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Yes, our Comprehensive Developmental & Psychological Testing service assesses for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In order to provide the best diagnostic clarity, it is important to both "rule-in" and "rule-out" diagnoses. Conducting comprehensive developmental & psychological testing for an Autism concern allows us to more accurately provide you and your child with appropriate recommendations should your child not meet diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There are many concerns that can look like ASD, and our comprehensive testing is designed to "rule-out" those other concerns while "ruling-in" a diagnosis of ASD, when appropriate. Our standard of care is to answer the question, "What is impacting my child's current behaviors/concerns?" rather than just determine a "Yes/No" diagnosis for ASD. We want to provide you with the most accurate information about your child's development and functioning so that you can make informed decisions about their care.
Moreover, we believe it is important to consider many aspects of a child's development to highlight their strengths. Comprehensive testing is conducive to this practice.
Yes, we use the ADOS-2, along with other high quality standardized assessment tools when there is a concern for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
With your permission, collateral information is gathered from other caregivers for your child, therapists, daycare providers, teachers, pediatricians, etc. when deemed clinically relevant. It is up to you as the parent to determine who we are permitted to gather additional information from. It can often be especially helpful for us to gather information from daycare, preschool, or school providers when applicable.
It is also very helpful to have access to your child's medical records from their pediatrician and/or other medical specialists. You can give us permission to request those records.
You will receive the results of the testing, along with the written evaluation report at the Feedback Appointment. Families are provided with an electronic version of the report. For in-person Feedback Appointments, families are also provided with a printed copy of the report. This appointment is scheduled for 1-2 weeks after the Testing Appointment. The time between appointments allows Dr. Kulish-Avery to gather collateral information, score and interpret test results, and prepare the evaluation report.
Children between the ages of 3 and 6 whose parents would like support in school readiness and school placement planning to foster their child's early and future academic success.
Children who have turned 4-years-old by April 16th of the current year and who are significantly academically and socially advanced in development compared to same-aged peers. This testing is one part of the application packet that parents complete when interested in determining whether their child qualifies for Early Kindergarten Entry in North Carolina. All application procedures and early entry decisions are made by the School Districts.
We take health very seriously. All toys, testing manipulatives, and surface areas are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each family visit.
We ask that you reschedule your appointment if you, your child, or anyone in your household has a contagious illness. We will also reschedule appointments if we or anyone in our household has a contagious illness.
When requested, we will take precautions and wear a facemask and faceshield to provide an added layer of health protection for you and your child. In these cases, all necessary modifications will be made to the relevant testing battery and assessment tools. If interested in this accommodation, please communicate this prior to your child's scheduled Testing Appointment to allow for appropriate preparations.
All initial appointments for Comprehensive Developmental & Psychological Testing and Autism Testing are conducted via Telehealth. We also provide Telehealth Feedback Appointments virtually. This is the appointment that occurs after your child has completed a Testing Appointment; parents/caregivers are provided with the testing results and recommendations during this appointment.
The secure Client Portal is a platform that will allow you to access paperwork sent by the practice, communicate securely with us, submit payment, manage appointments, and access shared documents. When you schedule an appointment, you will be invited to sign up for access to the secure Client Portal.
Strong Start Psychological Services, PLLC, is an in-network provider with several insurance carriers for the Comprehensive Developmental & Psychological Testing and Autism Testing services. Please see our 'Insurance' page under the 'About Us' tab on our website for details.
Our fees for Early Kindergarten Entry Testing, Psychoeducational Testing, and Early Intervention Parenting Services (Parenting Workshops & Parent Support Groups) are listed at the bottom of the pages on our website describing each service. These services are self-pay services.
Individuals who are Licensed Psychologists and who have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology complete a rigorous training program. While career pathways vary based on each individual's professional goals, most Clinical Psychologists have completed a total of 12-14 years of higher education, training, and supervised clinical experience relevant to the field of psychology prior to receiving their license to practice.
Clinical Psychology Ph.D. training programs are highly selective, with an average acceptance rate of ~ %5 (Golding et al., 2020). Many training programs are also accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), and must adhere to strict standards of training. Like other professional fields, psychologists can specialize their work, including expertise in working with various presenting concerns (e.g., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)), age groups (e.g., young children, children, adolescents, adults), and types of services (e.g., evaluation vs. therapy) among other specializations.
Golding, J. M., McGavran, M. B., Susman, D., & Wright, R. (2020). Demystifying One’s Chances of Acceptance into Clinical PhD Psychology Programs. Teaching of Psychology, 47(1), 97–101. https://doi.org/10.1177/0098628319889537
We offer services in English and Spanish. Dr. Kulish-Avery is fluent in Spanish and has received training and experience in the provision of mental health care services in Spanish.
Spanish Services
All interactions with parents are available in Spanish (e.g., intake paperwork, online questionnaires, message/email communication, clinical interview for evaluations, Parenting Workshops, Parent Groups). Testing services with children are available in Spanish when appropriate depending on presenting concern, child's developmental level and age, language preference, language exposure, etc. Our practice has necessary standardized testing tools in Spanish available for our use when clinically indicated.
Strong Start Psychological Services, PLLC
P: 919-608-4483 F: 919-294-6534