Comprehensive Autism Assessment in San Diego
Understanding your neurodivergent profile through compassionate, thorough psychological evaluation
The Struggles We Help With
For years, you've been searching for answers.
Is your child not meeting their developmental milestones? Maybe your child is struggling socially—not understanding the unwritten rules that seem to come naturally to other kids. Perhaps they're exhausted after school, melting down at home after holding it together all day. You've tried traditional approaches, but nothing quite fits.
Or maybe you're an adult who's always felt different. You've learned to mask, to script social interactions, to push through sensory overwhelm. But the effort is exhausting, and you're finally wondering: could this be autism?
Common struggles that bring families to us:
Social confusion and isolation – Your child wants friends but doesn't know how to make or keep them. Social situations feel like navigating without a map.
Overwhelming sensory experiences – Certain sounds, textures, lights, or smells cause intense distress. What others barely notice feels unbearable.
Intense anxiety and meltdowns – Small changes trigger big reactions. Transitions are painful. The world feels unpredictable and unsafe.
Masking and exhaustion – You or your child "passes" in public but pays the price at home. The effort to appear "normal" is draining.
School or workplace struggles – Despite intelligence and effort, traditional environments don't work. You need accommodations but don't have the diagnosis to access them.
A lifetime of feeling "different" – You've been told you're "too sensitive," "too rigid," "too much," or "not enough." You're starting to wonder if there's a neurological explanation.
You deserve to understand why life has felt so hard—and to access the support that makes it easier.
Our Approach: Autism Assessment That Sees the Whole Person
At Transcend behavioral health we believe autism assessment should do more than check boxes on a screening tool. Our comprehensive evaluations are designed to capture your unique neurodivergent profile—especially for those who have been overlooked by traditional assessments.
We Recognize That Autism Looks Different
Many people are missed by standard autism assessments, particularly:
✔ Girls and women who have learned to camouflage
✔ Adults who have developed sophisticated masking strategies
✔ Individuals with "high-functioning/ low need" presentations
✔ Those with co-occurring conditions (ADHD, anxiety, trauma) that complicate the picture, we call this "Autism and..." or "AuDHD"
Our clinicians are experts at identifying autism in all its presentations. We use gold-standard diagnostic tools while understanding their limitations. We listen to your lived experience. We consider the context of your life, your culture, and your individual strengths.
Strength-Based, Neurodivergent-Affirming Assessment
We don't view autism as something broken that needs fixing. Our approach is grounded in the understanding that autism is a natural form of neurological difference. Our assessments focus on:
✔ Understanding, not pathologizing – We're here to help you understand how you or your child's brain works, not to make you feel deficient.
✔ Identifying your strengths – We explore your unique abilities, interests, and ways of thinking that are often connected to your neurodivergent wiring.
✔ Recognizing barriers – We identify where the environment isn't accommodating your needs, not where you're "failing" to meet neurotypical standards.
✔ Actionable recommendations – You'll leave with clear strategies for school accommodations, workplace supports, therapy approaches, and daily life adjustments.
Comprehensive Evaluation = Complete Picture
We assess beyond just autism. Many neurodivergent individuals have co-occurring conditions that affect their daily functioning:
✔ ADHD (present in 50-70% of autistic individuals)
✔ Anxiety disorders
✔ Depression
✔ Trauma responses (PTSD, C-PTSD)
✔ OCD
✔ Sensory processing differences
✔ Learning differences
Understanding the complete picture allows us to provide recommendations that address all aspects of your mental health and neurodivergent profile.
Experience With "Late-Identified" Individuals
Many of our clients are discovering their autism later in life. Perhaps you've recently learned about autism from social media, recognized yourself in your child's assessment, or finally have the resources to seek evaluation. We specialize in assessing adults who have spent decades masking, compensating, and wondering why life felt harder for them than others.
We understand the unique presentation of individuals who:
✔ Developed advanced masking and compensation strategies
✔ Experienced burnout after years of trying to "keep up"
✔ Have co-occurring mental health conditions from years of being misunderstood
✔ Need validation that their struggles are real and neurologically based
What to Expect: The Assessment Process
Our autism evaluations are thorough, compassionate, and tailored to your individual needs. Here's what the process looks like:
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Before you commit, we offer a brief phone consultation to:
Discuss your concerns and goals for assessment
Determine if autism evaluation is appropriate
Answer questions about the process, timeline, and cost
Ensure we're the right fit for your needs
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What happens:
Detailed developmental history (or your personal history for adults)
Discussion of current concerns, strengths, and challenges
Exploration of sensory experiences, social patterns, and communication style
Family history of neurodivergence and mental health
Review of previous evaluations, school records, or medical documents
Who attends:
For children/teens: Parents/caregivers (and sometimes the individual)
For adults: You (and a parent or close family member if available and desired)
This session helps us understand your unique story beyond what standardized tests can capture.
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What happens:
You (and relevant others) complete questionnaires about autism traits, sensory experiences, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and daily living skills
We may request information from teachers, therapists, or other providers
Review of school records, IEPs, previous testing, or relevant documentation
This provides multiple perspectives on how autism traits present across different environments.
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What happens:
For Children & Teens:
ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) – Gold-standard observational assessment
Cognitive/IQ testing (KBIT) – Understanding learning profile and cognitive strengths
ADHD screening (MOXO or similar) – Assessing attention and executive function
Additional measures based on individual presentation
For Adults:
ADOS-2 Module 4 or clinical observation activities
Self-report measures (AQ, RAADS-R, CAT-Q for masking)
Cognitive screening or full testing if indicated
ADHD and other co-occurring condition assessments
The testing environment is designed to be comfortable and low-pressure. We work at your pace, take breaks as needed, and create a space where you can be yourself.
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What happens:
Our psychologist integrates all assessment data
We consider test results alongside your lived experience and clinical observations
We write a comprehensive diagnostic report including:
Diagnostic impressions and explanations
Summary of strengths and support needs
Detailed recommendations for accommodations
Treatment and resource referrals
Educational or workplace support strategies
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What happens:
We walk through the results together in plain language
You'll understand what the diagnosis means and doesn't mean
We answer all your questions
We discuss next steps and recommendations
You receive your comprehensive written report
This isn't just about delivering a diagnosis—it's about helping you understand yourself or your child in a new, empowering way.
Assessment Packages & Pricing
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Full clinical interview and developmental history
Comprehensive collateral questionnaires
ADOS-2 autism assessment
Full cognitive testing
ADHD screening
Screening for anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma responses
Review of all previous records and documentation
Comprehensive written report
Feedback session with recommendations
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3-4 weeks from start to finish
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$3,500
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First-time evaluations where you want to rule in/out multiple diagnoses
School-based accommodation planning (IEP/504)
Complex presentations requiring thorough assessment
Understanding complete cognitive and emotional profile
Comprehensive Psychological Evaluation
Best for: Those wanting a complete picture of their or their child's neurodivergent profile.
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Clinical interview and developmental history
Autism-specific collateral questionnaires
ADOS-2 autism assessment
Self-report autism measures
Screening for PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile if needed
Review of previous records
Diagnostic report focused on autism
Feedback session with recommendations
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2-3 weeks from start to finish
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$2,000
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Children 18 mos- 5 years
Adults seeking autism diagnosis
Individuals with previous ADHD diagnosis needing autism evaluation
Those primarily needing autism-specific accommodations
Focused Autism Assessment
Best for: Individuals specifically seeking autism diagnosis without extensive co-occuring conditions
Insurance & Payment Information
Insurance:
We are considered Out Of-Network for our autism diagnosis services. We provide superbills for reimbursement. Many PPO plans cover 50-80% of psychological testing costs. We recommend calling your insurance to verify your specific benefits for "psychological testing" or "autism assessment" (CPT codes 96130-96139)
Payment Plans:
We understand that comprehensive assessment is a significant investment. We offer payment plans that allow you to spread the cost across 2-3 installments. Your final report will be released once payment is complete.
Sliding Scale:
On a limited, case-by-case basis, we may offer reduced-fee assessments for families with financial hardship. Please discuss this during your initial consultation.
Who Benefits From Autism Assessment
Children & Teens
Access the accommodations they need:
IEP or 504 plan at school
Extended time on tests
Modified assignments and expectations
Sensory breaks and quiet spaces
Social skills support
Alternative disciplinary approaches
Reduce anxiety and self-blame:
Understanding why things are hard removes shame
Self-advocacy becomes possible with self-knowledge
Identity development includes their neurodivergent wiring
Connection with neurodivergent peers and mentors
Family harmony improves:
Parents can meet their child where they are
Communication strategies that actually work
Reduced conflict around homework, chores, social expectations
Siblings gain understanding
Adults
Finally have language for your experience:
Understanding why you've always felt "different"
Recognizing your social, sensory, and communication patterns aren't deficits
Connecting decades of struggles and coping mechanisms to neurodivergence
Validation that your challenges are real and neurologically based
Access appropriate support:
Workplace accommodations (remote work, modified environment, communication preferences)
Autism-informed therapy that doesn't try to make you "normal"
Social skills support that respects your neurodivergent wiring
ADHD treatment that accounts for autism
Connect with your community:
Join neurodivergent support groups
Find your people in the autistic community
Share your experience and reduce isolation
Reframe your identity with pride, not shame
Improve relationships:
Help partners/family understand your needs
Reduce conflict from mismatched expectations
Advocate clearly for what you need
Stop masking in safe relationships
Families
Parent with understanding and compassion:
Recognize meltdowns as nervous system overwhelm, not manipulation
Understand that your child isn't being "difficult"—they're having difficulty
Learn neurodivergent-affirming parenting strategies
Connect with other neurodivergent families
Reduce family stress:
Lower expectations based on neurotypical development timelines
Accommodate sensory and emotional needs proactively
Celebrate your child's unique strengths and interests
Access family therapy that understands autism
Plan for the future:
Make educational decisions with full information
Access services and funding (respite care, therapy coverage)
Prepare for transitions (high school, college, employment)
Connect with adult autistic mentors and role models
Frequently Asked Questions
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The full assessment process typically takes 2-4 weeks from your first appointment to receiving your report. The actual testing involves 6-10 hours total of your time, spread across multiple sessions:
1.5-2 hours: Clinical interview
3-5 hours: In-person testing (usually split into 1-2 sessions)
1 hour: Feedback session
Between appointments, we're scoring measures, integrating data, and writing your comprehensive report.
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Our comprehensive psychological evaluation is $3,500 and our focused autism assessment is $2,000. We are considered out-of-network providers, we provide superbills for reimbursement. Many PPO plans cover 50-80% of costs. We also offer payment plans to spread the cost across 2-3 installments.
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Yes! We regularly assess adults seeking autism diagnosis. Many adults are recognizing their neurodivergent traits later in life—often after their own child is diagnosed, through social media education, or after burnout from years of masking. We specialize in identifying autism in adults who have developed sophisticated compensation strategies.
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No, and this is important to understand before beginning the assessment process. A comprehensive autism evaluation does not guarantee you will receive an autism diagnosis.
Our goal is diagnostic clarity—not to confirm what you're hoping to find, but to understand what's actually present. Sometimes testing reveals:
Autism is present – The assessment confirms autism and provides a roadmap for support
Autism is not present – Other explanations better account for the struggles (ADHD, anxiety, trauma, sensory processing differences, giftedness, social communication disorder, etc.)
Results are unclear – Traits are present but don't meet full diagnostic criteria, or further assessment is needed
This doesn't mean your struggles aren't real. If testing doesn't reveal autism, you'll still receive:
Clear explanations for the patterns and difficulties you're experiencing
Alternative diagnoses that better fit your profile
Specific recommendations and accommodations
Referrals to appropriate support and treatment
Some individuals have significant neurodivergent traits without meeting full criteria for autism. You may be:
Experiencing another condition that shares features with autism
Showing a "broader autism phenotype" without meeting diagnostic thresholds
Masking so effectively that standardized measures can't capture your experience (though we work hard to identify this)
We're committed to honest, thorough assessment—which means we diagnose what we find, not what anyone hopes or expects. This integrity serves you better in the long run, ensuring you access the right support for your actual needs.
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YES! Autism can be reliably diagnosed as young as 18-24 months.
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You'll leave with a comprehensive report that includes specific recommendations for:
School or workplace accommodations
Therapy approaches (we can provide referrals to autism-informed therapists, ABA)
Parenting strategies (neurodivergent-affirming approaches)
Medical considerations (sleep, GI issues, mental health)
Community resources and support groups
Further assessments if needed (occupational therapy, speech therapy)
Many adult clients return to Transcend Behavioral Health for ongoing Neuro Affirming therapy, and we can coordinate with your school or workplace regarding accommodations.
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Testing can typically begin within 2-3 weeks of your initial consultation. We start gathering information (questionnaires, records review) immediately while we schedule your in-person testing sessions. We prioritize families with urgent needs (IEP meetings, workplace accommodations, crisis situations).
Why Choose Transcend Behavioral Health for Your Autism Assessment
✔ Experienced Clinicians Our PhD psychologist has specialized training in autism assessment across the lifespan, with particular expertise in identifying autism in those who have been previously missed.
✔ Neurodivergent-Affirming Practice We view autism as a natural form of neurological difference, not a disorder to be cured. Our goal is understanding and accommodation, not normalization.
✔ Comprehensive & Thorough We use gold-standard assessment tools while recognizing their limitations. We integrate test data with clinical observation and your lived experience.
✔ Culturally Responsive We understand that autism presents differently across cultures and actively work to reduce bias in assessment.
✔ Actionable Recommendations You don't just get a diagnosis—you get a roadmap for accessing support, making accommodations, and improving daily functioning.
✔ Ongoing Support Available Many families continue therapy with us after assessment, ensuring continuity of care with providers who understand your neurotype.
Ready to Understand Yourself or Your Child More Deeply?
The first step is a free 15-minute consultation. We'll discuss your concerns, answer questions about the process, and determine if autism assessment is right for you.
Questions? We're here to help.
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading:
✔ Unmasking Autism by Devon Price
✔ Divergent Mind by Jenara Nerenberg
✔ NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman
✔ Uniquely Human by Barry Prizant
Transcend Behavioral Health is a neurodivergent-affirming practice providing comprehensive autism assessment, ADHD evaluation, and mental health therapy in San Diego, California. We serve children, teens, adults, and families throughout San Diego County.