Autism Testing

Developmental, Social Communication & Autism Assessments for Children and Teens

At Solari Child & Educational Psychology, we provide comprehensive Autism assessments in the Greater Austin area for children, adolescents, and young adults who may show differences in social communication, interaction, sensory processing, or developmental patterns.

We understand that Autism is not always immediately obvious, especially in bright, verbal, or socially adapted children. Many families come to us after years of uncertainty, sensing that something is different but not fully understood. It is important to note that autism can have an internalised presentation especially in young people who mask.

When Parents Seek Autism Testing, They Often Notice…

  • Differences in social communication or peer relationships

  • Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation

  • Preference for routines, predictability, or sameness

  • Sensory sensitivities (sound, texture, clothing, environment)

  • Intense or highly focused interests

  • Emotional overwhelm or shutdowns

  • Masking or “holding it together” at school but not at home (the coke bottle effect)

  • Finding it hard to meet demands, often identifying with PDA (pathological demand avoidance/persistent demand avoidance) or Extreme need for autonomy and are ‘self directed’ in their activities.

  • Being described as “shy,” “sensitive,” or “in their own world”

Many children referred for Autism assessment are doing well academically but struggling socially or emotionally in ways that are harder to see.

Our Autism Assessment Approach

We assess:

  • Social communication and reciprocity

  • Play and peer interaction (developmentally appropriate)

  • Sensory processing differences

  • Flexibility and response to change

  • Emotional regulation and coping patterns

  • Developmental history and early presentation

We use standardized tools alongside clinical observation and developmental insight to build a complete picture of your child.

Autism, ADHD, or AuDHD? We Look Beyond Labels

Autism often co-occurs with ADHD traits, particularly when there are:

  • Attention regulation differences

  • Emotional dysregulation

  • Executive functioning challenges

  • Overlapping sensory and focus differences

We frequently consider combined ADHD + Autism assessments when appropriate, ensuring no part of your child’s profile is overlooked. We also understand that AuDHD is its own unique profile and not just an additive one.

When Autism Testing Should Be Broader

In some cases, Autism concerns sit alongside broader cognitive or learning questions. We may recommend:

  • Neuropsychological assessment for complex developmental profiles

  • Academic/psychoeducational testing if learning differences are suspected alongside Autism traits

Second Opinions for Autism Diagnoses

We provide second opinion Autism assessments for families who:

  • Feel uncertain about a previous diagnosis

  • Were told “not autistic” but still have concerns

  • Received conflicting feedback from school or clinicians

  • Want a more detailed developmental understanding

A Bespoke, Intake-Led Process

Every assessment we undertake begins with a full clinical intake.

From there, we determine:

  • Whether Autism-specific testing is appropriate

  • Whether ADHD or neuropsychological testing should be included

  • Whether a combined or broader developmental assessment is needed

What You Will Receive

  • Clear diagnostic clarification

  • Detailed social communication and developmental profile

  • Strengths-based understanding of your child

  • School-ready documentation and recommendations

  • Guidance for support, interventions, and next steps

If you are noticing differences in social communication, sensory processing, or development but unsure about next steps, drop us a line at hello@solarichildpsychology.com