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Psychological Assessments

Autism Assessment in Ottawa

Comprehensive, individualized autism assessments for children and adolescents. Our registered psychologists provide careful, evidence-based evaluations to support diagnostic clarity and informed next steps.

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Understanding the Process

What Is an Autism Assessment?

An autism assessment is a comprehensive psychological evaluation designed to determine whether an individual meets diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This process goes well beyond a brief screening — it involves multiple methods of data collection to ensure accurate, meaningful conclusions.

It is important to understand that assessment is not treatment. The purpose of an autism assessment is to provide diagnostic clarity — to determine whether ASD is present and to offer individualized recommendations. Decisions about therapy, support services, or accommodations are made separately, often in collaboration with other providers.

In Ontario, registered psychologists are authorized to provide a formal autism diagnosis. At Stradwick Clinic, all assessments are conducted by registered psychologists with specialized training in autism evaluation for children and adolescents.

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Who Is This Assessment For?

Who We Help

We provide autism assessments for children and adolescents, recognizing that autism presents uniquely in every person and may look different at various stages of development.

Children & Adolescents

Parents and caregivers often seek assessment when they notice differences in social interaction, communication, play, or sensory processing. Early identification supports access to appropriate educational accommodations, therapeutic services, and a deeper understanding of your child’s unique strengths and needs.

A note on neurodiversity: We approach autism assessment from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective. Our goal is not to pathologize differences but to provide clarity that helps individuals understand their unique neurological profile, access appropriate support, and build on their strengths.

Adult assessments: We currently provide autism assessments for children and adolescents up to age 18. If you are an adult seeking an autism assessment, we can help connect you with appropriate resources in the Ottawa area.

What the Assessment Involves

The Process

Our assessment process is thorough and individualized, designed to gather comprehensive information while creating a comfortable and respectful experience.

Initial Intake & Background Review

We begin by gathering a detailed developmental, medical, and educational history. You will complete intake questionnaires that help us understand early developmental milestones, social communication patterns, and sensory experiences.

Clinical Interview

A comprehensive interview with the assessing psychologist explores your current concerns, social and communication experiences, sensory sensitivities, and daily functioning. For children, this includes a thorough parent or caregiver interview.

Standardized Assessment Measures

You will complete a battery of validated instruments designed to assess social communication, restricted and repetitive behaviours, and adaptive functioning. These may include structured observation tools and norm-referenced questionnaires.

Collateral Information

When appropriate, we gather perspectives from family members, partners, teachers, or other individuals who can provide insight into how autism-related traits present across different settings and relationships.

Integration & Diagnostic Formulation

Your psychologist carefully integrates all collected data—developmental history, clinical observations, test results, and collateral information—to determine whether diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder are met.

Feedback & Comprehensive Report

You receive a detailed written report with diagnostic conclusions and individualized recommendations. A feedback session is provided to review findings, answer questions, and discuss meaningful next steps.

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“Knowing how your brain is wired is not a limitation—it’s the beginning of understanding your strengths.”

Timeline & What You Receive

Your Report

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Timeline

The full assessment process typically takes several weeks, depending on availability and the complexity of the evaluation. This includes time for:

  • Completing intake paperwork and developmental history questionnaires
  • Attending in-person assessment sessions (typically between 2–6 hours)
  • Scoring, clinical integration, and report writing by your psychologist
  • Feedback session to review results and discuss recommendations

Your Comprehensive Report Includes

Detailed developmental and background history summary

Results from standardized autism-specific assessment measures

Clinical observations and interview findings

Diagnostic conclusions based on DSM-5 criteria

Individualized recommendations for support, accommodations, and next steps

Guidance on accessing community resources and referrals when appropriate

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How Your Results May Be Used

After Assessment

A formal autism diagnosis can open doors to support and services that make a meaningful difference in daily life.

Educational Accommodations

Assessment results can support requests for accommodations at school or post-secondary institutions, including modified learning environments, social skills support, and individualized education plans tailored to your child’s learning profile.

Accessing Services & Funding

In Ontario, a formal autism diagnosis may open access to government-funded services, community programs, and support organizations. For children, this may include access to Ontario Autism Program funding and related resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

Questions About Autism Assessment?

We’re here to answer your questions and help you understand whether an autism assessment is the right next step for your family.

Contact us to learn more about our assessment process, timeline, and fees.