UNDERSTAND YOUR CHILD MORE FULLY
Autism Assessment in Calgary
Comprehensive autism assessment for ages four through 17. Together, we’ll explore social communication, routines, interests, sensory experiences, strengths, and support needs.
Registered Psychologist · Quarry Park, SE Calgary · (403) 431-7723 · Direct Billing Available
Looking for an Autism assessment for yourself? Adult Autism Assessment →
A CLEARER PICTURE OF DEVELOPMENT AND EVERYDAY EXPERIENCE
Autism Assessment
Autism is a developmental difference that can shape how a person communicates and connects with others, responds to sensory input, follows routines, and engages with interests. It looks different across people and ages. Some have learned ways to adapt that make their support needs less obvious to others.
An assessment brings together developmental history, current experiences, direct interaction and observation, and measures selected for the person being assessed.
Input from caregivers and educators can help illustrate a broader perspective across environments.
The goal is to answer the diagnostic question thoughtfully, explain individual strengths and support needs, and identify useful next steps whether or not autism is identified.
EVERY ASSESSMENT BEGINS WITH A QUESTION
What Are You Noticing?
The DSM-5 criteria requires a pattern across all three Category A areas and at least two Category B areas, together with developmental history, meaningful current impact, and consideration of other explanations. No single example establishes a diagnosis.
CATEGORY A
Social communication and interaction
Back-and-forth connection: Conversations, shared interests, or responding to others may work differently or require extra effort.
Nonverbal communication: Facial expression, gestures, tone, eye contact, or reading these cues may differ. Eye contact alone cannot determine whether a person is autistic.
Relationships and social understanding: Making or sustaining friendships, adapting to different social situations, or understanding unwritten social rules may be challenging.
CATEGORY B
Repetitive patterns, routines, interests, and sensory experiences
Repetitive movement, speech, or play: A person may repeat movements or phrases, or use objects in a consistent pattern.
Sameness and transitions: Unexpected changes, shifting tasks, or disruptions to familiar routines may be difficult.
Focused interests: Interests may be especially absorbing, detailed, or important to the individual and may be atypical compared to others their age.
Sensory experiences: Sounds, lights, textures, smells, movement, or other sensations may feel unusually intense (avoidance) or may be sought out (seeking).
FROM FIRST QUESTIONS TO NEXT STEPS
The Assessment Process
Getting Started
Consultation and History
An intake meeting explores early development, communication, relationships, education or work experiences, health and family context, and current questions or concerns.
Caregiver and educator input is very helpful. With your consent, questionnaires may be sent out to your child’s teacher or caregivers when appropriate.
Assessment Visits
Individualized Evaluation
Young children (ages 4-6) will complete an Autism assessment (ADOS-2) and parents will complete a detailed developmental interview (ADI-R). Older children (ages 7-17) will also complete a cognitive assessment (IQ test).
Additional learning, attention, or emotional measures may be included when clinically indicated and agreed upon as part of the assessment scope.
Your Results
Feedback and Written Report
Information is integrated across sources, and the diagnostic outcome is explained in our feedback meeting.
You will also receive a written report with practical recommendations and guidance for next steps.
The scope, appointments, expected timeline, and anticipated cost are always discussed before booking.
Meet Your Assessor
Kendra is a Registered Psychologist who assesses children, teens, and adults, helping them understand learning, attention, and neurodevelopmental differences through clear explanations and practical recommendations.
Her thoughtful, evidence-based approach respects the person behind the results. She writes every report knowing the individual may read it now or years from now.
Findings are explained accurately and respectfully, with attention to both challenges and strengths. The goal is clarity, direction, and useful next steps that help people understand themselves and communicate their needs.
Assessment Fees & What’s Included
Intake & Testing — A 60-minute intake meeting and background review, standardized testing (i.e., intellect, ADOS-2, ADI-R), and parent and teacher questionnaires. Academic and/or ADHD testing available upon request.
Results & Recommendations — Scoring and interpretation, a 60-minute feedback meeting, and an individualized written report with practical recommendations.
Follow-Up Support — Consultation by phone or email to help clarify findings and recommendations after your assessment.
Assessment Fee: $1,680-$3,600 — Includes 7-15 hours of professional psychological services at $240 per hour. Young children require less testing. Please call for a clear quote.
Pay as You Go — Payment is made after each appointment, with a same-day receipt provided.
Insurance & Direct Billing — Extended health benefits may cover all or part of the cost. Direct billing is available through Blue Cross, Canada Life, Green Shield, Desjardins, Industrial Alliance, Sun Life, and more.
CALGARY AUTISM ASSESSMENT
Your Questions, Answered
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An autism assessment may be worth considering when longstanding differences in social communication, relationships, sensory experiences, routines, or interests affect everyday life. You may be seeking answers for your child or recognizing patterns in yourself.
You don’t need to feel certain about autism before reaching out; a free consultation can help clarify whether assessment fits your questions.
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Blue Spruce Psychology offers autism assessments for children ages four and older, teens, and adults.
The approach is adapted to the person’s age, communication style, and needs.
If you’re exploring a later in life diagnosis, visit Adult Autism Assessment.
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The process brings together developmental history, interviews, questionnaires, and direct interaction and observation.
Standardized tools help explore communication, social interaction, and patterns of behaviour, but no single test establishes a diagnosis.
Findings are considered together and explained during a feedback meeting, followed by a written report outlining the outcome and recommendations.
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Yes. Some autistic people learn to copy social behaviours, rehearse conversations, or hide discomfort to meet expectations. This is often called masking, and it can make support needs less visible.
Someone may appear socially comfortable while finding interactions exhausting.
Assessment considers the effort and experiences behind outward behaviour, including patterns that may have been overlooked earlier in life.
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With consent, teachers or other people who know your child well may contribute useful observations. We’ll discuss whom to involve and why. These perspectives help show how experiences vary across settings and complement what is shared during appointments.
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Yes. These conditions can occur together, and some features can also overlap. The assessment considers when difficulties began, where they appear, and what may explain them.
If additional questions require an ADHD assessment or psychoeducational assessment, we’ll create a plan together.
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Yes. Twice-exceptional, or 2e, describes a person with gifted abilities alongside a disability or condition such as autism. Advanced reasoning or language can make some support needs less obvious, while social or sensory difficulties may draw attention away from intellectual strengths.
Understanding both helps guide educational planning that provides appropriate challenge and support.
You can learn more about identifying advanced abilities on the Gifted Assessment page.
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At Blue Spruce Psychology, autism assessment appointments can typically be completed over two to four weeks, depending on scheduling and the information required. Some meetings may be virtual, while direct testing takes place in-person.
Your written report is provided within two weeks of the feedback meeting. We’ll review the expected schedule before booking.
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Autism assessments at Blue Spruce Psychology range from $1,680 to $3,600, depending on the age of the child, and if you would like to explore ADHD and academics as well.
Many extended health plans reimburse some eligible psychological assessment expenses, and direct billing is available for many insurers. Confirm your coverage and documentation requirements before booking, and visit Fees and Insurance for payment details.
Wondering About an Autism Assessment?
To learn more, ask questions, or if you would like direction, complete the contact form below or email: kendra@bluesprucepsychology.ca
You can also schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your situation and determine next steps.