Skip to main content

FAQ

Below are the questions we most commonly receive about
the autism assessment, with corresponding answers.

As some of these questions will invariably come up during the
assessment process, it can be helpful to read through them,
so you know what to expect.

Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht pointing at a list of questions and answers. Embrace Autism | Assessments FAQ | post DrNatalieEngelbrecht QA1

Click on any of the questions below to see their respective answers

Pursuing an assessment

How do I determine if pursuing an assessment is an appropriate step for me?

It is a personal choice. Your reasons may include gaining self-understanding, seeking validation, accessing accommodations or support, or simply finding peace of mind. If the psychometrics you have taken indicate that you are above the threshold, confirmation may be worthwhile.

You can read our article, The benefits of a formal autism/AuDHD diagnosis, for more information on whether an assessment could benefit you.

How long does the assessment process take?

The duration of the assessment process depends on several factors, including whether you just want to do the screening or the complete process, when your diagnostic interview can be booked in, and how long you take to complete the psychometrics and questionnaires.

  • Screening report: 4–6 weeks after uploading your documents.
  • Diagnostic report: 2–3 months after the diagnostic interview.
  • Diagnostic interview appointment: Subject to available dates.
What is your availability?
  • You can start the assessment process immediately after payment.
  • The waiting time for the interview that is part of the diagnostic process is subject to available appointments.
Are you able to assess persons with cultural, gender, or differences of sexuality?
  • We strive to provide high-quality inclusive, affirming, culturally sensitive care. We have a team of culturally competent trained psychologists.
  • Additionally, our team has been trained to provide cultural and clinically competent care for LGBTQIA+ people.
Even though I won’t be paying through insurance, could my autism diagnosis show up in my medical records?

The assessment is private, and you decide who gets it.

Do you diagnose people from the US?

Yes, we offer autism assessments worldwide, and many of our clients are from the US.

Have a look at the Assessment locations section of our Autism assessments page to see which countries we serve.

Assessment requirements

Am I required to do the screening assessment prior to doing the diagnostic assessment?

Yes, you are required to complete a screening assessment, as it includes psychometrics and a questionnaire that are crucial for the diagnostic process.

As a courtesy, we provide a screening assessment to prevent the cost and time associated with a full diagnostic assessment if you clearly don’t fulfill the DSM-5 criteria. But the autism screening assessment is essentially half of the extended autism diagnostic assessment.

Do you require that I provide early childhood accounts from parents or caregivers?

As an adult, we only ask for your information. We feel that you can speak for yourself; and based on the DSM-5 criteria, input from parents or family members is no longer required.

If I recently took some of these tests and saved my results, should I use that or re-take the test?

Documentation of your answers is necessary for the assessment. Some tests generate a file of the questions, answers, and results, but others require screenshots of the process. Tests that do not create all documentation will need to be re-taken.

As long as you have proper documentation in the form of screenshots or a PDF file, your results from up to 6 months ago are satisfactory.

If I need time between the screening and diagnostic assessments, is that okay?

Yes, you can take up to 6 months between receiving your screening and a diagnosis.

Co-occurring conditions

I may have a co-occurring condition. Is that something that is also addressed?

The diagnostic assessment includes screening for common co-occurrences such as ADHD, alexithymia, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and PTSD.

If you would like a formal differential diagnostic assessment for co-occurring conditions, this can be added for an additional C$500.

Financial

Are the prices listed for assessment and diagnosis the cost with insurance, or without?

The pricing is the same. You will have to contact your insurance provider to find out how much you can get covered.

Is the assessment covered by insurance?

The assessment is a private service, not a government service. Each insurance company has its own rules and regulations. What is covered and what your insurance will pay for depends on your policy.

Please ask your insurance company about your coverage for an autism assessment conducted by a registered psychotherapist.

Please note, it is recommended that you read your written policy to verify what you are told.

If my insurance won’t cover me, can I pay out of pocket as well?

Definitely. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to see whether a diagnosis from a psychologist is covered. But this is for your own benefit, rather than a requirement.

I have completed the psychometrics on the website. Can I get a discount?

As a courtesy, the screening and diagnostic assessments are already priced at the lowest possible rate.

I have had a previous assessment. If I provide that document, can I have a discount?

We must administer the assessment process fully to feel confident in our diagnosis. The cost is based on your psychologist’s time to review the results and write the reports.

When will I get my receipt as proof of payment?

You should receive a receipt automatically after payment.

If you haven’t received a receipt the same day of payment, please contact us.

Psychometric tests

I submitted my test results and questionnaire, but I am worried that you did not receive them.

When you upload your files using the link provided, the FilesAnywhere interface will say the following: “File Drop Successful! 1 file(s) were uploaded.”

If we require any clarification or find some missing information in your submission package, someone will contact you by email.

I uploaded my test results. Are the files handled securely?

When you upload your files using the link provided, it is a secure transaction, and your files will only be handled by Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht and her staff.

Assessment

Will I be receiving a formal report with the evaluation?

You will receive a formal document for your screening, with a report of the results and advice on whether they warrant continuing with the diagnostic assessment.

If you have chosen to follow this up with a diagnostic assessment, you will receive a formal report after your psychologist has done the live virtual interview with you.

How long does it take before I get my report?

It can take up to 6 weeks to get your report depending on which one you purchased. We process the screenings and diagnostics according to when we receive the completed, uploaded documents.

If we notice that you have not uploaded all the data we require, the process can be slightly delayed. If that is the case, someone will be in touch with you.

How can I book my virtual appointment for my diagnostic assessment?

You can only book these appointments after your psychologist has processed your assessment data. Once completed, they will send you an email with the link to the calendar and a password to book the virtual appointment.

An illustration of a black autistic woman having questions. Embrace Autism | Assessments FAQ | AssessmentProcess ScreeningA1 02

If you have a question that has not been covered on this FAQ page, contact us
via the contact form at the end of the Autism assessments page.

Land acknowledgement

Embrace Autism recognizes and acknowledges the traditional lands of the Indigenous peoples across Ontario. From the lands of the Anishinaabe to the Attawandaron and Haudenosaunee, these lands surrounding the Great Lakes are steeped in First Nations history.

We are in solidarity with Indigenous brothers and sisters to honour and respect Mother Earth. We acknowledge and give gratitude for the wisdom of the Grandfathers and the four winds that carry the spirits of our ancestors that walked this land before us.

Embrace Autism is located on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. We acknowledge and thank the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation—the Treaty holders—for being stewards of this traditional territory.

A First Nations symbol, consisting of a Sun surrounded by four Eagle feathers.

Land acknowledgement

Embrace Autism recognizes and acknowledges the traditional lands of the Indigenous peoples across Ontario. From the lands of the Anishinaabe to the Attawandaron and Haudenosaunee, these lands surrounding the Great Lakes are steeped in First Nations history. We are in solidarity with Indigenous brothers and sisters to honour and respect Mother Earth. We acknowledge and give gratitude for the wisdom of the Grandfathers and the four winds that carry the spirits of our ancestors that walked this land before us. Embrace Autism is located on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. We acknowledge and thank the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation—the Treaty holders—for being stewards of this traditional territory.

A First Nations symbol, consisting of a Sun surrounded by four Eagle feathers.