Pathways Autism Assessments at Behavioral Framework
A Neurodiverse Pathway for Foundational Understanding and Acceptance
At Behavioral Framework, we understand the challenges that families and children face in accessing timely and accurate diagnoses for autism and other developmental disabilities. Due to the limited availability of diagnostic centers in Maryland, Virginia, and DC, it’s not uncommon for families to endure prolonged wait times up to a year before an available autism diagnosis consultation and assessment. To combat this, Behavioral Framework now offers autism assessments for children, teens, and young adults up to age 21 in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C.
Our commitment to expanding care and support for children and families facing autism-related challenges has led us to adopt and introduce Pathways, a program that provides comprehensive evaluations and diagnostic services for children as well as others up to age 21.
We offer a range of assessment services that not only identify Autism but also assess for other conditions that might be the root of childhood concerns, like ADHD. Our autism evaluation services are available to families in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C..
Pathways provides families with a customized path for your child’s next steps, which includes a comprehensive autism assessment report outlining recommendations for treatment.
We offer Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to support children after they receive their diagnosis, but families are free to seek treatment with any provider for therapy after receiving their report.
At Pathways by Behavioral Framework, we strive to make the autism diagnosis process as seamless and stress- free as possible for families and their kids, ensuring that every child receives the support they need to reach their full potential.
Exceptional Autism Evaluations for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults
We are: your partner in the first step of the journey of seeking or ruling out an autism diagnosis.
We know: that your family member is so much more than a medical diagnosis.
We have: a supportive, caring, and holistic view of each individual child as they relate to and discover the environments in which they live, work, and play.
Getting an Autism Diagnosis Early Makes a Difference
Early intervention helps autistic children develop essential life skills as early as possible, such as self-care, communication, and social interaction. This increased independence helps them reach their full potential and leads to better outcomes in adulthood.
A diagnosis can also help adolescents and young adults to better understand themselves, their strengths, and challenges. Having a name for the differences they’ve experienced throughout their lives can provide a sense of relief and validation, and empower them in their personal growth, self-acceptance, and advocacy journey.
What is Pathways? The First Step in Your Child’s Journey to Success
Pathways is a comprehensive autism assessment program for children, adolescents and young adults that guides families and individuals in gaining better understanding around neurodevelopmental conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that might impact children’s development and behavior.
We respectfully evaluate and work alongside you and your family to provide trusted, evidence-based treatment recommendations and maximize the potential of your child. Our autism evaluation services are available to kids, teens and young adults up to age 21 in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C..
What You Can Expect: Pathways Promises
Our team of clinicians includes licensed psychologists, registered psychology associates, postdoctoral fellows, and doctoral externs, and is committed to providing compassionate, professional, and efficient care to all families. Our clinicians pride themselves on ensuring that families feel heard throughout their kid’s autism assessment process, including parents and other important caregivers throughout the evaluation.
An Autism Diagnosis Opens Doors for Children and Their Families
Parents and caregivers are often concerned about getting an official diagnosis, as they worry that it will negatively impact their child. But the truth is that an official diagnosis opens many doors for children with autism and their families.
An official diagnosis is the first step to accessing specialized programs like ABA therapy, individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans that provide necessary accommodations in school settings.
While many people with autism thrive on their own as adults, some will require additional support to lead their very best life. An autism diagnosis will go a long way to ensure that they can access the services, resources and care they need throughout their lives.
We bring you the Gold Standard in diagnostic experiences including:
- Your child and entire family will be treated with utmost respect, taking into account the strengths of the individual, family and culture.
- You and your child will have access to evidence-based treatments and critical community supports regardless of diagnosis.
- All parents will feel supported and empowered to take the next steps to support their children.
- Your family will receive a comprehensive, thorough, and accessible report that can be used immediately to access services and better understand your child.
Comprehensive Care: Supporting You Every Step of The Way
Pathways uses gold standard assessments (including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule or ADOS-2) to perform autism evaluations. We are able to evaluate the following domains:
- Cognitive Functioning
- Adaptive Functioning
- Social-Emotional Development
- Social Communication Skills
- Attentional Control
- Academic Achievement
- Executive Functioning
- Behavioral Concerns
- Parent Stress & Family Dynamics
Insurance
We are insurance experts. In addition to self-pay options, we work with many major insurance plans to provide accessible treatment services to families and children in facing challenges associated with autism and other developmental disorders. If you do not require a referral, please call us for more details.