Ages 15 months+Teens & Adults
Autism Spectrum Evaluations
An autism evaluation should give you more than a yes or no. It should give you a thorough, compassionate picture of how your child experiences the world. We work mainly with children, from as early as 15 months, and Dr. Brinkley also evaluates teens and adults using the same gold-standard tools and a warm, unhurried process.
Early answers open doors.
For young children, an early diagnosis opens the door to early-intervention services during the years when support makes the biggest difference.
Autism is also frequently missed in older children, especially in girls and in kids with strong cognitive or verbal skills who have learned to mask. A clear evaluation can finally make sense of lifelong patterns and connect you with the right support.
Focused on your question — nothing you don't need
An interview
With parents or the individual, usually over video, covering early development, history, and the day-to-day picture.
Rating scales
Sent by email to gather input across settings — home, school, and beyond.
In-office testing
Gold-standard autism assessments, including the ADOS-2, scaled to age and need.
Provider phone consults
When helpful — a therapist, teacher, or physician who knows your child.
A feedback session
Usually over video, where we walk through results, strengths, challenges, diagnosis if it fits, and recommendations.
A comprehensive written report
Yours to own and share with school, providers, and early-intervention services.
Clarity, a compassionate explanation of your child's profile, and a roadmap: early-intervention referrals, school supports, therapy recommendations, and strategies for home.
A focused diagnostic path for the youngest children
For toddlers (15 months to 3 years), we offer a more streamlined diagnostic evaluation, so early intervention can begin during the window when it helps most. If you have concerns about a toddler, you don't need to wait and see.
Frequently asked questions
How early can you evaluate for autism?
As early as 15 months. For toddlers we offer a fast, focused evaluation so families can access early-intervention services without a long wait.
My daughter is bright and verbal — could autism still be missed?
Yes, and it often is. Autism presents differently in girls and in children with strong cognitive and verbal skills, who frequently mask their challenges. A thorough evaluation is built to catch what briefer screenings miss.
Do you evaluate teens and adults, or only young children?
We work mainly with children, and we also evaluate teens and adults. Many adult clients come to us after their child is diagnosed or after years of feeling different without an explanation, and an evaluation can be genuinely clarifying.
Where do Richmond-area families go for autism testing, and what does it cost?
We see families from Richmond and the surrounding counties — Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover — at 5006 Monument Avenue (Suite B), Richmond, VA 23230. We'll go over fees and insurance at your free consultation. Call 804-205-7624 or email mbrinkley@brinkleypsychology.com to begin.
Not sure where to begin?
Reach out for a brief, free consultation. We’ll talk through what’s going on and figure out the right next step together.