Autism Evaluations for New Jersey Residents

What Is an Autism Evaluation

An autism evaluation, also called autism testing or an autism assessment, is a structured clinical process used to determine whether an individual meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder. It examines patterns related to social communication, behavioral and sensory differences, and developmental history to support diagnostic clarity and meaningful recommendations. Autism evaluations at YCDI are conducted in person at our New York City offices, available to individuals traveling from New Jersey and throughout the region. A comprehensive written report is provided following the evaluation.

Who May Benefit From an Autism Evaluation

An autism evaluation may be helpful for New Jersey residents of any age who are seeking clarity, understanding, or formal documentation related to autism spectrum traits.

This evaluation may be appropriate for:

• Adults who have long suspected they may be on the autism spectrum and are seeking diagnostic clarity later in life, including those exploring whether an adult autism diagnosis may apply
• Adolescents experiencing social, academic, or emotional challenges, or sensory-related challenges, who may benefit from a comprehensive assessment
• Children whose parents or caregivers have concerns about development, communication, behavior, sensory differences, or social interaction
• Individuals seeking formal documentation for school accommodations, workplace supports, treatment planning, or access to services
• Those referred by healthcare providers, schools, or other professionals for a structured autism evaluation

Many individuals also benefit from ongoing support through individual therapy after the evaluation process, particularly when support is needed around emotional regulation, self-understanding, school functioning, or daily life.

An autism evaluation is not only about receiving a diagnosis. It can also provide insight into strengths, support needs, and areas where additional guidance may be helpful.

Adult Autism Evaluations — A Significant Gap in New Jersey

Access to adult autism evaluations in New Jersey is limited. Many providers focus exclusively on children and adolescents, and waitlists for adult evaluations can stretch months. For adults who have spent years seeking clarity about long-standing social differences, sensory experiences, or patterns that were never fully explained, that wait can be frustrating and exhausting.

At You Can Do It, PLLC, we evaluate autism across the lifespan, including adults of all ages. Our evaluation process for adults is adapted to adult life, relationships, work, and lived experience. No referral is required, and many adults self-refer after years of seeking answers.

If you are a New Jersey resident who has struggled to find an adult autism evaluation locally, we are here to help.

Considering Overlap With ADHD and Other Concerns

Autism evaluations are designed to look at the full picture. In some individuals, difficulties with attention, impulsivity, executive functioning, emotional regulation, or sensory experiences may overlap with traits associated with ADHD or other concerns.

A thorough autism evaluation does not look at autism in isolation. It also considers whether ADHD, anxiety, learning-related challenges, or other factors may be contributing to the overall presentation. This supports a more accurate diagnostic picture and more meaningful recommendations for treatment, school support, workplace needs, and daily life.

For children and adolescents, this may also help guide collaboration with New Jersey schools around appropriate services, accommodations, and supports, including IEPs and 504 plans when relevant.

Schedule an Autism Evaluation

If you or your child may benefit from a comprehensive autism evaluation, we are here to guide you through the process with clarity, care, and thoughtful clinical support.

Evaluations are available for children, adolescents, and adults and are conducted in person, by appointment only, in New York City.

What We Assess During the Evaluation

Autism evaluations are conducted to assess whether an individual meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder by looking at patterns related to:

• social communication
• behavioral patterns and restricted interests
• sensory sensitivities
• developmental history
• day-to-day functioning
• emotional well-being
• support needs across settings

When clinically appropriate, the evaluation may also consider related areas such as attention, anxiety, and adaptive functioning to support a more complete diagnostic picture.

Evidence-Based Assessment Tools

When clinically appropriate, our clinicians may utilize standardized, evidence-based tools as part of a comprehensive autism evaluation. This may include the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), a widely recognized instrument used in autism assessment.

The ADOS-2 is used as one component of a broader evaluation process and is interpreted within the context of clinical judgment, history, and observational findings. Our clinicians are trained in the use of these tools to support accurate, thoughtful assessment.

Who Conducts Autism Evaluations at YCDI

Autism evaluations at You Can Do It, PLLC are conducted by Berenice Rosales-Nadel, LMHC-D, Licensed Mental Health Counselor with Diagnostic Privileges and Founder of YCDI. Berenice is trained in autism diagnostic assessment protocols including the ADOS-2 and ADI-R, with diagnostic conclusions aligned to DSM-5-TR criteria. She has more than a decade of clinical experience, with several years focused specifically on psychological evaluations across the lifespan.

Berenice is licensed in both New York and New Jersey and offers services in English and Spanish.

Learn more about Berenice

What to Expect on Evaluation Day

Autism evaluations at YCDI are conducted in person, by appointment only, at our New York City office locations in Midtown Manhattan and NoMad. New Jersey residents are welcome at both locations — both are easily accessible via NJ Transit and other transit options from across the state.

On the day of the evaluation, individuals can expect a calm, professional environment focused on gathering meaningful information. Depending on age and individual needs, the evaluation may involve structured activities, conversation, observation, and discussion of relevant history.

For children and adolescents, parents or caregivers may be involved in portions of the evaluation. For adults, the process focuses more directly on personal history, current functioning, lived experience, and areas where greater clarity may be helpful.

The Step-by-Step Autism Evaluation Process at YCDI

Autism evaluations for New Jersey residents are conducted in person at our Montclair, New Jersey, location or at New York City offices and follow a structured, evidence-based clinical process. While specific components vary by age and presentation, each evaluation follows a clear sequential framework.

Step 1: Clinical Interview and Developmental History. The evaluation begins with a structured clinical interview in which the clinician gathers detailed information about the individual’s developmental history, early milestones, social and communication patterns, sensory experiences, behavioral history, and current functioning. For children, parents or caregivers are an essential part of this step. For adults, the focus is on lived experience, long-standing patterns, and the specific questions that prompted the evaluation.

Step 2: Behavioral Observation and Standardized Assessment. The clinician conducts structured behavioral observation and, when clinically appropriate, administers the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition), a gold-standard assessment tool used in autism evaluations worldwide. This involves structured activities and naturalistic interactions designed to elicit and observe social communication, interaction patterns, and restricted or repetitive behaviors. Additional tools may be used based on age and presenting concerns.

Step 3: Diagnostic Integration. After the session, the clinician reviews and integrates all findings — interview data, behavioral observations, assessment results, and developmental history against DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder. This step also considers whether ADHD, anxiety, learning-related concerns, or other factors may be contributing to or co-occurring alongside the presenting profile.

Step 4: Written Report and Delivery. A comprehensive written report is prepared following the evaluation, including diagnostic impressions, a summary of findings and observations, clinical recommendations, and documentation that may support next steps including New Jersey school accommodations such as IEPs or 504 plans, therapeutic referrals, or workplace supports.

What Happens After the Evaluation

After the evaluation is complete, our clinicians review all findings carefully and prepare a comprehensive written report.

This report may include:

• a summary of findings
• diagnostic impressions, when appropriate
• recommendations for next steps
• treatment planning considerations
• documentation that may support school or workplace accommodations when applicable

When appropriate, results and feedback are reviewed directly with the individual and/or caregivers to support clarity and understanding.

For New Jersey families, the evaluation report can be used to support conversations with NJ schools, outside providers, or support systems around IEPs, 504 plans, or other services.

Autism Evaluations for Children, Teens, and Adults

Autism can look different at every stage of life, and evaluations need to reflect that.

For children, concerns may show up around developmental milestones, communication, behavior, play, sensory responses, or social interaction.

For adolescents, families may be noticing challenges related to school, friendships, emotional regulation, identity, independence, or increasing social demands.

For adults, questions often arise later in life around long-standing social differences, sensory experiences, routines, burnout, masking, or the feeling that certain challenges have never been fully explained.

Because of this, autism evaluations are approached in a developmentally informed way, with attention to the person’s age, lived experience, and day-to-day functioning.

Payment Options

You Can Do It, PLLC offers self-pay options for New Jersey autism evaluations. Clients with commercial insurance plans may be able to use out-of-network benefits — a superbill can be provided upon request. Reimbursement is determined by your individual plan.

Please verify your benefits prior to booking, as out-of-pocket costs may vary.

In-Person Autism Evaluation Locations for New Jersey Residents

You Can Do It, PLLC offers in-person autism evaluations at our Montclair, New Jersey location and at both Manhattan offices in New York City. All evaluations are conducted by Berenice Rosales-Nadel, LMHC-D, who is trained in the ADOS-2 and ADI-R and is licensed in both New York and New Jersey.

Our offices are conveniently accessible from New Jersey via multiple transit options.

Montclair, New Jersey — In-person autism evaluations are available in Montclair, NJ. Berenice Rosales-Nadel, LMHC-D, is based locally, and appointments are typically available on a flexible schedule. Contact YCDI to schedule. Office location details are provided upon booking.

Midtown Manhattan — 18 E 41st Street, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10017. Near Grand Central Terminal, accessible via NJ Transit trains to Penn Station or Grand Central, PATH train, and major bus routes.

NoMad — 245 5th Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10016. Accessible via NJ Transit to Penn Station, PATH train, and major bus routes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Evaluations for New Jersey Residents

What is adult autism testing for New Jersey residents?

Adult autism testing for New Jersey residents is a structured clinical process used to determine whether an adult meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder. At YCDI, adult autism evaluations are conducted in person at our Montclair, New Jersey location and at our New York City offices, available to individuals traveling from New Jersey and throughout the region. The process uses evidence-based tools, including the ADOS-2 when clinically appropriate, and focuses on personal history, current functioning, social communication, sensory experiences, and lived experience as an adult. Many adults seek this evaluation after years of unanswered questions about long-standing differences in social interaction, sensory processing, or daily functioning.

Do you serve New Jersey residents?

Yes. You Can Do It, PLLC serves New Jersey residents seeking autism evaluations. Our Clinical Director, Berenice Rosales-Nadel, LMHC-D, is licensed in both New York and New Jersey. In-person evaluations are available at our Montclair, New Jersey location as well as at our Manhattan offices in New York City, which are accessible from across New Jersey via NJ Transit and PATH.

Why should a New Jersey resident choose YCDI for an autism evaluation?

Access to autism evaluations for adults in New Jersey is limited and waitlists can be lengthy. YCDI offers an in-person option in Montclair, New Jersey for those who prefer a location close to home, as well as our Manhattan offices for those who find the city more convenient. Both options deliver the same thorough, evidence-based evaluation with a comprehensive written report.

Where are your in-person autism evaluation locations for New Jersey residents?

In-person autism evaluations are available at our Montclair, New Jersey location and at our two New York City offices. For the Montclair location, contact YCDI to schedule — office details are provided upon booking. Our Midtown Manhattan office is near Grand Central Terminal, accessible via NJ Transit trains to Penn Station or Grand Central, PATH train, and major bus routes. Our NoMad office is also accessible via NJ Transit to Penn Station and PATH.

Are autism evaluations available via telehealth for New Jersey residents?

No. Autism evaluations at You Can Do It, PLLC are conducted in person, by appointment only. In-person assessment is necessary to support the accuracy and thoroughness of the evaluation process, including behavioral observation and standardized assessment activities that cannot be replicated virtually. New Jersey residents are seen at our Montclair, New Jersey location or our Manhattan offices.

Do you evaluate adults for autism?

Yes. YCDI provides autism evaluations for adults of all ages. An adult autism evaluation focuses on personal history, current functioning, lived experience, and the specific questions the individual wants answered. No referral is required, and many adults self-refer after years of seeking clarity about long-standing challenges.

Can adults be diagnosed with autism?

Yes. Autism can be diagnosed at any age, including adulthood. Many adults, particularly women, individuals who learned to mask their traits, and those with average or above-average cognitive abilities, were not identified in childhood. A late autism diagnosis in adulthood is both valid and valuable. At YCDI, adult evaluations are approached with attention to the individual’s specific history and lived experience.

What is the difference between autism testing, an autism evaluation, and an autism assessment?

These terms are used interchangeably and refer to the same clinical process. Autism testing, autism evaluation, and autism assessment all describe a structured clinical process designed to determine whether an individual meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The terminology varies by provider, region, and context/ A pediatrician might say “autism testing,” a school might request an “autism assessment,” and a clinical practice might use “autism evaluation”, but the underlying purpose is the same. At YCDI, we use these terms interchangeably and the process is the same regardless of how you refer to it when you reach out.

How do I know if I or my child needs an autism evaluation?

An autism evaluation may be worth pursuing if persistent challenges haven’t been fully explained by other diagnoses or interventions. For children, common signs include delayed speech or language development, difficulty with social interactions, sensory sensitivities, repetitive behaviors, or challenges with transitions and routines. For adolescents, families often notice increasing difficulty with social demands, emotional regulation, or academic performance. For adults, common reasons include long-standing feelings of being socially different, sensory sensitivities, difficulty with unwritten social rules, burnout, or wanting clearer understanding of lifelong experiences. A referral is common but not required. You can contact YCDI directly if you have questions about whether an evaluation is the right fit.

Do I need a referral to schedule an autism evaluation?

No referral is required. Individuals, parents, and caregivers can contact YCDI directly to schedule. Many people do come through referrals from pediatricians, therapists, psychiatrists, or schools, but a referral is not a requirement. If you have questions about whether an autism evaluation is the right fit before scheduling, YCDI offers a free 15-minute consultation to help you determine the most appropriate next step.

How is an autism evaluation different from therapy?

An autism evaluation is a one-time, structured clinical assessment, not ongoing treatment. It involves clinical interviews, behavioral observation, developmental history, and standardized tools such as the ADOS-2 when appropriate, and produces a comprehensive written report with diagnostic impressions and recommendations. Therapy, by contrast, is an ongoing relationship focused on support, growth, and treatment. Some individuals choose to pursue individual therapy after an evaluation, particularly when support is needed around emotional regulation or daily functioning, but the evaluation itself is a distinct, time-limited process.

Can an autism evaluation also look at ADHD or overlapping concerns?

Yes. Autism and ADHD can share surface-level presentations — difficulties with attention, impulsivity, emotional regulation, and sensory experiences can appear in both. A thorough autism evaluation at YCDI considers overlapping or co-occurring concerns, including ADHD, anxiety, and executive functioning challenges. This supports a more accurate diagnostic picture and more meaningful recommendations for treatment, school support, workplace accommodations, and daily life.

What is the ADOS-2 and is it used in your evaluations?

The ADOS-2, or Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition, is a structured, standardized assessment tool widely used in autism evaluations. It involves a series of activities and conversations designed to elicit and observe behaviors related to social communication, interaction, and restricted or repetitive patterns. At YCDI, the ADOS-2 may be used as one component of a broader evaluation when clinically appropriate. It is never used in isolation — findings are interpreted alongside clinical interview, developmental history, and behavioral observation to support a comprehensive and accurate assessment.

Does insurance cover an autism evaluation for New Jersey residents?

You Can Do It, PLLC offers self-pay options for New Jersey residents. Clients with commercial insurance plans may be able to use out-of-network benefits — a superbill can be provided upon request. Please verify your benefits prior to booking, as reimbursement is determined by your individual plan.

How much does an autism evaluation cost?

An autism evaluation at You Can Do It, PLLC, is $895, paid out of pocket. We offer self-pay options for New Jersey autism evaluations. Clients with commercial insurance plans may be able to use out-of-network benefits — a superbill can be provided upon request. Reimbursement is determined by your individual plan. A free 15-minute consultation is available first to confirm the evaluation is the right fit.

How do I prepare for an autism evaluation?

The most important thing is to come as you are as the evaluation is designed to understand you or your child accurately, not to assess performance. It helps to think in advance about the specific challenges or questions that prompted you to seek an evaluation, as well as relevant history such as developmental milestones, school experiences, past diagnoses, and any previous evaluations. For children, parents or caregivers are typically involved in portions of the process and may be asked to provide background information. For autism evaluations for adults, being prepared to discuss your history honestly, including what has and hasn’t worked in different settings, helps support a more complete and useful assessment.

How long does the evaluation take?

Autism evaluation length varies depending on age, presentation, and the specific questions being addressed. Evaluations for children and adolescents may take longer than autism evaluations for adults due to the broader range of developmental history and assessment components involved. Timing is discussed during scheduling so you know what to expect before your appointment. Following the evaluation, a written report is prepared and shared with the individual and/or caregivers, along with an opportunity to review findings and ask questions.

What happens if the evaluation doesn’t result in an autism diagnosis?

If an autism evaluation does not result in a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, the process is still clinically valuable. The evaluation may identify other contributing factors — such as ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing differences, or learning-related concerns, and the written report will include findings and recommendations regardless of diagnostic outcome. For many individuals, understanding what is and isn’t present can be just as clarifying as a formal diagnosis. The goal at YCDI is always to provide an honest, thorough picture of strengths and challenges, not to confirm a predetermined outcome.

Request an Autism Evaluation Consultation

If you are seeking a comprehensive, in-person autism evaluation for yourself or a family member, we are here to help guide you through the process with clarity and care.

Questions about whether an autism evaluation is the right fit? Visit our contact page or call us directly — we’re happy to help clarify before you schedule.

Our goal is to provide a thoughtful evaluation experience that supports understanding, diagnostic clarity, and meaningful next steps.