subtler presentations that are often missed — including autistic women and girls, adults seeking a late diagnosis, those who've been masking or camouflaging, and individuals with co-occurring ADHD or anxiety. For these individuals, standard screening tools often aren't enough. My assessments go deeper.

As both a licensed clinical psychologist and a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA-D), I bring a rare combination of clinical assessment expertise and behavioral science depth to every evaluation. I understand autism not just as a diagnostic category, but as a lived neurological experience — and my evaluations reflect that understanding.

What's included in an autism assessment

  • Clinical interview with the individual and/or caregivers
  • Observational and rating scale measures (ADOS-2, ADI-R, and others selected for your presentation)
  • For subtler presentations: additional tools sensitive to how autism presents in women, adults, and those who mask (including CAT-Q, RAADS-R, and others)
  • Review of prior records, school reports, and developmental history
  • Comprehensive written report with diagnosis and differential diagnosis
  • Follow-up consultation to review findings, answer questions, and discuss next steps

Who this is right for

Children Teens Adults Women & girls Late-identified individuals Twice-exceptional (2e) learners Complex / co-occurring presentations

My approach to autism assessment

My goal is to understand the full picture of who you are — your strengths, your neurology, how you experience the world — not just check diagnostic boxes. I view autism as a natural neurological variation, not a deficit to be corrected. This neurodivergent-affirming lens shapes every part of the evaluation, from the questions I ask to the way I write the report.

For people who have been masking, I use supplemental measures and extended clinical interviewing specifically designed to look beyond surface-level presentations. Many autistic adults, especially women and those socialized as girls, have developed sophisticated camouflaging strategies that can fool standard screening tools. I know how to look past the mask.

Frequently asked questions

A comprehensive autism assessment includes a clinical interview with the individual and/or caregivers, observational measures like the ADOS-2, tools sensitive to how autism presents in women and adults who mask, review of prior records and history, a detailed written report with diagnosis, and a follow-up consultation to review findings and next steps.
Yes. Many adults seek autism assessment after years of feeling different, being misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression, or recognizing autistic traits in themselves. I specialize in evaluating adults who were missed as children, including women and those who have developed masking strategies.
The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is a widely used observational assessment for autism. It involves structured activities and conversations that allow a trained clinician to observe social communication, interaction patterns, and other behaviors associated with autism. It is one of several tools used as part of a comprehensive evaluation.
A comprehensive autism assessment typically involves multiple sessions over several weeks. This includes the initial clinical interview, testing sessions, scoring and report writing, and a follow-up consultation to review results. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of the evaluation.
After the assessment, you receive a detailed written report with diagnostic findings, a thorough explanation of your results, and personalized recommendations for support, therapy, accommodations, and next steps. A follow-up consultation is included to review everything together and answer your questions.

Related services

ADHD Evaluation Individual Therapy Fees & Insurance

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A free 20-minute consultation is the easiest way to discuss your concerns and find out if an assessment is right for you.

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Last updated: March 2026