Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

For parents suspecting that their child may have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we provide a comprehensive evaluation designed to answer parent concerns and guide treatments at home and at school. We know that many of our clients are interested in getting their children services through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a section 504 plan, so all evaluations are structured to be easily applied within Florida school districts.

Autism ASD testing orlandoOur ASD Psychoeducational Evaluations Consist Of:

  • an IQ test to explore your child’s cognitive ability
  • academic testing in reading, math, and writing
  • clinical autism ratings
  • clinical adaptive behavior ratings
  • social / developmental history
  • student observations
  • a full psychoeducational report complete with specific recommendations for school placement and services
Schedule an Appointment for an ASD Evaluation

Signs that Your Child May Have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):

Early Symptoms:

  • Little or no sharing in expressions of happiness and joy such as big smiles, giggles, sounds, and facial expressions by 9 months
  • Little or no expressive back-and-forth gestures such as waving, reaching for a loved one, or pointing by 12 months.
  • Doesn’t play “make believe” by 24 months
  • Delays in spoke language including no babbling by 12 months, no spoken words by 18 months, and no two word phrases by 24 months.

Take the free M-CHAT-R parent quiz to help determine if your child may show / have shown signs of autism while toddler aged and if an evaluation may be appropriate.

School Age Symptoms:

Difficulty with Social Skills

  • Difficulty making friends
  • Has inconsistent or fleeting eye contact
  • Prefers to be alone
  • Unusual body language
  • Difficulty understanding or empathizing with the feelings of others
  • Resistance to being touched
  • When playing, prefers to play with younger children
  • Difficulty following or understanding rules
  • Often “misses the point” or misunderstands conversations

Restricted, Repetitive Behaviors

  • Obsessions about certain objects (i.e., cars, fans, wheels, pens, etc.)
  • Preoccupation or intense interest with particular topics (i.e., a specific show or movie, event, etc.)
  • Rigidness or lack of flexibility with schedules and procedures that may lead to strong emotional responses when broken
  • Echolalia or frequent repeating or words, phrases, or sounds
  • Ritualistic behaviors (i.e., lining up toys or objects in a certain order)
  • Repetitive physical behaviors such as hand flapping, twirling, tip-toe walking, etc.
  • Unusual emotional responses to adversity (over or under reacts)

Schedule an Appointment

Contact Information:

Matthew Wiggins, Ed.S, Licensed School Psychologist

Sarasota Office:

6151 Lake Osprey Dr.

Sarasota, FL 34240

WigginsEvals@yahoo.com

Now accepting clients in the following areas:

Testing in Sarasota County 

Sarasota – Venice – North Port – Longboat Key – Bee Ridge – Desoto Lakes – Englewood – Fruitville – Gulf Gate Estates – Kensington Park – Laurel – Nokomis – Osprey – Plantation – Ridge Wood Heights – Siesta Key – South Gate Ridge – The Meadows – Vamo – Warm Mineral Springs

Testing in Manatee County 

Bradenton – Bradenton Beach – Anna Maria – Holmes Beach – Palmetto – Longboat Key – Bayshore Gardens – Cortez – Ellenton – Memphis – Samoset – Whitfield

Testing in Charlotte County 

Punta Gorda – Port Charlotte –  Englewood – Grove City – Harbour Heights – Manasota Key – Rotonda – Solana – Babcock Ranch

Testing in Pinellas County

Belleair Beach – Clearwater – Dunedin – Gulfport – Indian Rocks Beach – Oldsmar – Pinellas Park – Safety Harbor – Seminole – South Pasadena – St. Pete Beach – St. Petersburg – Tarpon Springs – Treasure Island