An autism assessment usually consists of three main components: a clinical interview, a cognitive assessment, and an observation of the child.
The clinical interview is conducted with the parents or caregivers and usually lasts for about 1-2 hours. The interviewer will ask questions about the child's development, behavior, and any concerns the parents may have.
The cognitive assessment is administered to measure the child's intellectual functioning. This can include intelligence tests, academic achievement tests, and/or adaptive behavior scales.
Lastly, the observer will watch how the child interacts with other people and their environment. This part of the assessment can help identify social skills deficits and repetitive behaviors that are often seen in autism spectrum disorder.