Our team is highly trained in the use of gold standard diagnostic instruments including the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) that provide the highest level of sensitivity and specificity in determining a diagnosis of autism and related conditions. The diagnostic assessment team has unique expertise in using assessment tools to answer very complex diagnostic questions including differential diagnostic issues.

Our multidisciplinary team of specialists utilizes the latest research and state-of-the-art assessment tools to provide individualized evaluations to adults. Evaluations may include diagnostic testing, cognitive (IQ) testing, assessment of executive functioning, and assessment of semantic-pragmatic language abilities.

State of the art assessment tools are used to assess cognitive abilities (IQ), academic achievement and behavioral, executive and adaptive functioning. 

Differential diagnosis of speech and language disorders is accomplished through the use of standardized testing and assessment of informal language and conversation samples. A general assessment targets core areas of language including grammar, syntax, vocabulary knowledge, pragmatic language and articulation. A specialized semantic-pragmatic language evaluation targets higher level language abilities, including social thinking, inference, pragmatic language, humor, sarcasm, figurative language and social problem solving.

Assessments such as tic and movement disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Our behavior specialists provide comprehensive and individualized strategies to identify the purpose or function of a child or adolescent's problem behavior(s), develop and implement a plan to modify variables that maintain problem behavior, and teach appropriate replacement behaviors in a positive manner.

This assessment typically includes an observation of the individual in the classroom setting and interviews with educational team members. In addition, ongoing clinical team meetings and a parent/caregiver session are held to discuss findings, solicit feedback, and outline treatment recommendations customized to meet the individual's and family's needs. Comprehensive written reports are also provided following the conclusion of the evaluation.

Dear Families,

I would like to take this opportunity to clarify the evaluation process, cost, and components of evaluations at the Fay J. Lindner Center.

I am a psychologist and the Clinical Director at the Fay J Lindner Center, and the lead diagnostician on our evaluation team. The maximum cost of any evaluation at our Center is $3,000, and the cost is determined by the number of sessions and disciplines involved.

Parents interested in a school observation (1.5 hours observing child, 1 hour interview with school team) as part of their evaluation pay an additional $350.

Once paperwork is received and the family has a consultation appointment (parent interview) with our social worker (part of the evaluation cost), the clinical team meets to review reason for referral, parents' goals, and prior testing in order to create the most appropriate evaluation for any particular individual.

Professionals that comprise our evaluation clinical team include psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and social workers.

A comprehensive evaluation that would likely cost the full $3000 would include:

• consultation/intake session with our social worker
• review of records and consultation with current service providers and educational team - e.g., psychiatrist, school team
• cognitive/developmental/IQ testing; mental status exam with our psychologist
• speech-language assessment with our SLP (would include higher level language evaluation if a prior SL assessment did not)
• ADOS administration by our psychologist
• adaptive functioning assessment
• possibly an additional interview with parents including administration of the ADI-R
• completion of a set of questionnaires assessing: adaptive skills, behavioral/emotional functioning, social skills, executive functioning

All of our full evaluations as described above include in the fee a 1 hour feedback session with parents (and sometimes clients) and a 20-30 page integrated report across disciplines with extensive recommendations.

Evaluations that cost less than $3000 are those that do not require one or more of the above elements as they may have recently been conducted elsewhere, and are often highly specialized (e.g., eligibility evaluation; triennial cognitive assessment; semantic pragmatic language evaluation; adult diagnostic evaluation). Costs for specialty evaluations begin at approximately $500 and range up to ~$2000.

Though our Center does not accept insurance plans, we work closely with families to provide the documentation necessary to assist in receiving reimbursement.

An area of specialty at the Center is working with girls with ASDs. We also specialize in completing semantic pragmatic language evaluations to assist bright verbal youth with higher language difficulties in receiving services.

If you have questions about any of the evaluation process, please contact Georgia Reilly our intake coordinator at 516-686-4440.

Sincerely,
Shana Nichols, PhD