Save Time On Your Autism Evaluation With These Tips

Video Description

Do you have an upcoming autism evaluation and want to make sure you’re fully prepared? In this video, I’ll walk you step-by-step through everything you need to save time and reduce stress on testing day — including what to bring, who should fill out the forms, how to set up a comfort plan, and one powerful bonus step that makes your results even clearer. I’m Dr. James Thatcher, a licensed clinical psychologist at Forest Psychological Clinic in Portland, Oregon. Learn more about our evaluations: https://forestpsychologicalclinic.com Our clinic specializes in comprehensive autism, ADHD, and learning evaluations for children, teens, and adults. By the end of this video, you’ll know: ✅ Exactly what to bring to your autism evaluation (intake forms, medical/developmental history, medications, IEP/504 plans) ✅ How to organize prior reports and rating scales (BASC-3, ABAS-3, Vineland-3) ✅ What a comfort plan looks like — from headphones to snacks to managing test-day anxiety ✅ How to prepare your child, teen, or yourself for a smoother experience ✅ The bonus tip that helps your psychologist give the clearest, most personalized report possible If you’re preparing for an autism or ADHD assessment, this is your complete prep guide. Timestamps: 00:00 – How to Prepare for Your Autism Evaluation (Save Time & Stress) 00:35 – What to Bring to an Autism or ADHD Assessment (Forms, Records, Meds) 01:37 – Past Evaluations, IEPs & 504 Plans: What Your Psychologist Looks For 03:23 – BASC-3, ABAS-3, and Vineland Explained (Behavior Rating Scales for Autism Testing) 04:35 – Choosing a Collateral Informant (Parents, Partners, or Friends for Adult Autism Tests) 05:51 – Comfort Plan: Reduce Anxiety & Boost Focus on Testing Day 06:35 – Medication & Comfort Kit Tips (Noise-Canceling Headphones, Snacks, Breaks) 09:00 – Preparing Kids and Teens: What to Say Before Autism Testing 10:19 – Adult Autism Testing Tips (Logistics, Anxiety, Asking Questions) 10:54 – After the Evaluation: Feedback Session, Report Timeline & Results 12:11 – Bonus Step: Create a Symptom List Before Your Appointment (Saves Hours) 14:04 – Recap & Next Steps (Full Autism Evaluation Walkthrough Video)  References (APA 7th ed.) American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Publishing. Constantino, J. N., & Gruber, C. P. (2012). Social Responsiveness Scale (2nd ed.; SRS-2). Western Psychological Services. Harrison, P. L., & Oakland, T. (2015). Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (3rd ed.; ABAS-3). Western Psychological Services. Lord, C., Rutter, M., DiLavore, P. C., Risi, S., Gotham, K., & Bishop, S. (2012). Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (2nd ed.; ADOS-2). Western Psychological Services. Reynolds, C. R., & Kamphaus, R. W. (2015). Behavior Assessment System for Children (3rd ed.; BASC-3). Pearson. Sparrow, S. S., Cicchetti, D. V., & Saulnier, C. A. (2016). Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (3rd ed.; Vineland-3). Pearson. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq. (2004). #AutismEvaluation #AutismTesting #Neurodiversity