Autism Evaluation in Portland, Maine
Comprehensive autism evaluations for children, teens and young adults, ages 5 to 21
Clear answers about social communication and development
If you've noticed differences in how your child connects with others, communicates or responds to change, you may be wondering whether autism could be part of the picture. A comprehensive autism evaluation at Beacon Light gives you a clear answer and a full understanding of your child's strengths and needs.
Autism looks different in every person, and it can overlap with ADHD, anxiety, language differences and other concerns. Our evaluations look carefully at all of these, then give you a clear diagnosis (if appropriate) and practical recommendations for home, school and services.
Signs it may be time for an autism evaluation
Every child develops differently. An evaluation may help when differences in social connection, communication or flexibility are consistent, show up across settings and affect daily life.
Ages 5 to 7
- Limited back-and-forth play or conversation
- Strong focus on specific interests or routines
- Big reactions to sounds, textures or changes
- Difficulty joining in with other children
Ages 8 to 12
- Trouble making or keeping friends
- Taking things very literally
- Distress when plans change
- Intense interests that crowd out other activities
Ages 13 to 21
- Feeling different or out of step with peers
- Exhaustion from "masking" in social situations
- Anxiety in social or unfamiliar settings
- Struggling with the jump to high school, college or work
Why a thorough evaluation matters
There's no single test for autism. Social and communication differences can have several causes, and autism often occurs alongside other conditions. Getting an accurate answer means looking carefully at the whole person, not just a checklist.
Flags possible concerns
- Relies mostly on questionnaires
- Can suggest autism may be present
- Can't confirm a diagnosis on its own
- May miss autism in girls, teens or people who mask
Gives a clear answer and a full picture
- Combines history, direct observation, testing and rating scales
- Rules out other explanations for social differences
- Identifies co-occurring concerns like ADHD or anxiety
- Leads to recommendations that fit your child's profile
Other factors that can look like autism
Autism in girls and teens: Autism is often missed in girls and in people with strong language skills, who may learn to hide or "mask" their differences. A careful evaluation looks beyond surface behavior to understand what everyday life is really like.
What a comprehensive autism evaluation looks at
To get a complete picture, we combine interviews, observation and standardized testing across these areas:
What you'll walk away with
How the evaluation works
Free 15-minute call
Talk with Dr. DiGiovanni about your concerns and whether an evaluation makes sense.
Paperwork from home
Consent and background forms, completed online.
Intake interview · 1–1.5 hours
By Zoom, with parents, or with you if you're a young adult.
Testing · 3–5 hours
At our downtown Portland office, with breaks as needed.
Feedback · 1–2 hours
Usually in person. We go over results, any diagnoses and recommendations.
Your written report
Within a few days of feedback, ready to share with a school, college or doctor.
Every evaluation at Beacon Light follows this same comprehensive process and price. Learn about our evaluations →
- Includes the intake, all testing, scoring and interpretation, feedback and a full written report
- $400 at intake and the rest at testing
- HSA and FSA funds welcome, and CareCredit financing is available
- Superbill provided for possible out-of-network reimbursement
Common questions about autism evaluations
How do you test for autism?
We combine a detailed developmental history, structured observation of social communication, standardized testing of thinking, language and learning, and rating scales from parents and teachers. Looking at all of these together helps us give an accurate answer.
Can autism be diagnosed in teens and young adults?
Yes. Many people, especially girls and those with strong language skills, aren't identified until adolescence or young adulthood. We evaluate teens and young adults up to age 21.
My child already had an autism screening. Do they still need an evaluation?
A screening can flag possible concerns, but it can't diagnose autism. A comprehensive evaluation confirms whether autism is present, rules out other explanations and gives you a full picture of strengths and needs.
Will an autism diagnosis help my child get services?
Our written report includes a clear diagnosis (if appropriate) and specific recommendations you can share with your child's school, doctors and other providers to help access supports such as an IEP, speech or occupational therapy, or other services.
What ages do you evaluate for autism?
We evaluate children, teens and young adults ages 5 to 21.
Is an autism evaluation covered by insurance?
We're a private-pay practice and don't bill insurance directly. We provide a superbill you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. HSA and FSA funds and CareCredit financing are also options. See our rates and reimbursement guide.
Wondering if it's autism?
Book a free 15-minute call with Dr. DiGiovanni to talk through your concerns and whether an evaluation makes sense.