Autism Evaluation

Service Description

Understanding the Center of Excellence Autism Evaluations at Townsend Medical Services At Townsend Medical Services, the Center of Excellence (COE) assessment for autism includes a specialized approach. The COE designation by the Health Care Authority indicates that the assessment is conducted by a professional with advanced training in autism. I continue to move my knowledge forward beyond the COE requirements to better understand the ongoing evolution of autistic spectrum disorder. I have been conducting COE assessments since 2018. The evaluation process involves a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment that considers various aspects of your life. This may include the use of psychology-level rating scales and observation tools to gather important information about your experiences and behaviors. Additionally, a functional/adaptive assessment may be conducted to understand how autism impacts daily activities and to align with the Developmental Disabilities Administration’s requirements for service eligibility. As part of the evaluation, there may be an interview with an informant—such as a teacher, friend, or family member—who can provide valuable insights into your interactions and social functioning. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the assessment captures a complete picture of strengths and neurodivergent differences. Written recommendations will be provided to support you in school or work environments, along with a document that clearly communicates the presence of autism, if diagnosed. The sessions can last anywhere from 60 minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of the information being assessed. Some people seeking services at Townsend Medical Services only need an autism assessment and not medication management. What sets my COE evaluation apart is the emphasis on using psychology rating scales to help narrow down information from observations, leading to clearer conclusions. While autistic individuals share certain characteristics, each person is unique. This assessment aims not merely to assign a label, but to foster a deeper understanding of oneself and the ways in which autism manifests in a personal context. My goal is to empower you with insights that can guide you in navigating daily life, enhancing your self-awareness, and supporting your journey. At Townsend Medical Services, the focus is on helping you uncover your individual strengths and challenges in a compassionate and comprehensive manner.