Autism Evaluations for

Children & Adults

Online & In-person for ohio and Michigan residents

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You deserve answers that actually make sense.

For some people, it’s a quiet feeling that’s always been there —
like you’ve been moving through the world just a little differently than everyone else.

For others, it shows up more clearly over time —
in social situations that feel confusing or exhausting,
in sensory experiences that feel overwhelming,
or in routines and expectations that never quite seem to fit.

You might notice it in yourself —
or in your child —
and find yourself wondering what’s really going on beneath the surface.

You may be:

Trying to make sense of social differences, sensory needs, or emotional intensity

Feeling worn down from masking, overthinking, or trying to “keep up”

Watching your child struggle with transitions, communication, or behavior and wanting to better understand how to support them

Questioning whether there’s a deeper explanation that hasn’t been fully explored yet

Or simply wanting clarity — not labels — so you can move forward with more understanding and confidence

If autism has been something you’ve wondered about, an evaluation can help bring clarity, validation, and a clearer path forward.

An autism evaluation can help you:

  • Gain a clearer understanding of how you or your child experiences the world

  • Put language to things that may have felt confusing or hard to explain

  • Feel validated in experiences that may have been misunderstood or overlooked

  • Better understand strengths, needs, and patterns

  • Identify supports, strategies, or next steps that actually fit

  • Make more informed decisions about school, work, relationships, or care

  • Move forward with more clarity, confidence, and self-understanding

WHAT TO EXPECT

Autism evaluations at Wildwood are thoughtful, structured, and designed to feel supportive — not overwhelming.

As part of the evaluation, we may use an assessment called the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule). This is a widely used, evidence-based tool that helps us better understand how someone communicates, interacts, and experiences the world.

The ADOS is not a test you “pass” or “fail.”
Instead, it involves guided activities, conversation, and interaction that allow us to observe things like:

  • Communication style and language use

  • Social interaction and connection

  • Play, imagination, or conversational patterns

  • Behavioral and sensory responses

For younger children, this may look like play-based activities.
For teens and adults, it often feels more like a structured conversation with interactive elements.

The ADOS is just one part of a larger evaluation. We also take into account:

  • Developmental and personal history

  • Current experiences and concerns

  • Strengths, patterns, and areas of support

After the evaluation, we’ll walk through the results with you in a way that feels clear and meaningful — helping you better understand what we’re seeing and what next steps may be helpful.

Our goal is not to label — it’s to provide clarity, understanding, and direction.

“Sometimes the most helpful next step isn’t pushing harder - it’s finally understanding what’s been there all along.”

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FAQS

Common questions about Autism Evaluations

  • The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) is a widely used, evidence-based assessment tool that helps clinicians better understand communication, social interaction, and behavior patterns that may be consistent with autism.

  • The ADOS may include guided activities, questions, conversation, and interaction-based tasks that help us better understand how someone experiences and engages with the world. For younger children, it may feel more play-based. For teens and adults, it often feels more like a structured conversation.

  • No. The ADOS is one part of a broader evaluation process. We also consider things like developmental history, current concerns, lived experiences, strengths, and patterns over time.

  • At this time, autism evaluations are offered in person only.

  • Yes — after the evaluation, we’ll review the results with you and help you better understand what we’re seeing, along with any helpful next steps or recommendations.