Autism Assessment

Specialized Autism Assessment

Our autism assessments are tailored to each individual, considering factors such as age, previous evaluations, and the impact it has on their daily life.

For young children: We meet with parents or caregivers to gather important background information, then assess the child’s cognitive, language, and social interaction skills using standardized tools.
For teens and adults: The process includes a detailed interview, formal assessments of social communication skills, and discussions with a spouse, partner, or others who knew the individual during childhood.

By taking a personalized approach, we ensure that each assessment provides accurate insights and clear recommendations for next steps. RMPS offers parents convenience; while we generally conduct assessments in our Calgary office, we may be able to do some of the assessment process online for families in Calgary and across Alberta.

What to Expect from an Autism Assessment

An autism assessment can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you are unsure about what to expect. At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services, we do everything we can to make the process clear, comfortable, and supportive for both the individual and their family. From your very first consultation, we guide you through each step, explaining what will happen and why it matters. You’ll have a say in who participates, the pace of the process, and how information is gathered.

We take time to understand the whole picture: strengths, challenges, and unique qualities, so that the results are meaningful and useful. Our aim is not only to provide answers but also to offer practical, personalized strategies that can help improve daily routines, learning experiences, and relationships.

When to Consider an Autism Assessment

Autism assessment isn’t just about a diagnosis; it helps you better understand the differences in communication, behaviour, and social interactions.

Any parent can consider autism assessment for their child if they notice signs such as delayed speech or language, difficulty making eye contact, strong reliance on routines, intense focus on specific interests, or distress with changes. All these signs can make daily life around school or in social settings more challenging for children.

For teens and adults, signs may include challenges with reading social cues, forming relationships, managing sensory sensitivities, or adapting to new situations. An assessment is not only about identifying challenges but also recognizing strengths and understanding individual needs.

With a clear picture, families, educators, and individuals can put effective supports in place. Whether you’re a parent seeking clarity for your child or an adult exploring your own experiences, an autism assessment can be the first step toward greater understanding and meaningful change.

Our Approach to Autism Assessment

At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services, we understand that seeking an autism assessment can be overwhelming for families. This is the reason our professional team of clinicians approaches each assessment with care, patience, and genuine respect for every individual’s unique journey.

Our assessment process is very thorough and evidence-based, combining developmental history, standardized testing, behavioural observations, and valuable insights from parents, teachers, and caregivers. We take time to listen to your concerns, notice your child’s strengths, and explore the areas where they may need more support.

Our goal is not just to answer the question of Autism or give an Autism diagnosis, but also to guide you to a clear understanding of your child’s needs and practical strategies that can make a real difference at home, in school, and in daily life.

Benefits of Getting an Autism Assessment

An autism assessment offers more than just a diagnosis; it opens up the opportunity to a better understanding and meaningful change. For many families, it brings a clearer picture of how a child or adult learns, communicates, and experiences the world. This insight can guide choices at home, school, and in social settings, creating an environment where the individual can thrive.

The assessment results provide tailored resources, therapies, and school accommodations that may not have been available before. Beyond practical support, there’s the emotional relief of having answers, replacing uncertainty with clarity and direction. Even if the outcome does not confirm Autism, the process still provides valuable information about strengths and areas where extra help may be beneficial, ensuring the next steps are informed and purposeful.

Meet Our Autism Clinicians

At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services, our Autism assessment clinicians combine professional expertise with genuine care. We understand that seeking an assessment can feel like a big step, and we’re here to make the process reassuring and approachable. Our registered and provisionally registered psychologists have specialized training in assessing Autism across all ages and are skilled at creating a calm, welcoming environment where individuals feel respected and understood. We take time to truly listen to you, your child, and your story, so we can have a better understanding of the whole picture, not just the challenges. With a focus on empathy, patience, and clear communication, our goal is to help you feel confident in the process and supported every step of the way.

Take the First Step Toward Clarity and Support

If you’ve noticed signs that make you wonder about Autism for your child, yourself, or any loved one, you don’t have to navigate the uncertainty alone. An Autism assessment can provide answers, direction, and a clear path toward the right support. At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services, we’re here to listen, guide, and walk beside you through every step of the process. Book your assessment consultation today and begin the journey toward understanding and confidence.

Common Questions about Autism Assessments

How is an autism assessment personalized at RMPS?

We tailor the assessment based on the individual’s age, previous evaluations, and presenting concerns. For children, we conduct parent interviews, cognitive and pragmatic language testing, and social interaction evaluations. For teens and adults, we include detailed interviews, standardized social-skill assessments, and input from people who know the client well.

What are the common early signs of autism in children?

Early indicators may include limited eye contact, speech delays, repetitive behaviors, difficulty with transitions, and challenges in social interactions—even withdrawal or unusual responses to social situations.

What does an Autism assessment involve?

The process encompasses an initial interview with the child’s caregiver or with the adult client themselves if an adult is being evaluated. The assessment also includes multiple testing sessions that may include cognitive evaluation as well as social and pragmatic skills. Typically, the ADOS-2 and ADI-R assessment measures are completed (considered the gold standard in evaluating for Autism Spectrum Disorder), as well as other selected measures that are determined by the psychologist based on the individual’s background, needs, and presentation of the client. The data is gathered, reviewed, and integrated into a comprehensive report (or sometimes a diagnostic letter for adults, again, depending on the specific purpose and needs of the individual), as well as a feedback meeting to discuss results. A follow-up meeting is scheduled 6 weeks after the feedback conference to discuss any questions, concerns and to start developing a treatment plan.

Can children and adults with Autism live independent lives?

Yes, many autistic individuals can live fulfilling and independent lives, especially with early support, tailored education, and skill development. Independence looks different for everyone; it may include independent living, employment, or strong social relationships, depending on individual strengths and challenges.

What causes autism?

The exact cause of autism is not fully known. Research suggests it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors may affect brain development. It is important to note that vaccines do not cause Autism; this has been thoroughly disproved by scientific studies.