Autism Evaluations
in New York and Vermont

Understanding whether autism is present — and how it shows up for a specific person — can be life-changing. A thorough evaluation provides clarity, opens doors to appropriate support, and helps individuals and families move forward with confidence.

MindWell’s licensed clinicians conduct comprehensive autism evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults across New York and Vermont. Every assessment concludes with a detailed written report and a dedicated review session to walk through findings and recommendations together.

Table of Contents

Understanding Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, connects with others, and experiences the world. It is a spectrum — meaning characteristics, strengths, and challenges vary widely from person to person.

Because autism presents differently across ages, genders, and individuals, it is frequently missed or misdiagnosed — particularly in women, girls, and adults who have developed ways of masking their differences over time. A comprehensive evaluation looks beyond surface presentation to understand the full picture.

An accurate diagnosis is not just a label. It is a foundation — for accessing the right support, securing accommodations, and gaining a clearer understanding of yourself or your child.

What to Expect During Your Autism Evaluation

Intake Session Can be completed virtually

Your first appointment is a comprehensive clinical interview with one of our licensed clinicians. We’ll gather detailed information about your history, current challenges, symptoms, and daily functioning — at home, at work or school, and in relationships. For children and adolescents, parents or caregivers are an integral part of this conversation. This session gives us the full picture we need to design your individualized evaluation.

Testing Conducted in person

The testing session is where the formal evaluation takes place. Depending on your age and referral concerns, testing typically includes standardized cognitive and attention measures, behavioral rating scales, and symptom checklists completed by you and, where relevant, a parent or teacher. Sessions typically last two to four hours. You are encouraged to come rested and, if applicable, to take any regularly prescribed medications as usual unless otherwise directed by your clinician.

What Testing Looks Like

Testing is not a pass or fail — it is a structured way of understanding how your brain works. Here is what to expect:
Cognitive & Attention Tasks — You will complete a series of structured tasks on a computer or with paper materials that measure attention, processing speed, working memory, and executive functioning. These tasks are designed to be straightforward, though some are intentionally repetitive to assess sustained attention over time.

Behavioral Rating Scales — You and others who know you well (parents, teachers, or partners) will complete questionnaires about your behavior, attention, and emotional regulation across different settings. These provide critical context beyond what is captured in a single testing session.

Clinical Observations — Your clinician will observe how you approach tasks, manage frustration, and sustain effort throughout the session. These observations are an important part of the overall picture.

Summary & Review of Recommendations Can be completed virtually

Once testing is complete and scored, your clinician will prepare a comprehensive written report. You will then meet to review the findings together — including your diagnosis, a clear explanation of your results, and specific, actionable recommendations for treatment, accommodations, and next steps. For school-age children, recommendations will address academic supports and any documentation needed for school accommodations. You will leave this appointment with a full copy of your report and a clear path forward.

Autism Treatment change to Key benefits of Autism Evaluation

Key Benefits of an Autism Evaluation

Finding a Diagnosis Many people spend years feeling different without understanding why — struggling with social situations, sensory experiences, or ways of thinking that don’t seem to match those around them. A comprehensive evaluation provides concrete answers. Understanding whether autism is present, and how it shows up for you specifically, means you can stop guessing and start accessing the right support.

An Individualized Profile

A comprehensive evaluation goes beyond confirming whether autism is present. It identifies how autism shapes a person’s communication, sensory processing, social experience, and thinking style — along with the strengths that often accompany those differences. The result is a detailed, individualized profile that informs treatment, planning, and self-understanding.

Accurate Diagnosis Across the Lifespan

Autism is frequently missed or misdiagnosed — particularly in women, girls, and adults who have learned to mask their differences over time. An accurate diagnosis at any age is meaningful. For children, it means earlier access to the right support. For adults, it means finally making sense of experiences that may have affected relationships, employment, and self-esteem for years.

Autism Evaluation FAQs

At what age can someone be evaluated for autism?

MindWell conducts autism evaluations beginning at age 2 through adulthood. Autistic traits are often present early in childhood, and formal evaluation can reliably identify autism in children as young as two. For others, the impact of autism may not be fully recognized until adolescence or adulthood, when social, academic, or workplace challenges become more prominent.

Why do people seek an autism evaluation?

People pursue autism evaluations to understand differences in communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and daily functioning that have been present throughout their life. For many, a diagnosis validates years of feeling different and provides a framework for understanding themselves more clearly. A formal diagnosis also opens access to accommodations, therapeutic supports, and services that can make a meaningful difference across settings.

Should I see my pediatrician before scheduling an evaluation?

We encourage families with concerns about autism to consult their pediatrician first. A pediatrician can complete an initial screening and help determine whether a formal evaluation is warranted. That said, families are also welcome to reach out to MindWell directly to discuss their concerns.

What does an autism evaluation at MindWell include?

An autism evaluation includes a comprehensive clinical intake with the individual and, for children, their caregivers; standardized autism-specific assessment tools; behavioral rating scales completed by parents and teachers; direct clinical observation; and review of relevant history and records. Our evaluations are strengths-based and neurodivergent-affirming — focused on understanding how a person experiences the world, not simply confirming or ruling out a diagnosis.

Where are evaluations conducted?

All in-person testing is conducted at MindWell’s Albany, New York office. Intake sessions and feedback appointments can be completed virtually for clients who are not local or prefer the convenience of a remote visit. In-person attendance at our Albany office is required for the testing session itself.

How long does the evaluation process take?

The full evaluation process — from intake through feedback — typically spans four weeks. Testing sessions generally range from two to five hours depending on the type of evaluation and the age of the individual being assessed. Some evaluations may be completed across two sessions.

How long does it take to receive my report?

Following the completion of testing, clinicians typically require two to three weeks to score, interpret, and write a comprehensive report. Your feedback appointment will be scheduled once the report is complete.

Does MindWell accept insurance for evaluations?

At this time, MindWell is unable to bill insurance directly for psychological evaluation services. We provide superbills upon request, which clients can submit to their insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We recommend contacting your insurance provider in advance to understand your out-of-network benefits for psychological testing.

How much does an evaluation cost?

Evaluation fees vary depending on the type and scope of the assessment. For current fee information, please visit our Evaluation Fees page. We are happy to discuss your specific concerns and help determine which evaluation is the right fit before any financial commitment is made.

Do I need a referral to schedule an evaluation?

No referral is required to schedule an evaluation at MindWell. You are welcome to contact us directly to get started. For families with young children, we do recommend consulting with your pediatrician first, as they may have completed initial screenings that provide useful context for the evaluation.

How do I get started? Ready to take the next step?

Book your intake appointment here. Our care coordination team will gather basic information about your concerns, walk you through the evaluation process, and determine which assessment is the best fit for your needs

What if the results are not what I expected?

Our evaluations are open-ended and guided by the data gathered — the outcome may not always align with a diagnosis you anticipated or currently self-identify with. Regardless of the findings, your clinician will provide clear, honest feedback and recommendations that reflect your or your child’s unique strengths, needs, and ways of engaging with the world.

Does MindWell take a neurodiversity-affirming approach to evaluations?

Yes. MindWell is committed to providing comprehensive, strengths-based, and neurodivergent-affirming evaluations. We use a combination of standardized tools and in-depth clinical interviews to understand both objective data and each individual’s lived experience. Our goal is always to give you an accurate and useful picture of how a person thinks and experiences the world — not reduce them to a set of deficits.

Ithaca, NY - Stories

My experience with MindWell has been wonderful. The client coordinating team worked to ensure I met a therapist best suited for my needs, and the clinicians I have seen are caring individuals whose scientific based approach to mental health have helped me tremendously. MindWell has changed therapy for me, and I feel so fortunate to have them here in Ithaca.

- shoshana c.

The pandemic among other things put a strain on our marriage and finding out about MindWell was at the perfect time. After filling out online, we talked to an intake specialist and were matched with a therapist which we are both extremely happy with. It has been a positive experience and we are working everyday to better our relationship and it's because of MindWell that we now know we can make it.

- clara s.

My therapist at MindWell Psychology is an exceptionally skilled counselor. I have faith in her abilities and am convinced that she is able to put customers at ease and give them the impression that they are supported no matter what they are going through.

- robin s.

When our daughter started having some drastic behavior changes, we reached out to MindWell and after the initial intake; she was matched with someone and we are finally seeing some differences in her. She talks openly about how she enjoys going to therapy. So happy with her progress.

- addison b.

Albany, NY - Stories

I am a psychologist in MA and worked with/know personally several of the Psychologists at MindWell including, Christina Colgary, Lizzie O'Rourke, and Emilee Valler. They are remarkable clinicians and I have referred several people in NY to their practice. Highly recommend considering Mindwell for your or your child's therapy needs!

- Rachel M.

This is an overall fantastic and conscientious organization. My family's experience has been nothing but positive. Intake was smooth and scheduling is simple and organized. They were taking new patients which was already an uncommon feature! Our therapist was a perfect match and they were clearly well supported by Mindwell admins and management which allowed them to focus on giving their best.

- A M.

Burlington, VT - Stories

Mindwell has provided excellent in-person and on-line therapy services for members of my family for the last year. We cannot speak highly enough about the professionalism and care provided by the therapist, the patient care coordination team and the Mindwell management team. They have helped turned a difficult situation into something manageable and ultimately positive.

- sarah g.

Therapy at Mindwell has been professional and helpful. Their friendly office staff is a nice bonus!

- K M.

Autism Evaluations in New York and Vermont