More than a yes-or-no autism evaluation.
We help families understand what the findings mean - and what may be helpful next.
Embrace combines developmental history, caregiver and provider input, relevant records, a brief home-play observation, clinical assessment, and standardized tools such as ADOS-2 and CARS-2 when appropriate.
One test should never be the whole story.
Development matters.
We look at how communication, relationships, play, flexibility, sensory experiences, learning, and regulation developed over time.
Context matters.
Children may look different at home, school, with peers, and during structured testing. We compare those settings rather than assuming one appointment tells us everything.
Clinical judgment matters.
ADOS-2 and CARS-2 can inform the evaluation. They do not replace developmental history, record review, differential diagnosis, or clinician interpretation.
A clear path from inquiry to answers.
Tell us what you are wondering.
We explain the process and send the Pre-Evaluation Packet.
Help us see the larger picture.
You submit the Parent/Guardian Pre-Evaluation Information, the Physician/Healthcare Provider Checklist, relevant records, and a brief 3โ5 minute home-play video using our simple instructions.
We review before accepting the testing case.
A clinician reviews the available information to determine whether our comprehensive autism evaluation is likely to answer the referral question.
Proceed: We invite your family to consider the evaluation.
Need more information: We tell you what is needed and why.
Another evaluation may fit better: We explain that recommendation rather than moving forward automatically.
You decide whether to proceed.
We review the process and price before you commit. Completing the pre-evaluation step does not obligate your family to purchase testing.
Approximately 1 hour, in person or virtual.
We explore developmental history, communication, relationships, sensory experiences, regulation, learning, strengths, and your most important questions.
Approximately 2 hours.
Structured assessment may include ADOS-2, CARS-2 when clinically appropriate, direct observation, and other targeted information needed to answer the referral question.
We bring the evidence together.
The evaluation includes approximately 2 hours of relevant record review plus approximately 1 hour of clinical integration and report preparation.
If sources disagree, we examine the discrepancy rather than letting one score decide the outcome.
You leave with more than a diagnosis.
We explain the determination, strengths, important clinical considerations, and individualized recommendations.
Families also receive an Embrace Parent Guide to support conversations with pediatricians, schools, therapists, and other providers.
The diagnosis is one part of the evaluation.
The larger goal is to make the findings useful after the appointment is over.
A useful parent debrief.
We translate the findings into understandable language, answer questions, and identify practical priorities.
A clinically useful report.
With parent authorization, pediatricians and other providers can receive a report that explains the reasoning, findings, strengths, needs, and recommendationsโnot simply the final diagnosis.
A Parent Guide.
Your guide helps organize next steps and conversations with medical, educational, and therapeutic professionals.
We look beyond the testing room.
ADOS-2 and CARS-2 are tools - not the diagnosis.
ADOS-2
A standardized, structured observation used to examine behaviors relevant to autism assessment.
CARS-2
A structured rating measure used when clinically appropriate to add information to the broader developmental picture.
Clinical integration
We interpret test findings alongside developmental history, records, caregiver information, direct observation, functional impact, and differential considerations.
We are not looking for a child who โlooks autistic.โ
Children may communicate, connect, regulate, or mask differently across settings.
We are looking for the developmental pattern - not one behavior during one appointment.
Yes. No. Or not enough information yet.
Autism Supported
The evidence supports Autism Spectrum Disorder. We explain the pattern, strengths, needs, and recommendations.
Autism Not Supported
The evidence does not support autism. When possible, we explain what may better fit and what may be helpful next.
Diagnostic Determination Deferred
The available information does not yet support a confident yes-or-no determination. We explain what remains unanswered and what targeted information is needed next.
Before you begin.
Do I need to know whether my child needs an ADOS-2?
No. Determining the appropriate assessment process is part of our clinical work.
Does an ADOS-2 result automatically diagnose autism?
No. ADOS-2 findings are interpreted with developmental history, caregiver information, records, observation, and other relevant data.
What if my child looks different at home and school?
Tell us. Differences across settings may be clinically meaningful and are one reason we review collateral information.
What happens during the debrief?
We explain the findings in understandable language, answer questions, identify practical next steps, and provide a Parent Guide.
Can our pediatrician or other providers use the evaluation?
Yes. With parent/guardian authorization, the written evaluation may be shared with treating professionals to support coordinated care.
How quickly will we receive the report?
Once assessment and required information are complete, our goal is report completion within 72 hours.
You do not need to figure this out before you contact us.
Tell us what you are noticing. We will help determine whether an Embrace comprehensive autism evaluation is the right next step.
Embrace New Life Counseling & Wellness
Rockwall-Heath โข Royse City โข Greenville โข Surrounding North Texas Areas
972.292.7092 โข YouMatter@EmbraceNewLife.com