Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Testing in Florida & Virtual

We offer autism evaluations for toddlers through young adults. Whether you're noticing early developmental differences or seeking answers after years of uncertainty, our evaluations are designed to help you understand your unique profile—not just assign a label.

Autism Testing in Tampa

At Tampa Pediatric Psychology, autism testing is designed to provide diagnostic clarity and practical recommendations. Our evaluations look at the whole person, including development, communication, relationships, emotional regulation, learning, attention, sensory processing, and daily functioning, so you leave with a clearer picture of strengths, needs, and next steps.

What to Expect During an Autism Evaluation

We use gold-standard, evidence-based tools to assess for autism across all ages. Our evaluations are thorough, developmentally informed, and tailored to each individual’s communication style, history, and current needs.

We assess:

  • Social communication and interaction

  • Sensory processing and behavior patterns

  • Cognitive strengths and challenges

  • Co-occurring concerns (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, learning differences)

You’ll receive a detailed written report, diagnostic impressions, and clear, practical recommendations you can use at home, in school, or as a young adult navigating next steps.

How Autism Testing Can Help

Autism testing can help families make sense of behaviors that feel confusing, stressful, or hard to explain. A thorough evaluation can help clarify your child’s strengths, challenges, and support needs. For many families, testing provides answers after years of uncertainty. It can open the door to school accommodations, therapy services, and a better understanding of how your child’s brain works. Most importantly, it helps you respond with confidence and compassion, rather than guesswork.

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person communicates, connects with others, processes sensory information, and responds to change. Autism reflects a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world.

Autism can look different from person to person. Some children show clear differences early in development, while others may not stand out until social, emotional, or school demands increase. Autism may also be missed in girls, gifted students, and children with strong language skills because their challenges can be less obvious on the surface.

You might be noticing:

  • Differences in social connection or communication

  • Intense interests or repetitive play or behaviors

  • Difficulty with transitions or flexible thinking

  • Sensory sensitivities or strong preferences

  • Emotional outbursts or anxiety in unfamiliar situations

  • Trouble understanding social cues or building friendships

Sometimes autism is suspected early, and other times it's questioned alongside ADHD, anxiety, or behavioral concerns. We provide a comprehensive autism evaluation that will explore all of it so you get a full picture, not just a piece of it.

Therapeutic Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Looking for a slower, more collaborative path to diagnosis? Instead of completing the full evaluation in 1-2 long interview days, a therapeutic assessment gathers information over 4 to 5 weekly therapy-like sessions so there is more time to explore your history, identity, relationships, sensory experiences, masking, emotional regulation, and daily functioning in a less rushed and less overwhelming way.

Learn More

Assessments We Often Use During an Autism Evaluation

Direct Assessment Tools

  • ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition)
    A gold-standard, play- and conversation-based tool used to observe social communication, behavior, and interaction patterns.

  • MIGDAS-2 (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum)
    A sensory- and language-based interview process that offers rich, qualitative insight into how a child experiences and engages with the world—especially helpful for children who are highly verbal or present differently.

  • Cognitive and Achievement Assessments (e.g., WPPSI-IV, WISC-V)
    Measures intellectual functioning and helps identify strengths, challenges, and learning profiles.

  • Autism Spectrum Rating Scales (ASRS)
    A comprehensive rating scale completed by caregivers and/or teachers to assess behaviors associated with autism across home and school settings.

Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Ratings

  • BASC-3 (Behavior Assessment System for Children, 3rd Edition)
    Captures emotional and behavioral functioning across settings.

  • SRS-2 (Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition)
    Measures autism-related traits such as social awareness, social motivation, and restricted interests.

  • Vineland-3 Adaptive Behavior Scales
    Gathers information about real-world daily living, communication, and social skills through parent and/or teacher report.

  • Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-2)
    Assesses executive functioning, including attention, organization, and self-regulation, through questionnaires.

  • Parent/Caregiver Interviews and Developmental History
    We also conduct a detailed clinical interview and review developmental, medical, and educational history to understand the full context of your child’s experience.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Families often tell us that going through the autism evaluation process helped them finally make sense of years of questions, frustrations, or confusion. Sometimes, a diagnosis brings relief. Other times, it simply confirms what you already knew deep down and opens the door to better support.

We work with families in Tampa and virtual in Florida, as well as all PSYPACT participating states. Whether you're just starting to wonder if something more is going on or you’ve already tried a few things that haven’t worked, we’re here to help.

👉 Book a video consultation with our intake specialist today.