Autism Testing for Children in Denver
Understanding Your Child in a Deeper Way
A comprehensive evaluation that helps families understand how their child thinks, learns, and experiences the world
When Your Child Is Trying Hard but Still Struggling
Some children work incredibly hard just to get through situations that feel overwhelming to them.
Your child may seem to be doing well at school, but come home completely exhausted. Social interactions may leave them confused or drained. Small changes in routine might lead to big emotional reactions.
Over time, many parents start to feel that something isn’t quite adding up, even if it’s hard to explain exactly why.
An autism evaluation can help bring the full picture into focus and offer clearer guidance about what kind of support may help your child most.
Signs That an Autism Evaluation May Be Helpful
When I begin an evaluation, I don’t start with assumptions. I start by getting to know your child and understanding how they experience the world.
Every child has a unique developmental pattern, and the goal of testing is to understand that pattern more clearly.
Autism testing may be helpful if you’re noticing things like:
- Struggles with social communication or friendships
- Difficulty with flexibility or transitions
- Experiences frequent meltdowns or shutdowns
- Shows intense focus on specific interests
- Feels overwhelmed by sensory input
- Masks challenges at school but releases stress at home
- Experiences increasing anxiety or emotional exhaustion
My Approach to Autism Evaluations
An autism evaluation should do more than determine whether a diagnosis fits. It should help families understand their child more deeply.
My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and individualized. I look at how a child processes information, interacts socially, and responds to stress across environments.
The goal is to create a clear and accurate picture of your child’s profile so that support can be tailored to their needs.
At the end of the process, families receive:
- A comprehensive written report
- Clear explanations of results
- Individualized recommendations for home and school
- Guidance about therapy or additional supports when helpful
How We Begin
Begin with a Consultation
We start with a conversation about your child. You’ll share your concerns, your child’s history, and what led you to seek an evaluation. This helps clarify the goals for testing and what questions you hope to answer.
Complete the Evaluation
Your child participates in testing sessions designed to understand communication, social interaction, learning, and behavior. The process is structured but supportive, with activities paced thoughtfully so children can feel comfortable and show their abilities.
Review Results and Next Steps
Once testing is complete, we meet for a feedback session. We go over the results together, talk through what they mean, and discuss practical recommendations for school, home, and ongoing support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Testing for Children
At what age can a child be evaluated for autism?
Autism evaluations can be completed for young children as well as school-aged children when developmental concerns or social challenges become more noticeable.
Will my child receive a written report?
Yes. The evaluation includes a detailed written report explaining results and recommendations for home, school, and therapy support.
Does my child need a referral to begin testing?
No referral is required. Families can contact the practice directly to schedule a consultation.
What happens after the evaluation?
After results are reviewed, families receive recommendations that may include therapy, school supports, or additional services depending on the child’s needs.
- Courtney Paisley, PhD
Understand Your Child More Clearly
If you have questions about your child’s development, a consultation can help determine whether an autism evaluation is the right next step.