Autism

Evaluation Clinic

Pivotal’s Autism Evaluation Clinic:
Autism Assessment Ohio

Pivotal ABA Therapy is now offering comprehensive autism evaluations in a quiet, comfortable, and stress free setting by a licensed clinical psychologist. Evaluations are available by appointment for children and adults.

It’s never too late to seek medical advice and get the answers you are looking for regarding your child’s unique needs and abilities. Whether you are looking to schedule a new diagnosis evaluation, get a second opinion or a follow up assessment after a formal diagnosis, Dr. Friedman is here to provide guidance to your family so that you leave confident with the results and the next steps towards your child’s bright future!

ASD Evaluation | Autism Assessment Ohio

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. It is called a spectrum disorder as it affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Some may have mild symptoms, while others may have more severe challenges that impact their daily life.

Key features of autism include:

  • Social Communication Difficulties: Individuals with autism may have trouble with verbal and nonverbal communication, such as understanding social cues, maintaining eye contact, and engaging in reciprocal conversations.
  • Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors: This can include repetitive movements (e.g., hand flapping), insistence on sameness, highly focused interests, and sensory sensitivities.
  • Challenges With Social Interaction: Difficulty understanding and navigating social situations, forming relationships, and interpreting others’ emotions can be common.
  • Sensory Sensitivities: Many individuals with autism may have heightened or diminished sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as noise, light, touch, or texture.

If you have concerns about your child’s development and suspect possible signs of autism, consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in developmental disorders.

Discover Answers, Shape Futures: Autism Assessment Ohio

Autism Assessment and Diagnosis Process

The first step of the evaluation entails a comprehensive intake interview with the child’s parents. A thorough history is taken regarding developmental history, history of the presenting problems, relevant medication information, and any other pertinent information in understanding the whole child. During this meeting, Dr. Friedman will discuss with parents how to help their child prepare and understand what to expect regarding the evaluation.

Dr. Friedman will meet with your child across 1-2 testing sessions. Each session typically lasts between 2-4 hours. Generally, an evaluation includes assessment of mental status, cognitive abilities, social-emotional development, and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). This includes the use of standardized rating scales and questionnaires are used as part of the evaluation.

Classroom observations provide a rich source of information and observations which enhance the information collected from interviews and assessments. Depending on the child’s age, and with permission from family and school, Dr. Friedman will observe part of a school day to obtain additional data to address any presenting concerns and behaviors, and observe social interactions in the natural setting of the child.

In addition, input from telephone conversations with teachers and other professionals regarding a child’s social, behavioral and academic performance are a critical component of the assessment process.

Once the testing is completed, Dr. Friedman will write a thorough report explaining the results from each assessment, behavioral observations and collateral information obtained in addition to the overall findings and subsequent recommendations. Dr. Friedman reviews these in person with parents to provide this summary and answer any additional questions that might come up. He will also discuss how to explain the results to their child and discuss whether a meeting with the child would be appropriate and helpful to be included in the feedback session.

Costs | Autism Assessment Ohio

Dr. Friedman is in-network and accepts the following insurances for autism evaluations.

Anthem

United

Medical Mutual

Cigna

Private pay options are available.

Evaluations include:

  • Initial intake
  • Classroom observation (if warranted and at an additional cost)
  • Administration of standardized tests
  • Direct correspondence with the school team and other professionals in your child’s life
  • Scoring and interpretation of standardized assessment tools
  • Report write up
  • Parent feedback conference meeting to discuss results, make diagnoses and recommendations
  • Feedback conference with the student

The entire evaluation process may take up to 4 weeks or longer depending on clinician and family availability.

About Dr. Jason Friedman

A graduate of Northeastern University and Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Dr. Jason Friedman is a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive training and experience in the evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents. He has worked in a variety of settings including an outpatient clinic. His interest in working with individuals with autism was spurred by his experience at Monarch Boarding Academy.

He helps coordinate an annual baseball event for those unable to participate in a traditional setting. He also volunteers with adaptive sports programs that provide opportunities for children and adults with various physical and cognitive disabilities. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and almost everything related to sports.

Autism Assessment Ohio

To schedule an autism evaluation for your child, please call us at 330-967-2064, ext. 3

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