Autism Assessment
Evidence-Based Assessments for Accurate Diagnosis
Clear Diagnosis
ADOS-2 offers a precise diagnosis, reducing uncertainty and enabling timely access to appropriate resources and services.
Personalized Support
Guiding individuals and their families towards tailored support, ensuring their unique needs are met.
Empowered Decisions
With an accurate diagnosis, families and individuals can make informed decisions about therapy, education, and long-term planning.
Understand the Full Picture
Empowering Individuals. Supporting Families.
At VMA Psych, we provide compassionate, comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments for all ages. Our trained professionals take a collaborative, neurodiversity-affirming approach, focusing on the full developmental picture to support clients and families throughout the process.
Azieb Goitom
2025-09-12
VMA Psych is truly an amazing place, from the welcoming staff to the incredible hospitality. The atmosphere feels like heaven—calm, soothing music and private offices that make the waiting experience so comfortable. They even treat the kids with candy and chocolate, which makes them feel happy and at ease. Above all, Dr. Murphy is very sympathetic, kind, and compassionate. His support from day one through to the end has been unmatched. I truly recommend VMA Psych to anyone looking for a psychoeducational assessment.
Stacy Joseph
2025-09-08
Amazing, doctor amazing staff. I'm so glad that I found them.
Sorada Prathan
2025-07-19
I recommend VMA Psych based on my experience this is a warm and incredible place. They response time is so fast. They care about the patient. They handle my case professionally. Thus, based on my experience I recommend VMA Psych.
Sam A
2025-07-08
Extremely disappointed with Dr. Murphy’s assessment and ethical conduct. I was referred to Dr. Murphy through police involvement, and unfortunately, my experience was deeply concerning. What was supposed to be a psychological evaluation turned into a rushed and surface-level session that failed to reflect my actual mental health history and diagnoses. Here are the specific issues I encountered: • Misdiagnosis / Contradiction: Dr. Murphy’s report contradicted previous, formal diagnoses I had already received from qualified professionals—namely, Autism Level 1 and ADHD, both documented through detailed assessments. His report made no effort to reconcile or even mention these diagnoses. • Inadequate Testing: The assessment was brief and lacked comprehensive psychological or neuropsychological testing. There was no full IQ test or validated autism spectrum assessment included. • Bias and Possible Conflict of Interest: I later discovered that Dr. Murphy personally knows another psychologist (Dr. Grunberger) who had previously handled part of my case. This was never disclosed. That raises concerns about neutrality and professional boundaries. • Negative Impact on My Legal Proceedings: The content of his report was accessed by police and used in a way that harmed my credibility and case. His language minimized my disabilities and framed my behavior without context, making me more vulnerable to being misunderstood or unfairly profiled. • Lack of Sensitivity: Despite being aware that I live with multiple mental health diagnoses and a history of trauma, his report lacked empathy and nuance. It felt more like a tool for risk labeling than a genuine attempt to help or understand. This is not the standard of care that patients—especially vulnerable ones—should be receiving from a licensed professional. If you are seeking a compassionate, thorough, and ethical psychological assessment, I strongly encourage you to look elsewhere.
DEFINITION
What Is an Autism Assessment?
At VMA Psych, autism assessments are conducted using benchmark tools and clinical interviews to determine whether an individual meets diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as outlined in the DSM-5. The assessment process explores social communication, behaviour, sensory processing, and developmental history. Our clinicians also consider gendered or masked presentations of autism, which are commonly seen in girls and high-functioning individuals.
At VMA Psych, we provide more than a diagnosis—we provide understanding, validation, and actionable recommendations to support daily life, learning, and relationships.
Autism Assessments Can Help With:
Confirming or ruling out a diagnosis of ASD
Identifying neurodivergent challenges and strengths
Accessing school-based or government-funded supports
Better understanding of sensory, emotional, or behavioural challenges
Supporting self-awareness and family understanding
Navigating transitions at school, home, or in adulthood
Advocating for accommodations or therapy services
Clarifying complex presentations or comorbidities
How it Works
1
Contact Us: Share concerns and book your appointment.
4
Clinical Testing: ADOS-2 testing and behavioural observations
2
Intake Forms: Complete comprehensive questionnaire forms.
5
Feedback Session: Review results, diagnosis, and insights.
3
Clinical Interview: Discuss symptoms and behavioural history.
6
Next Steps: Receive tailored guidance for a healthier, happier future.
How it Works
1
Contact Us: Share concerns and book your appointment.
2
Intake Forms: Complete comprehensive questionnaire forms.
3
Clinical Interview: Discuss symptoms and behavioural history.
4
Clinical Testing: ADOS-2 testing and behavioural observations
5
Feedback Session: Review results, diagnosis, and insights.
6
Next Steps: Receive tailored guidance for a healthier, happier future.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Respectful, Supportive Environment
A judgment-free space led by skilled clinicians specializing in neurodiversity and developmental assessments.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Process
Use of standardized tools to ensure accurate and thorough evaluation.
Clear Feedback and Support
Receive a detailed report and a complimentary feedback session to discuss findings and next steps.
Is an Autism Assessment Right for You or Your Child?
Consider an assessment if you notice:
Difficulty with social interactions or nonverbal communication
Intense interests or repetitive behaviours
Sensory sensitivities or regulation challenges
Rigid routines or difficulty with transitions
Emotional dysregulation or meltdowns
Delayed speech or unique communication styles
A sense of “feeling different” or misunderstood
Past recommendations to explore an autism diagnosis
We also assess individuals who mask their symptoms, common in females and high-functioning individuals who are often misdiagnosed or overlooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you detail the expected length of time for the ADOS-2 assessment at VMA Psych?
The ADOS-2 assessment at VMA Psych is thoughtfully designed to last 2 hours, depending on the individual's unique ability to engage with the test's tasks.
Who is responsible for carrying out the ADOS-2 assessment at VMA Psych, and what qualifications do they hold?
At VMA Psych, the ADOS-2 Test is meticulously administered by our specially trained psychometrists. Our team of licensed psychologists and psychological associates closely supervises these professionals, ensuring high standards of practice.
What steps should I follow to arrange an ADOS-2 assessment at VMA Psych?
Begin by reaching out to VMA Psych directly. Our friendly staff will assist you with the necessary preliminary steps, ensuring a smooth and informed start to the assessment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you detail the expected length of time for the ADOS-2 assessment at VMA Psych?
The ADOS-2 assessment at VMA Psych is thoughtfully designed to last 2 hours, depending on the individual's unique ability to engage with the test's tasks.
Who is responsible for carrying out the ADOS-2 assessment at VMA Psych, and what qualifications do they hold?
At VMA Psych, the ADOS-2 Test is meticulously administered by our specially trained psychometrists. Our team of licensed psychologists and psychological associates closely supervises these professionals, ensuring high standards of practice.
What steps should I follow to arrange an ADOS-2 assessment at VMA Psych?
Begin by reaching out to VMA Psych directly. Our friendly staff will assist you with the necessary preliminary steps, ensuring a smooth and informed start to the assessment process.
