AUTISM DIAGNOSIS SERVICES
Crane Rehab Center is excited to announce that in collaboration with Lynn Adams, Ph.D., we are now offering diagnostic evaluations for toddlers.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 59 children. Using standardized diagnostic tools, Autism can be diagnosed as young as 18 months of age, and in some cases even earlier. Indeed, most pediatricians now use universal screening measures at 18 and 24 months. This is because very early signs of Autism can be easy to miss.
Pediatricians concerned about possible Autism Spectrum Disorder, based on a positive screening result or family history, refer for a comprehensive developmental evaluation. Concerned families are also welcome to self-refer.
Lynn Adams, PhD conducts these evaluations at Crane for children under the age of 5 years, in an effort to help with a regional backlog of children on waiting lists for evaluations.
An accurate diagnosis can lead to crucial early intervention services as well as increased understanding of the child’s developmental profile and how that impacts childrearing and educational decision making.
Dr. Adams conducts a gold-standard evaluation using:
⦁ Parent Interview
⦁ A standardized measure of adaptive behavior (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales – Third Edition)
⦁ A standardized measure of cognitive development (Mullen Scales of Early Learning)
⦁ The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition, a standardized behavior observation procedure that allows for diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
The evaluation concludes with a parent feedback session and a comprehensive written report that includes a clinical diagnosis, if indicated, and recommendations for intervention and education.
The cost of the evaluation, including all four appointments, test administration and scoring, records review, and the written report, is $1500. This service is self-pay, and includes a receipt you can submit to your insurance company.
NEW SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE EVALUATION COST, STARTING FALL OF 2023
⦁ One-year membership in monthly virtual parent support group, following the conclusion of your evaluation.
⦁ Follow-up appointment with Dr. Adams 4-6 weeks after your evaluation, in-person or virtual.
ALSO NEW IN FALL 2023: OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP EVALUATION
Starting one year after your evaluation concludes, you may request a follow-up evaluation to map your child’s progress. This evaluation would consist of updated developmental testing, parent interview and feedback, and a written report. The cost is $800.
ABOUT DR. ADAMS
A New Orleans native, Lynn received her PhD in 1999 from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. After studying with autism experts at Yale Child Study Center and Division TEACCH at UNC, she returned to New Orleans in 2000 and became licensed as a psychologist in Louisiana. She worked as a clinical psychologist at Mercy Family Center and in private practice until leaving her practice in 2009 to care full-time for her own children, one of whom has Autism Spectrum Disorder. In 2019, she returned to practice part-time. In addition to the Toddler Diagnostic Clinic at Crane, Dr. Adams provides early intervention through the Earlysteps program.
HOW THE EVALUATION WORKS
The evaluation consists of four separate appointments, the first and last with parent(s) only, and the middle two with parent(s) and child. Typically, all four appointments occur in a single week.
Appointment 1: 9:00 am. Parent Interview (90 minutes)
Appointment 2: 9:00 am. Child Evaluation Visit 1 (60 minutes)
Appointment 3: 9:00 am. Child Evaluation Visit 2 (60 minutes)
Appointment 4: 9:00 am. Parent Feedback Session (90 minutes)
Your child must be younger than 5 years of age at the time of registration.
At the time of the evaluation appointments, your child must be able to walk independently.
For more information about Autism and early identification:
2020 Clinical Report on Autism Spectrum Disorders in the journal Pediatrics