Our comprehensive evaluations ensure an optimal treatment plan for each patient. In addition to clinical testing through our faculty practice, many of our research studies include autism diagnostic testing free of charge and do not require insurance. Our clinical assessments include the following testing areas.

Autism Diagnostic Testing
We conduct autism diagnostic testing with tools that provide the highest level of sensitivity and specificity in making a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Clinicians with highly specialized training utilize several assessment tools, in combination with a thorough autism-focused clinical evaluation.

IQ/Cognitive Testing
Our approach to IQ and cognitive testing is tailored to each patient's unique profile, taking into account their age and language abilities. Our clinicians' extensive experience with the diverse learning styles of individuals on the autism spectrum and those with related conditions enables us to conduct accurate assessments across a wide range of populations. This expertise allows us to adapt our testing methods, ensuring a precise measurement of cognitive functioning for each individual we evaluate.

Academic Achievement Testing
Academic achievement testing is used to determine how a student is functioning relative to grade- and age-based expectations across different subject areas (reading, writing, and mathematics). By identifying areas that require additional support or a specialized curriculum, test results are used to ensure students receive adequate educational supports and accommodations. Results are used to tailor individualized education plans obtained through a student’s school district.

Psychoeducational Evaluations
These evaluations include a psychosocial history, cognitive testing, achievement testing, and an assessment of adaptive functioning. These evaluations are required every three years by our local school districts and can be obtained at our Center.

Neuropsychological Evaluations
Neuropsychological evaluations examine cognitive, attention, language, motor, and executive functioning. Each testing battery is individualized based on the presenting problem or reason for referral. Results are integrated to identify individual strengths and weaknesses, inform diagnoses (e.g., ADHD, learning problems), and develop treatment plans that maximize potential while targeting areas of difficulty for each patient.

Behavioral/Personality Testing
This testing includes evaluation of differential diagnoses and co-morbid behaviors (e.g., anxiety, disruptive behaviors). In addition, projective testing may be utilized to better understand diagnostic comorbidity in a given patient. Projective testing provides information about individuals' personality characteristics, self-esteem, and coping skills, among other domains.

Psychiatric Evaluations
These evaluations are performed to obtain a comprehensive review of psychiatric symptoms to better understand the associated features and diagnostic comorbidity in cases of autism and related conditions. Because autism is a complex and heterogeneous disorder, results of these evaluations are crucial to optimizing treatment outcomes. Our clinicians gather important information about every patient's medical, developmental, and family histories. We also conduct a thorough review of systems to determine the need for medical consultation with colleagues specializing in gastrointestinal disease, neurological disorders, including epilepsy, allergy and immunology, eating and weight disorders, nutrition, sleep medicine, and many other disciplines.

Sensory Evaluations
The Center has developed and deployed the Sensory Assessment for Neurodevelopmental Disorders (SAND) to assess sensory reactivity in children with autism spectrum disorder. We provide sensory evaluations as well as specialty training on the SAND.

The Center offers a range of clinical services, including support for parents and siblings of children on the autism spectrum and with related conditions. Our multidisciplinary team customizes each treatment plan based on the individual needs of our patients.

Individual Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy is provided to children, adolescents, and adults to target both autism-specific challenges as well as associated internalizing (e.g., anxiety, depression) and externalizing (e.g., disruptive behavior) symptoms. Every patient’s treatment plan is individualized based on the presenting problem, and cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches are often utilized. Parents and families are a critical aspect of the treatment process. In addition, therapists will collaborate with teachers and other therapists to best target challenges across environments.

Social Skills Groups
Our clinical team specializes in social skills group treatment using cognitive behavioral therapy models, including a curriculum developed at the Seaver Autism Center. The curriculum, which has been empirically validated using rigorous scientific methodology, has been implemented in many community agencies throughout New York City.

Parent Training
Parent training is offered to help parents cope with a child’s diagnosis of autism, assist in management, and provide ongoing support based on a family’s needs.

Sibling Support
Sibling support is helpful for siblings of children on the autism spectrum who may experience difficulty understanding a sibling’s diagnosis or coping with his or her own emotional needs.

Psychopharmacological Treatment
Treatment decisions are made in close collaboration with families and are informed by existing evidence in addition to research. Our psychiatrists are skilled in communicating effectively and openly about the risks and benefits of medication treatment. We have specific expertise in treating individuals with complex conditions who may be considered particularly difficult to treat, and our clinicians are able to discuss novel and experimental therapeutic options when past medication trials have not provided sufficient benefit.

Community Outreach
We provide lectures and workshops to parent groups, agencies, and schools. The Center also hosts an annual conference that addresses current scientific trends and new discoveries.

Medical Services
Given the host of medical conditions associated with autism spectrum disorder and related conditions, including gastrointestinal disease, epilepsy, and sleep disorders, the Center works closely with physicians from other specialties throughout the Mount Sinai Health System for referrals and follow-up care.

Family Support
We provide training tools to the families of Mount Sinai faculty and staff, helping them navigate the Mount Sinai Health System to receive care and resources.