Psychological Testing Services in Calabasas, CA

We provide comprehensive psychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults utilizing neuropsychological tests

Autism Testing & Evaluations in Calabasas, CA

What is Autism Testing?

Are you, your child's teacher, therapist, or another provider concerned that your child may be showing signs of autism? Does your child struggle in social situations, have difficulty understanding what others may be thinking or feeling, experience sensory differences, engage in repetitive behaviors, or have intense interests in certain subjects or activities?

A comprehensive autism evaluation can help you better understand your child's strengths, differences, and areas where additional support may be helpful.

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication and interaction, along with restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities. Autism is a spectrum, and the way these characteristics present can vary significantly from one individual to another.

At MindWorks, we understand that every individual is unique. Some individuals, particularly girls and women, may learn to mask or compensate for autistic traits, which can sometimes make autism more difficult to recognize. Our goal is to understand the whole individual, including their strengths, differences, and areas of difficulty, while taking a neurodiversity-affirming approach.

Key Characteristics of Autism

Social Communication and Interaction Differences

•  Social reciprocity, such as difficulty with back-and-forth conversations or social interactions.

• Nonverbal communication, including differences in understanding or using gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact.

• Developing and maintaining relationships, including making friends, adjusting to different social situations, or engaging in imaginative play.

Restrictive and Repetitive Behaviors or Interests

• Repetitive movements or behaviors, such as hand flapping, rocking, or other repetitive motor movements.

• Preference for sameness, including difficulty with changes in routines or expectations.

• Highly focused or intense interests in particular subjects or activities.

• Sensory differences, such as increased or decreased sensitivity to textures, sounds, lights, smells, or other sensory input.

What Does an Autism Evaluation Include?

Autism evaluations may include developmental history, direct testing and behavioral observations, parent and teacher questionnaires, cognitive and academic testing, and assessment of attention, executive functioning, emotional functioning, and other areas when appropriate.

How Long Does Testing Take?

A comprehensive evaluation involves more than the time spent in testing appointments. With your permission, we may gather information from parents, teachers, therapists, physicians, psychiatrists, and other providers. We also review relevant records and take time to score, analyze, and integrate the results.

On average, a comprehensive evaluation includes approximately 5–6 hours of one-on-one testing, typically divided across 1–3 appointments. A feedback appointment is generally scheduled approximately 2–3 weeks after testing is completed to discuss the results and recommendations.

What Is Included In Each Evaluation?

Initial Intake: After our initial consultation, a comprehensive intake will be conducted with the individual (and parent, if needed) to fully understand the individual’s needs. These initial series of questionnaires will help create the testing battery that will later be used for the series of one-on-one tests. Contact with doctors, teachers, schools, therapists and psychiatrists (with your permission) are also utilized to help understand the “full picture” of the individual.

Full Review: A full review of psychological, educational and past testing records is conducted.

Observations: An observation of the child at school may be conducted when appropriate.

One-on-One Tests: The individual will meet one-on-one with a psychologist in person. During the "testing" appointments, we use the testing battery created in intake to administer a variety of questions, puzzles, word games, pictures and drawings, and stories, as well as some school-like tasks, such as reading and math, to investigate how the student thinks and feels in different settings. Many of our sessions may range from one to four hours, with several short breaks, depending on the individual's energy level. Tests will examine one’s:

• General cognitive and mental strengths and weaknesses including a full IQ test.

• Academic skills in reading, writing, math, oral language and fine motor skills.

• ADHD concerns and full executive functioning skills.

• Memory skills.

• Emotional and behavioral concerns.

• Autism and neurodevelopmental functioning that look at developmental history, behavioral observations, parent and teacher feedback forms, and more.

Evaluation and Interpretation: After the testing and evaluation is complete, Dr. Salanga will score, interpret, and integrate the information into a comprehensive written report. The report will include background information, test scores, psychologist interpretations, tailored recommendations to better help the individual, and referrals to any needed specialists.

Report and Feedback Discussion: After testing, evaluation, and reports are complete, Dr. Salanga will meet one-on-one with the individual and/or parent to discuss the report and answer any questions. This feedback may also be given to other professionals such as the teacher if desired, and many times Dr. Salanga will meet briefly with the child to go over their strengths and weaknesses as well. A copy of the full report will be given after the feedback appointment is complete.