Qxplore · Quinte Assessment and Treatment Group
Autism Assessments in Central and Southeastern Ontario
A clearer understanding of a child’s or young person’s development can help a family decide what support to explore next.
You may have questions about communication, social experiences, routines, sensory needs or development more broadly. Qxplore provides psychological assessments for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder by a Registered Psychologist or Psychological Associate which includes a Psychoeducational Assessment and ADOS Assessment.
Qxplore also provides Behavioural and Skills Assessments by a Registered Behaviour Analyst which develops a Behavioural Service Plan, Program and Budget for provision of ABA services. Contact us to ask which service fits your child’s age and the questions you want answered.
Understanding the purpose
What is a psychological assessment for autism?
An autism assessment explores a specific developmental question. A qualified professional gathers information from more than one source, considers the person’s history and current experiences, and explains what conclusions the findings support.
A Psychological Assessment for autism includes a psychoeducational assessment and a specific ADOS assessment for autism. The Psychologist gathers information from available sources, considers the person’s history and current experiences, evaluates the results of psychometric testing, and provides a diagnosis and recommendations in a comprehensive report based on those results. The assessment can determine whether a child or youth falls on the Autism Spectrum, has a learning disability, or behavioural difficulty, or is better described by another diagnosis.
Autism can be expressed differently from one person to another. The process considers strengths and needs together, rather than relying on one behaviour or a single checklist. The clinician will explain which activities are appropriate for the person being assessed.
A diagnosis of autism is necessary to be eligible for funding under the Ontario Autism Program which will then provide funding for the provision of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and other treatment services.
Clarify the question
Discuss what you have noticed, why you are seeking an assessment and what you hope to understand.
Consider the whole person
Share developmental history, interests, strengths, daily experiences and support needs across settings.
Review the findings
Ask how the clinician will explain the assessment results, any diagnosis and questions that remain.
Plan next steps
Discuss recommendations, documentation and whether another service or form of support may be useful.
Reasons families enquire
When might a family ask about an assessment?
Families come with different questions and at different stages. These examples can help you describe your concerns; they do not establish whether someone is autistic or which assessment is needed.
Communication and connection
You may have questions about the person’s ways of communicating, interacting with others or navigating social situations.
Routines and sensory experiences
Certain changes, environments, sounds or textures may be particularly important to daily comfort and participation.
Learning and everyday life
School, home or community experiences may raise questions about support, accommodations or another area that should be assessed.
Earlier questions or reports
A teacher, health professional or previous report may have raised a developmental question you want to explore further.
Know what to ask before booking
What can the assessment process involve?
The clinician determines the assessment plan based on the person’s age, history and the questions being asked. Confirm the actual appointments, activities, cost, consent arrangements and report timeline with Qxplore before booking.
Initial discussion
Explain the developmental questions, the person’s age and any previous referrals or assessments. Ask who would conduct the assessment and whether the service fits.
Background information
The clinician will ask about development and daily experiences and review relevant reports. Information from caregivers, schools or other people is gathered with appropriate consent.
Assessment activities
Depending on the agreed plan, this will include conversation, observation and professional assessment tools. Ask how the process will be adapted to the person being assessed.
Feedback and documentation
Ask how findings will be explained, what written documentation will be provided and how recommendations or further questions will be discussed.
Preparing to enquire
Information that may be helpful
You can make an enquiry without having every document ready. Tell us what you have and ask how to share sensitive information securely.
Your questions
What prompted the enquiry, what support is already in place and what do you hope an assessment will clarify?
Developmental history
Information about communication, learning, daily routines and earlier concerns can provide context.
Existing records
Previous assessment reports, school information or relevant health records may help, if available and appropriate to share.
Practical arrangements
Ask about the clinician, referral requirements, consent, fees, coverage, appointment format and expected timing.
Choose the service that answers your question
How do these autism services differ?
Qxplore’s autism service overview describes a diagnostic psychological assessment, a separate behavioural and skills assessment, and ABA services. Each has a different purpose. Ask which current service and clinician fit your situation before booking.
Before you decide
Common questions about autism assessments
Do we need a referral to enquire?
You can contact Qxplore with your questions. Ask whether the specific assessment or funding arrangement requires a referral or other information before booking.
Will the assessment always result in an autism diagnosis?
No diagnosis can be promised in advance. The qualified clinician explains what the information supports and whether another explanation or further assessment should be considered.
Does Qxplore assess adults as well as children?
This page describes questions raised by families of children and young people. Ask Qxplore directly which ages are currently accepted and whether an appropriate clinician is available for an adult enquiry.
Is an autism assessment the same as a psychoeducational assessment?
No. They address different questions, although a person may have overlapping developmental and learning concerns. At the Intake interview the clinician will be pleased to answer all your questions.
Is a psychological assessment for autism the same as a behavioural and skills assessment?
No. A psychological assessment can answer the question of whether a diagnosis of autism is the right diagnosis. A behavioural and skills assessment looks at specific abilities and support needs to inform a plan. Qxplore’s autism service overview describes that separate service.
What if we need documentation for the Ontario Autism Program?
Tell the clinician before booking what documentation you need and ask whether the proposed assessment meets that purpose. Ontario requires a written autism diagnosis from a qualified professional for OAP registration; review Ontario’s current assessment and diagnosis guidance. A Qxplore assessment does not itself guarantee program eligibility or funding.
How much will it cost and how long will it take?
Ask for the current fee, what is included, the expected wait to begin, and when feedback and a report may be available. If you plan to use benefits, confirm coverage with your insurer using the clinician’s professional designation and the specific service.
How will school or other professionals receive information?
Ask about consent, confidentiality, the written report and how information can be shared with a school or another professional if you choose. Confirm any documentation requirements with the receiving organization.
Start with a conversation
Ask about autism assessments in Central and Southeastern Ontario
Tell Qxplore the person’s age, the questions you hope to answer and any documentation you need. We can discuss the current assessment options and an appropriate next step.
613-966-4262reception@qxplore.com
208 John StreetBelleville, Ontario K8N 3G1