Autism evaluations are expensive, is it worth it?
- therapistkristina
- Feb 8
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Yes, evaluations are expensive and can cost $2000.00 or more. My evaluations are lower than the average, $1200.00 with sliding scale options, to make them more accessible.
In my experience, every adult client of mine that I have evaluated or who got an evaluation with another evaluator has benefited greatly from it. This is the same for any adult client who had their child or adolescent evaluated. No one has ever expressed regret for spending the money on the evaluation.
And, they all asked themselves many times, "Should I get an autism evaluation?" or "Should my child have an autism screening?".
Below are some examples of what the MIGADS-2 can offer, and it may apply to other assessment tools with other providers. Do check with them before assuming this applies to them. See if it's worth it to you!
DIAGNOSIS
Many people get hung up on the diagnosis part alone and feel anxious about scheduling the evaluation. It is a big decision, and a vulnerable one.
An autism diagnosis can be a major life transition that is not always easy nor comfortable. It can be disorienting at first. Though for most, it's a relief that offers a generous amount validation and a clear path forward for living an authentic life. This is a gift that truly lasts a lifetime.
An autism diagnosis often removes a sense of living in a fog and brings clarity. It allows for processing differences such as thinking in images, patterns and associations; and sensory sensitivities to become a more integrated part of who you are.
Practically, the formal autism diagnosis can permit access to accommodations at school, university, and the workplace for example. You, your child or adolescent can live a life of giving oneself accommodations you didn't know you needed that will make life much easier, reduce stress and prevent meltdowns, shutdowns, and autistic burnout.
And, the evaluation is much more than getting a diagnosis or ruling out a diagnosis. It's about insight into you or your adolescent's ways of knowing, being and doing.
INSIGHT FROM THE WRITTEN REPORT
My write ups are thoughtful, insightful and intended to provide the greatest about of insight as possible. The MIGDAS-2 will cover some of the following areas in the written evaluation that you receive approximately two weeks after the evaluation.
See if this kind of information would be valuable to you and/or your child:
Sensory
-Sensory use and interests, with explanation of differences such as need for solitary activities that involve visual input and repetitive elements. This helps to regulate nervous system and calm emotions.
-Sensitivities to crowds due to spatial recognition, activates the amygdala or the fight-or-flight response. Accommodations may include keeping distance from others in public spaces when stress response arises, a service dog that keeps others at a distance, and reducing time in crowds if desired.
Language and Communication
-Enjoys humor and reading. Asked for clarification and said "what?" several times. Possible indication of Auditory Processing Disorder, referral to an audiologist for evaluation. Reduced use of and response to nonverbal communication. Recommendation to explore the impact of nonverbal communication, including the possibility that it is overwhelming to process or confusion. If so, may learn ways to ask for clarification and take breaks from socializing.
Social Relationships and Emotional Responses
-Manages conflict by withdrawing. Recommendation to learn about shutdowns and see if it applies to this response, and if so, discover ways to prevent shut down.
-Avoids socialization at work and at school. Reports anxiety socially. Recommendation to learn more about their own ways of knowing and being to increase sense of confidence. Set own goals for engaging incrementally to discover how they want to enjoy interactions while feeling safe.
After you've had time to read the written report, we will meet to discuss it and any other aspects of the evaluation you'd like to discuss. This meeting is generally not offered by evaluators.
During this meeting, I will expand on some of the written information, and we will discuss any steps forward such as therapies, accommodations, recommendations, referrals, advocacy. I often play a role in advocating for the clients I evaluate. Sometimes I become their therapist, other times I meet with administrators at schools to help educate and advocate, and I provide ongoing support as needed.
When asking if it's worth the financial cost, these are some aspects to consider. It's a personal choice to go through the evaluation process and/or to have your child or adolescent be evaluated. Don't hesitate to ask questions to providers about the evaluation tool they use, why they use it and what it can do for you.
What is the process like? Is an assessment more than a diagnosis? Yes! See my post on this here:
For a free consultation, text or call me 737-825-5005 or email kristina-bravo@outlook.com
Take care!
-Kristina Bravo, LMFT
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