Autism Evaluation for Children, Teens & Adults in Hermosa Beach

What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong difference in how a person communicates, relates to others and experiences the world. It is not an illness, and it looks different in every person. Many autistic children have real strengths, such as deep knowledge of a favorite subject, a strong memory or careful attention to detail. They may also find some things harder than other kids do, like reading social cues or coping with noise and change.

On this page we say “autistic child,” which many autistic people prefer. Some families prefer “child with autism.” Both are fine, and we’ll follow your lead.

Is an autism evaluation right for your child?

Families call for many reasons. Sometimes a teacher or pediatrician suggests it. Sometimes a parent has wondered for years. An evaluation may help if you notice some of these:

• Your child finds back-and-forth conversation or play with other kids hard
• They miss social cues, or take words very literally
• Friendships are hard to make or keep, even though your child wants them
• They have very strong interests that take up much of their time and talk
• Changes in routine lead to big distress
• Sounds, textures, lights or certain foods bother them far more than other kids
• Your child holds it together at school, then falls apart at home

Girls, and kids who talk well and do fine in class, are often identified later. Many learn to copy other kids and hide their differences, which is called masking. It takes a lot of energy and can show up later as anxiety or exhaustion.

What does the evaluation look at?

Autism is diagnosed using the DSM-5-TR, the manual clinicians use in the United States. In plain words, a child needs to show two things. First, lasting differences in social communication and interaction across settings. Second, repetitive behaviors, focused interests, a strong need for sameness, or sensory differences. These signs are present from early childhood, though they may not stand out until social demands grow. The manual also describes three levels of support.

Autism often occurs with ADHD, anxiety or a learning disability. These can look alike, so Dr. Paul checks for them too. To get a full picture, she looks at:

• Developmental history: early milestones, play, language and health, from your interview and questionnaires
• Observation and interaction: time with your child through conversation, play and activities suited to their age
• Social communication: how your child starts and responds to interaction, uses gestures and eye contact, and understands others
• Sensory differences: reactions to sound, touch, taste, light and movement
• Thinking and language skills: reasoning, vocabulary and how your child understands and uses language
• Adaptive skills: everyday skills such as self-care, getting along with others and managing routines
• Emotional factors: anxiety, mood and stress, which can sit alongside autism or look like it

MP Wellness uses a dynamic, individualized assessment approach, with current, evidence-based psychological assessment tools selected for each person’s needs and presenting concerns. The report lists every measure used.

What happens, step by step

Read what happens during an autism evaluation for a closer look at testing days.

Autism evaluations for adults

Many adults seek an evaluation after years of feeling different, after a child’s diagnosis, or after reading about autism and recognizing themselves. The evaluation follows the same steps. Instead of teacher questionnaires, we ask about your childhood (through your own memories and, if possible, a parent or someone who knew you young) and about work, relationships and daily life now. Anxiety, depression and ADHD are common alongside autism in adults, so the evaluation looks at those too. The report explains whether autism fits and what might help, such as workplace or college accommodations and support you can use day to day. We confirm the fee and timing for an adult autism evaluation at your free consultation.

What can a diagnosis help with?

A clear answer can help you and your child understand how they think and what they need. The report explains whether autism fits. If it doesn’t, it explains what better describes what you’re seeing. It also gives specific recommendations for home and school.

You can share the report with your child’s school. Autism is its own eligibility category for an IEP (Individualized Education Program), but the school team decides eligibility. The school must consider an outside evaluation, but it doesn’t have to adopt it. Some children get support through a 504 plan instead.

In California, regional centers serve people with developmental disabilities, including autism. The regional center makes its own eligibility decision and may do its own assessment. A private report can still be useful to share with them, along with your pediatrician and any therapist your child sees.