Autism Diagnostic Evaluation in East Setauket, NY
Comprehensive autism assessments using the ADOS-2, a standardized diagnostic assessment, paired with thorough psychiatric evaluation and clear treatment planning.
When you have questions about whether your child may be on the autism spectrum, you deserve answers grounded in careful, evidence-based assessment, not guesswork.
At Resilience Psychiatry, Dr. Jessica Carbajal Caceda provides comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluations for children and adolescents. Each evaluation combines a detailed psychiatric assessment with the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition), a standardized diagnostic assessment that measures and evaluates cognition, social skills, language pragmatics, and behavior. Dr. Carbajal Caceda is a certified ADOS-2 administrator, and she pairs that specialized testing with a thorough psychiatric evaluation and comprehensive treatment planning.
The result is a clear, careful diagnostic picture: what the evaluation found, what it means, and what to do next.
Signs That May Prompt an Autism Evaluation
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects social communication and behavior. Signs vary widely from child to child, and only a qualified professional can determine whether an evaluation is warranted. Parents often seek an evaluation when they notice patterns such as:
- Limited eye contact or difficulty engaging in back-and-forth interaction
- Delayed speech or language development, or unusual speech patterns
- Difficulty understanding social cues or forming peer relationships
- Strong preference for routines, with distress at changes
- Repetitive movements or behaviors, such as hand-flapping or rocking
- Intense, narrow interests
- Unusual responses to sensory input, such as sounds, textures, or lights
- Limited pretend or imaginative play
If you recognize some of these patterns in your child, the next step is a conversation, not a conclusion. Speak with our team about whether a comprehensive evaluation makes sense for your family.
What Is the ADOS-2?
The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is a standardized diagnostic assessment. It is a semi-structured, standardized observation in which a trained examiner engages the child in a series of activities, conversations, and play-based tasks designed to reveal how they communicate, interact socially, and respond to their environment.
The ADOS-2 evaluates social communication, play and imagination, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Because it is standardized, results can be compared reliably across clinicians and settings, which gives families and schools confidence in the findings.
At Resilience Psychiatry, the ADOS-2 is administered by Dr. Jessica Carbajal Caceda, a certified ADOS-2 administrator and board-certified psychiatrist.
Our Autism Evaluation Process
A thorough evaluation takes time because an accurate diagnosis matters. Here is what to expect:
Step 1: Comprehensive clinical interviews
We begin with detailed interviews with you and your child, covering developmental history, medical background, school performance, and current concerns. With your permission, we may also gather feedback from teachers or other caregivers who know your child well.
Step 2: ADOS-2 administration
Dr. Carbajal Caceda administers the ADOS-2 in a structured session, directly observing social communication, play, and behavior using the standardized protocol.
Step 3: Psychiatric evaluation
The ADOS-2 findings are integrated with a full psychiatric assessment, which considers co-occurring conditions that are common alongside autism, such as anxiety, ADHD, or mood concerns. This is where a psychiatrist-led evaluation makes a difference: the diagnosis is placed in the context of your child's complete mental health picture.
Step 4: Feedback and treatment planning
We meet with you to review the findings in plain language, answer your questions, and outline a treatment plan with clear next steps tailored to your child.
What Happens After the Evaluation
A diagnosis is a starting point, not an endpoint. After your child's evaluation, you will leave with:
- A clear explanation of the findings and what they mean for your child
- A clear written summary of the findings and recommended next steps
- A treatment plan tailored to your child's strengths and needs
- Guidance on school supports and accommodations
- Recommendations for next steps, which may include referrals to community-based services
- The option of ongoing psychiatric care at Resilience Psychiatry
Why Choose Resilience Psychiatry for an Autism Evaluation
- A certified ADOS-2 administrator. Dr. Jessica Carbajal Caceda is certified in ADOS-2 administration and pairs it with the expertise of a board-certified psychiatrist.
- Psychiatrist-led, whole-child assessment. We evaluate autism in the context of your child's full mental health, identifying co-occurring conditions that a testing-only approach can miss.
- Clear answers and a real plan. You receive a feedback session in plain language and concrete next steps.
- English and Spanish. Evaluations are offered in English; contact us about Spanish-language availability.
- Convenient follow-up. Ongoing psychiatric care is available at Resilience Psychiatry.
- Transparent pricing. We are an out-of-network practice. We provide Good Faith Estimates and superbills to support possible reimbursement. Request a Good Faith Estimate through our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages do you evaluate for autism?
We provide comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluations for children and adolescents. If you are an adult seeking an autism assessment, contact us to discuss your situation and options.
How long does the evaluation take?
Every evaluation is tailored to the individual. When you book, we will outline what to expect, which may include clinical interviews, the ADOS-2 session, and a feedback meeting.
What should we bring to the first appointment?
Bring any prior evaluations, school records or IEP/504 documents, medical records, and a list of current medications. Notes about your child's developmental milestones and current concerns are also helpful.
Is the ADOS-2 enough for a diagnosis on its own?
The ADOS-2 is one essential component. An accurate autism diagnosis requires integrating standardized testing with clinical interviews, developmental history, collateral input, and psychiatric evaluation. That comprehensive approach is exactly what we provide.
Do you offer autism evaluations via telehealth?
The ADOS-2 involves direct observation and is completed in person at our East Setauket office. Contact us to discuss scheduling and follow-up options.
Do you take insurance for autism evaluations?
We are an out-of-network practice. We provide Good Faith Estimates before your visit and superbills afterward that you can submit to your insurer for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
Related Services
Get Answers About Autism
If you have questions about your child's development, a comprehensive evaluation is the surest path to clarity. Contact Resilience Psychiatry to schedule an autism diagnostic evaluation with Dr. Jessica Carbajal Caceda.
Visit Resilience Psychiatry in East Setauket
Visit Resilience Psychiatry in East Setauket: 46 NY-25A, Suite 4, East Setauket, NY 11733.
Need urgent help?
This practice is not an emergency service. If you or someone you love is in danger, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911.
For local 24/7 support in Suffolk County, call (631) 952-3333.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Speak with a qualified provider about your situation.