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Autism Evaluations
Clarity.
Insight.
Empowerment.
Have you—or someone you care about—ever felt “different” without understanding why? Do you notice challenges in social situations, heightened sensitivity to sounds or textures, or a need for routines and repetition that others don’t seem to share? Maybe you’ve been seeking answers for yourself or your child for years but keeping getting diagnosis that don't feel quite right. ​
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At Heartwood Counseling and Wellness, we offer autism evaluations for individuals who are seeking clarity and a deeper understanding of how their brain works. Whether you’re a parent looking for the right testing for your child, or an adult exploring the possibility of autism later in life, we’re here to guide you through the process with compassion and expertise.
Faster Answers in a Private, Boutique Setting
Evaluations at our practice are designed to provide a more personal, efficient alternative to the experience often found in larger testing centers. While many offices have waitlists lasting several months and report turnaround times of up to 12 weeks — making the full process take six months or longer — our private-pay model allows for a much quicker process. Because evaluations are not dictated by insurance authorization requirements, denials, or appeals, our clinician can tailor the assessment to each client. As a result, many individuals are able to complete the entire process in less than six weeks.
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Our boutique-style environment emphasizes privacy, comfort, and expert attention throughout each step. Comprehensive autism evaluations are approximately $1,500. Although testing itself is not billed to insurance, intake and feedback appointments may be eligible for coverage, and some clients are able to pursue out-of-network reimbursement directly with their insurance provider.
What's Involved?
*Clinical interviews to explore developmental, social, and emotional history
*Behavioral observations (play-based or conversational, depending on age)
*Self-report and parent-report questionnaires
*Rating scales completed by caregivers, teachers, or partners
*Standardized tools designed to assess autism traits in various age groups
*Review of relevant records, such as school evaluations or medical history
What Are the Benefits of an Autism Diagnosis?
Receiving an autism diagnosis can help:
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*Explain challenges and affirm strength
*Identify helpful supports in school, therapy, and everyday life
*Guide counseling goals and therapeutic accommodations
*Reduce shame and increase self-awareness
*Support a more authentic and empowered life path
Whether for a 10-year-old child learning to navigate friendships, a teen struggling with anxiety or sensory overload, or an adult looking for answers, the evaluation helps shape the roadmap for moving forward with clarity and confidence.​​
Who Conducts the Evaluations?
Autism evaluations at Heartwood Counseling and Wellness are conducted by Mary Quattlebaum, our Founder, Co-Owner, and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Mary has advanced training in psychological assessments from The Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, having been trained by the leading autism professionals in the nation, including doctors from Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia. With her own personal autism diagnosis, she brings both expertise and a neurodiversity-affirming lens to every assessment.​
Insight Over Labels
At Heartwood, we believe an evaluation is about more than a diagnosis. It’s a chance to gain insight, honor strengths, and identify the supports that will help each client thrive. Whether you're a parent seeking help for your child or an adult navigating questions about your own neurodivergence, we’re here to guide you with compassion and care.
