Seeing the Whole Child
When I evaluate a child for autism, my goal is to understand who they are beyond the diagnosis—their communication style, strengths, challenges, and how they experience the world. Autism is a spectrum, and every child’s journey is unique.
Through a compassionate and thorough evaluation process, I help families gain insight into how their child thinks, feels, and connects. My goal is to bring clarity, understanding, and a sense of direction—so parents can move forward with confidence and the right support.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Individualized Support
My autism evaluations include a detailed developmental history, caregiver and teacher input, direct observation, and standardized tools designed to assess social communication, play, and behavior. I also look closely at sensory, emotional, and medical factors that may influence development and behavior.
Childhood Autism Rating Scales – Second Edition (CARS-2)
CARS-2 is a validated assessment tool used to help identify autism spectrum characteristics across a range of developmental levels. It evaluates social interaction, communication, emotional regulation, and behavior to support accurate clinical decision-making.
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition (ADOS-2)
ADOS-2 is a gold-standard, standardized assessment that uses structured activities to observe social communication, interaction, and play. It is designed to support accurate identification of autism spectrum disorder across ages and developmental profiles.
Once we have a clear understanding of your child’s profile, we will work together to create a tailored plan that may include behavioral therapies, school support recommendations, social skills interventions, and integrative care options. My focus is on helping each child develop the skills they need to communicate, learn, and thrive—while honoring their individuality and strengths.
Private In-Home Autism Assessments
For families seeking added convenience, privacy, and a more natural setting for evaluation, private in-home autism assessments are available on a limited basis.
Assessments conducted in the home can offer valuable clinical insight by observing your child in a familiar environment, where communication, play, behavior, and daily routines may be more representative than in an office setting.
Benefits of In-Home Assessments
- Evaluation in your child’s natural environment
- Reduced anxiety associated with unfamiliar office settings
- Greater comfort and cooperation for some children
- Observation of real-world social, behavioral, and communication patterns
- Added convenience for busy families
What Is Included
In-home assessments include the same comprehensive diagnostic process as office-based evaluations, with recommendations tailored to home, school, and daily functioning needs.
Fees
Private in-home assessments are premium concierge services starting at $5000. Travel fees may apply depending on location. Please contact the office to discuss whether an in-home autism assessment is the right fit for your child and family.
At Beehave Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, autism evaluations are centered on understanding the whole child—not just a diagnosis. Every child communicates, learns, connects, and experiences the world in their own way. Autism spectrum disorder is broad and highly individualized, which is why thoughtful, personalized care is so important. Some children may show clear early signs, while others have subtle differences that become more noticeable over time. A thorough evaluation can help families better understand their child’s strengths, support needs, and developmental profile.
Led by Dr. Nidsy Mejia Roque, autism diagnostic services are designed to provide clarity, guidance, and confidence for families. The goal is to uncover how your child processes language, social interaction, sensory input, emotions, and daily routines so the right support plan can be created. Early answers can open the door to meaningful intervention and long-term progress.
Early Signs Parents May Notice
Every child develops differently, but certain patterns may suggest the need for an autism evaluation. Parents often recognize concerns before others do, especially when communication or social milestones feel delayed.
- Limited eye contact or reduced response to name
- Delayed speech or language development
- Difficulty engaging in back-and-forth conversation
- Limited gestures such as pointing or waving
- A preference for playing alone most of the time
- Repetitive movements such as hand flapping, rocking, or spinning
- Strong need for routines or distress with changes
- Intense focus on specific interests or topics
- Sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, or foods
- Difficulty understanding social cues or peer interactions
- Unusual play patterns or limited pretend play
- Emotional meltdowns related to overwhelm or transitions
These signs do not automatically confirm autism, but they can indicate that a professional developmental evaluation would be helpful.
Why Early Evaluation and Support Matter
When autism is recognized early, children and families can access tools and services that support communication, learning, and emotional development during critical years of growth. Without evaluation, children may be misunderstood as shy, oppositional, inattentive, or behaviorally difficult when they are actually navigating the world differently. A comprehensive autism assessment helps explain behaviors more accurately and compassionately. It also helps families identify what type of therapies, educational support, or home strategies may be most beneficial. Early intervention can strengthen language development, adaptive skills, and social engagement while reducing frustration. Parents often feel relief once they understand the reason behind challenges and can move forward with a plan. Most importantly, evaluation helps children receive support that respects their individuality rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.
What to Expect During the Autism Evaluation Process
Autism evaluations at Beehave Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics are comprehensive, evidence-based, and tailored to each child.
- Parent Consultation and Developmental History: The process begins with a detailed review of milestones, communication development, behavior patterns, family history, school concerns, and everyday functioning.
- Caregiver and Teacher Input: Questionnaires or outside observations may be gathered to understand how your child functions across multiple environments.
- Direct Observation of Your Child: Clinical observation helps evaluate social communication, play skills, emotional responses, attention, and behavior in a supportive setting.
- Standardized Autism Assessment Tools: Validated tools include the Childhood Autism Rating Scale–Second Edition (CARS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–Second Edition (ADOS-2). These assessments support accurate identification of autism characteristics across ages and developmental levels.
- Whole-Child Functional Review: Sensory processing, sleep, nutrition, emotional wellness, medical history, and family dynamics are considered because they can strongly influence development and behavior.
- Feedback and Diagnostic Guidance: Families receive clear explanations of findings and, when appropriate, diagnostic impressions, along with practical next steps.
- Individualized Support Planning: Recommendations may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, school accommodations, social skills support, parent coaching, and follow-up developmental care.
Supporting Growth at Home and in Daily Life
Autism cannot be prevented, but early recognition and supportive environments can greatly improve quality of life and developmental progress. Parents can help by responding to concerns promptly rather than waiting for children to “grow out of it.” Consistent routines often reduce anxiety and improve transitions. Visual supports, clear communication, and structured expectations can help children understand daily tasks. Encouraging play, communication opportunities, and sensory-friendly spaces may support learning and regulation. Collaboration among parents, teachers, therapists, and healthcare providers leads to more consistent progress across settings. Every child benefits when support is built around their unique needs and strengths.
Children with autism can make meaningful progress when they receive appropriate support and understanding. Many develop stronger communication, independence, emotional regulation, and social confidence over time. Growth may happen at a different pace for each child, and success can look different from one family to another. Some children need short-term support, while others benefit from ongoing therapies and accommodations. Recognizing strengths is just as important as addressing challenges, because many autistic children show creativity, deep interests, honesty, and unique problem-solving abilities. Families often discover that with the right tools, daily life becomes more manageable and rewarding. Early evaluation provides a strong foundation for long-term well-being and success.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child be evaluated for autism?
If developmental concerns are present, children can be evaluated as early as twelve months. Early assessment allows earlier support, which can be highly beneficial.
Does a speech delay always mean autism?
No. Speech delays can occur for many reasons, including language disorders, hearing concerns, or developmental differences. A professional evaluation helps determine the cause.
What is the difference between CARS-2 and ADOS-2?
Both are respected autism assessment tools, but they measure different aspects through structured observation and clinical scoring. They may be used together as part of a comprehensive evaluation.
Can older children be evaluated too?
Yes. Some children are not identified until school age or later, when academic and social demands increase. Evaluations can be valuable at many ages.
What happens after the diagnosis?
Families receive guidance and recommendations tailored to their child’s needs. This may include therapy referrals, school support, follow-up care, and practical home strategies.
Compassionate Autism Care in Coconut Creek, FL for Families in Parkland, Boca Raton & Broward County
If you are concerned about your child’s communication, behavior, social development, or early signs of autism, professional guidance can make a meaningful difference. Beehave Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics provides comprehensive autism evaluations and personalized support plans for children and families.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Nidsy Mejia Roque to gain answers, build confidence, and create a path forward that helps your child thrive.
