Message to Parents and Caregivers: You’re Not Alone. I’m Here to Help
I understand that considering an autism and ADHD assessment for your child can feel overwhelming, emotional, and full of questions. At Therapy Dynamics, I honor your courage in seeking clarity and support. My approach is warm, compassionate, and individualized, because every child and family brings unique strengths, challenges, and stories. I evaluate children ages 3+ for autism, ADHD, academic achievement concerns, and mental health challenges.
I partner with you every step of the way, offering thoughtful communication, expert evaluation, and guidance grounded in respect and understanding. My goal is to make the assessment process clear, supportive, and empowering for both you and your child.
You know your child best and I’m here to help you better understand who they are, how they learn, and how we can support their growth.
Why Autism Testing Can Help
Autism testing can be helpful when a child shows signs such as:
- Difficulty with social communication or interactions
- Repetitive behaviors or routines
- Sensory sensitivities (e.g., sound, touch, or light)
- Challenges with flexible thinking or transitions
- Differences in play or social play with peers
- Language and communication skills
Some children may already have signs of autism, and others might show traits that overlap with ADHD, anxiety, or learning differences. A comprehensive evaluation helps us sort through these patterns and provide clear guidance.
What the Evaluation Includes
My testing process is thorough and family-focused. It usually involves:
1. Intake Conversation
I begin by talking with you and your child about your concerns, history, and what you hope to learn from the evaluation. I listen to your story so we understand your child in context.
2. Observation and Testing
I use structured assessment tools and observations to look at:
- Social communication skills
- Play and interaction behaviors
- Thinking and problem-solving
- Sensory and emotional regulation
- Daily living and adaptive skills
Testing is done in a way that is comfortable for your child, with breaks as needed.
3. Feedback and Report
After testing is complete, I prepare a clear, professionally written report that explains findings and is designed to help your child access the services that they need. You’ll learn what the results mean, including:
- Whether criteria for autism are met
- How your child learns and interacts
- Strengths and areas that may benefit from support
I also include practical recommendations tailored to your child and family.
How the Evaluation Is Done
- In Person — at my St. Cloud, MN clinic. Remote evaluations may be considered on a case-by-case basis for adolescents.
You do not need a referral from another doctor or provider to begin the process. Our evaluations are accepted by schools and many community support programs when formal documentation is needed.
My Approach
I use a strengths-based, child-centered, and developmentally appropriate approach. That means:
- I focus on understanding your child, not just checking boxes
- I aim to make testing feel comfortable and respectful
- I help you interpret results in a way that makes sense for your child and family
I also take into account:
- Emotional regulation
- Sensory experiences
- Communication styles
- Learning and play behaviors
My goal is to give you answers and a roadmap that feels helpful—not confusing.
Assessments I use for Autism and ADHD testing in Children from Minnesota?
I use the following autism and ADHD assessments:
Reynolds’s Intellectual Assessment Scales-Second Edition (RIAS-2)
Childhood Autism Rating Scale-Second Edition (CARS-2)
Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-Fifth Edition (CELF-5)
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)
Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA-2)
Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF)
Social Responsiveness Scale-Second Edition (SRS-2)
Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorder (CASD)
The Behavior Assessment System for Children-Third Edition (BASC-3)
Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-Third Edition (GARS-3)
Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum-Second Edition (MIGDAS-2)
Clinical Assessment of Pragmatics (CAPS)