Autism Testing
What is autism testing?
Autism testing is a comprehensive evaluation used to determine whether social communication differences, restricted interests, or sensory sensitivities meet the clinical criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). At Acacia Collaborative, evaluation combines a clinical interview, developmental history, standardized observation tools, and input from people who know you or your child well. The result is a clear diagnostic picture, along with recommendations built around your specific strengths and needs.
Autism can look different from person to person, and it often goes unrecognized for years, especially in girls, women, and adults who learned to mask their traits early on. Testing gives you language for what you’ve been experiencing and a plan for what comes next.
Signs it might be time for autism testing
Every autistic person’s experience is different, but common reasons families and adults reach out include:
- Ongoing challenges with social communication, reading social cues, or maintaining friendships
- Strong, focused interests, a need for routine, or distress when plans change unexpectedly
- Sensory sensitivities to sound, light, texture, or touch
- A teacher, pediatrician, or therapist has raised the possibility of autism
- Feeling exhausted from years of consciously managing or masking social interactions
- Wondering whether autism explains patterns that other diagnoses haven’t fully accounted for
You don’t need to match every stereotype to benefit from an evaluation. Many autistic children and adults present in ways that don’t fit outdated assumptions about what autism looks like.
Autism testing for children, teens, and adults
Children: Evaluation typically includes developmental history, parent interviews, and structured observation using tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), which looks at communication, play, and social interaction through a series of guided activities.
Testing can support early intervention, an IEP, or other school-based services.
Teens: Assessment builds on developmental history while paying close attention to social dynamics at school, peer relationships, and how masking or camouflaging behaviors may have delayed earlier recognition.
Adults: Diagnosis in adulthood relies heavily on developmental history, self-report, and, when available, input from a parent or someone who knew you as a child. Many adults come to testing after years of feeling different without a clear explanation, or after a family member’s diagnosis prompted them to look into their own experience.
What’s included in an autism evaluation at Acacia Collaborative
- Consultation call. A complimentary call to understand your concerns and determine the right testing plan.
- Clinical interview. We gather developmental, social, academic, and health history, along with any relevant prior records.
- Standardized observation. Tools such as the ADOS-2 assess communication, social interaction, and behavior directly, rather than relying on checklist responses alone.
- Collateral input. Rating scales and interviews with parents, partners, or teachers, where relevant, add context beyond the testing room.
- Feedback session. We review your results together, answer questions, and lay out recommendations for support, accommodations, or next steps.
Autism Testing, Answered
Common questions about autism testing, what's involved, and how Acacia Collaborative can help.
Insurance & Fees for Psychological Assessments
All testing appointments take place at our office in Durham, North Carolina. However, if preferred, the initial consultation and clinical interviews can be completed by telehealth. Total assessment costs can range from $600-$3000+ depending on the testing required.
Evaluations are out-of-network for insurance. As a courtesy, we will provide you with statements that have all the necessary information required to file a claim with your insurance carrier. We strongly encourage you to check your policy and contact your insurance carrier directly with any questions about your benefits and limitations.
How Do You Get Started?
STEP ONE: CONTACT US
At any point in your decision to pursue therapy or assessment, feel free to contact us with questions. We will gladly talk with you over the phone to determine if one of us will be a good fit. Visit our Contact Page.
STEP TWO: INTAKE
Once you have scheduled an appointment, you will be emailed forms to complete electronically prior to your first appointment. If we are in-network with your Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, or State Health Plan insurance benefits will be processed.
STEP THREE: FIRST SESSION
Your first appointment will be 60 minutes. In this first appointment, we will discuss what brought you in, your history, and will develop a “game plan” with you to work toward your goals.
Contact Acacia Collaborative
Ask a question or book an appointment below.
Hours
Monday through Friday
9AM-8PM
Saturday: 9AM-3PM
Durham Office:
3710 University Drive #302, Durham, NC 27707
Cary Office:
570 New Waverly Pl #210, Cary, NC 27518
Online Therapy
All of North Carolina
Insurance
Accepting Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance, State Health Plan, Out-of-Network Superbills & Private Pay. We are credentialed with the following Medicaid plans: Healthy Blue, Carolina Complete, and Wellcare.
Services
Mental Health Therapy & Psychological Assessments