Clary Clinic Autism Evaluations
What Happens During an Autism Evaluation at Clary Clinic
If you've been wondering whether your child (or you) might be autistic, you've probably spent a lot of time searching for answers. Maybe you've noticed patterns that are hard to explain, or heard from a teacher, doctor, or therapist that an evaluation might be worth pursuing.
Whatever brought you here, we want you to know: seeking clarity is a courageous step, and we're here to make the process as understandable and supportive as possible.
At Clary Clinic, we specialize in complex cases, subtle presentations, and the female phenotype of autism (the presentations most likely to be missed elsewhere).
Here's an honest, detailed look at what an autism evaluation at Clary Clinic actually involves.
Why a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
Autism is not something that shows up on a blood test or brain scan. It's identified through a comprehensive, standardized assessment process, one that examines how a person thinks, communicates, processes the world, and relates to others. At Clary Clinic, our evaluations are conducted by a licensed clinical neuropsychologist, ensuring you receive a thorough, evidence-based assessment rather than a quick checklist.
Step 1: The Intake Process
Before your first appointment, we'll gather background information through our intake forms. This typically includes developmental history, medical and mental health history, school records, and any prior evaluations. For children, we'll ask parents or caregivers to complete rating scales about behavior and development. For adults, we may ask you to reflect on your own history and experiences, or to seek information from family or friends if available.
This background information is genuinely important; it helps us understand the full picture before we ever sit down together.
Step 2: The Clinical Interview
One of the most important parts of any evaluation is simply talking. At Clary Clinic, we take time to get to know you (or your child) before testing begins. We want to understand your concerns, strengths, daily experiences, and what you hope to learn from this process.
For pediatric evaluations, we typically meet with parents or caregivers first, then spend time with the child. For adult evaluations, you'll be the focus of the interview, though we may ask to speak with a family member, friend, or partner if that's helpful and you consent.
Step 3: Standardized Testing
This is the core of the evaluation. Our psychometrists (trained professionals who administer and score assessments) will work directly with you or your child on a range of tasks. Testing is done in a calm, supportive environment, and we build in breaks as needed.
For autism-specific assessment, we use the MIGDAS-2 (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition). Unlike traditional observational tools, the MIGDAS-2 is a sensory-based, semi-structured interview that is particularly sensitive to subtle and complex presentations, the kind that are often missed by more commonly used measures. This makes it especially well-suited for individuals who have learned to mask or camouflage their autistic traits, those with strong verbal and cognitive abilities, and those whose presentation doesn't fit the "classic" picture of autism.
At Clary Clinic, we have a particular focus on complex cases, subtle presentations, and the female phenotype of autism. Research has consistently shown that autism in girls, women, and those assigned female at birth is frequently underidentified or misdiagnosed (often as anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, or ADHD) because diagnostic criteria were historically developed based on male presentations. If you've spent years being told something is "off" without getting a clear answer, or accumulated a list of diagnoses that never quite fit, a specialized evaluation may be exactly what's been missing.
A full evaluation typically also includes:
• Cognitive testing to understand intellectual strengths and areas of challenge
• Language and communication measures, depending on age and presentation
• Social-emotional and behavioral rating scales, completed by parents, caregivers, teachers, or the individual themselves
• Attention and executive function measures, because ADHD and autism frequently co-occur, and distinguishing between them matters
Step 4: Record Review and Integration
After testing is complete, Dr. Lee reviews all data, standardized scores, behavioral observations, interview notes, historical records, and rating scales, and integrates them into a coherent clinical picture. This is the interpretive work that separates a neuropsychological evaluation from a simple screening tool.
Autism looks different across individuals, and we take care not to apply a one-size-fits-all framework. We're asking: does this person's full profile, across multiple domains and throughout their history, meet criteria for autism? And if so, what does that mean for how they learn, communicate, and navigate the world?
Step 5: The Feedback Session
Once the evaluation is complete, we schedule a feedback appointment to walk you through the results. This is one of the most meaningful parts of the process.
We don't hand you a stack of papers and send you on your way. We explain what we found in plain language, answer your questions, and talk through what the results mean for day-to-day life, at home, at school, or at work. We'll discuss any diagnoses and, importantly, what comes next: recommendations for support, accommodations, therapy, or further evaluation if needed.
Step 6: The Written Report
You'll receive a comprehensive written report that documents the evaluation findings, diagnostic conclusions, and individualized recommendations. This report can be shared with your child's school, pediatrician, therapist, or other providers. For children who need educational accommodations, this documentation can support an IEP or 504 Plan. For adults, it can support workplace accommodations or access to services.
