Comprehensive Developmental Evaluation

which includes use of the

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)

PMC's Comprehensive Developmental Evaluation is in-person testing designed for children ages 2 and older who would benefit from a deeper look at their overall development and autism-related characteristics. The evaluation (which is conducted by a licensed speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist with specialized training in ADOS-2 administration and scoring) provides a detailed assessment of a child’s communication, development, adaptive functioning, sensory processing, social skills, and autism-related characteristics.  It is designed for children who have developmental or behavioral concerns or who would benefit from a more comprehensive understanding of their strengths, skills, and areas of need. The assessment combines standardized assessments, caregiver and/or teacher input, and clinical observations to provide a broader picture of your child’s developmental profile. When appropriate, the evaluation may also provide additional clinical information to support a physician or psychologist who is considering an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. Our team will walk alongside of our families, providing lasting knowledge, techniques, and therapeutic support, which will provide the platform for life long success. 

Process & Services

1. Phone Interview: Before the evaluation, a clinical specialist will complete a phone interview with a parent or guardian.
2. ST Evaluation/OT Evaluation: A speech evaluation and/or a occupational therapy evaluation  (or re-evaluation) within 90 days of the comprehensive developmental evaluation needs to be completed (or reviewed) by PMC.
3. Evaluation Day: Comprehensive testing typically takes 40–60 minutes to administer. Guardian observation during the evaluation is at the testing administrator’s discretion
4. Evaluation Day: Assessments: Assessments most frequently used include: Child Sensory Profile, Vineland-3, ADOS-2, & Autism Rating Scales (CARS-2 (HF or ST), SRS-2, and/or GARS-3)
5. Consultation: Review Findings: After your evaluation and personalized report are completed, PMC will meet with your family to review results, provide resources, and answer questions.
6. Test Results: A comprehensive developmental report is provided. This report & testing data (along with additional assessments from a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist or physician) can be used for evaluating and diagnosis ASD.

What the Evaluation May Include

The evluation is individualized based on your child’s needs and the reason for the evaluation. Components typically include:

• Speech-Language Evaluation: Evaluates communication skills and includes a basic cognitive measure
• Occupational Therapy Evaluation: Assess sensory processing, self-regulation, fine-motor and visual-motor skills, adaptive functioning, and participation in everyday activities
• Child Sensory Profile: Evaluates sensory processing patterns
• Vineland-3: Provides a comprehensive understanding of adaptive functioning, including communication, socialization, daily living skills, and other skills used in everyday life
• Autism Rating Scales: Standardized rating scales may include the CARS-2 (HF or ST), SRS-2, and/or GARS-3. These measures provide additional information about autism-related characteristics based on input from parents, clinicians, and/or teachers.
• ADOS-2: A standardized, play- and interaction-based assessment that provides information about behaviors and characteristics associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Results & Recommendations

Following the evaluation, caregivers receive a comprehensive written report outlining the assessment findings, your child’s strengths and areas of need, and individualized recommendations. A follow-up session is also provided to review the results, answer questions, discuss recommendations, and identify appropriate next steps. When Autism Spectrum Disorder is being considered, the report may be shared with your child’s physician or psychologist to provide additional clinical information as part of the diagnostic process.

PMC does not independently diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder. The diagnosing provider will consider PMC’s findings alongside their own clinical assessment and any additional information or testing they determine appropriate.

Evaluation Details

• Currently, Pediatric Movement Center offers Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) testing at 1045 Maryland Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740.
• The cost of the assessment is $600 
• The Comprehensive Developmental Evaluation (including ADOS-2) in conjunction with a medical doctor evaluation (psychologist, psychiatrist or licensed physician which is currently not offered at PMC) can provide diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.