Private Autism Assessment Guide: Cost, Process, and What to Expect
Considering a private autism assessment to bypass the 2-3 year public wait? This guide covers costs, how to choose a provider, and what to expect from the process.
Considering a private autism assessment to bypass the 2-3 year public wait? This guide covers costs, how to choose a provider, and what to expect from the process.
Private Autism Assessment Guide: Cost, Process, and What to Expect
With public assessment wait times of 2-3 years in Ontario, many families consider private options. This guide helps you decide if it's right for you.
Why Consider Private Assessment?
Faster Access
- Public wait: 24-36 months
- Private wait: 3-6 months
- Time saved: 1.5-2.5 years of early intervention
Benefits of Private Assessment
✅ Faster diagnosis and OAP registration ✅ More control over scheduling and provider ✅ Comprehensive reports tailored to your needs ✅ Faster appeals if you disagree with school decisions
Drawbacks
❌ Cost: $2,500-$8,000+ ❌ Not covered by OHIP ❌ Quality varies between providers ❌ May still need public assessment for some services
Understanding the Assessment Process
What Happens During Assessment?
A comprehensive autism assessment typically includes:
-
Intake interview (1-2 hours)
- Developmental history
- Current concerns
- Family history
- Medical history
-
Direct observation (2-4 hours)
- Play-based assessment
- Social interaction
- Communication assessment
- Behavioural observations
-
Parent interviews (1-2 hours)
- Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales
- Social Communication Questionnaire
- Other standardized tools
-
Collateral information
- School/daycare reports
- Previous assessments
- Medical records
-
Feedback session (1 hour)
- Diagnosis discussion
- Recommendations
- Next steps
Diagnostic Criteria
The assessment evaluates DSM-5-TR criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder:
- Persistent deficits in social communication
- Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour
- Symptoms present in early development
- Significant functional impairment
- Not better explained by other conditions
Cost Breakdown
Typical Costs
| Assessment Type | Cost Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Assessment | $2,000 - $3,500 | Screening, basic assessment |
| Comprehensive Assessment | $3,500 - $5,000 | Full assessment with report |
| Extensive Assessment | $5,000 - $8,000+ | Multiple assessors, school observation |
Additional Costs
- Travel fees (if provider comes to you): $100-300
- Rush processing (faster report): $500-1,000
- School meeting attendance (optional): $200-400
- Follow-up consultation: $150-300/hour
Payment Options
- Interim funding: Up to $40,000 from OAP
- Extended health benefits: Some coverage under psychological services
- Tax deduction: Medical expense tax credit
- Payment plans: Many providers offer monthly payments
Choosing a Provider
Qualifications to Look For
✅ Registered psychologist or psychological associate ✅ College of Psychologists of Ontario member in good standing ✅ Experience with autism assessment (ask how many per year) ✅ Knowledge of OAP requirements ✅ Transparent about costs and process
Questions to Ask
-
How many autism assessments do you do per year?
- Look for: 50+ per year
-
What tools do you use?
- Should include: ADOS-2, ADI-R, or similar gold-standard tools
-
What does your report include?
- Should be: Detailed, OAP-compliant, recommendations
-
What is your wait time?
- Should be: 3-6 months maximum
-
Can you attend school meetings?
- Bonus: Yes, for additional fee
Red Flags
⚠️ Avoid providers who:
- Promise a specific diagnosis before assessment
- Don't use standardized tools
- Won't provide references
- Have complaints with regulatory bodies
Preparing for the Assessment
Before the Appointment
-
Gather documents:
- Previous assessments
- School reports
- Medical records
- Baby book/developmental milestones
-
Write down concerns:
- Specific examples of behaviours
- When they started
- How often they occur
- What you've tried
-
List questions:
- Assessment process
- Timeline
- Report contents
- Next steps
During the Assessment
- Be honest about concerns
- Don't minimize behaviours
- Share examples freely
- Ask for clarification if confused
After the Assessment
- Review the report carefully
- Ask for clarification if needed
- Register for OAP immediately with diagnosis
- Share with school if applicable
- Store safely (you'll need it repeatedly)
Making the Decision
When Private Assessment Makes Sense
✅ You can afford the cost or have interim funding ✅ Your child is young (under 5) and early intervention is critical ✅ You need documentation for school advocacy ✅ Public wait times are unreasonable in your area
When to Consider Public Assessment
✅ Finances are very tight and interim funding isn't available ✅ Your child is older and less time-sensitive ✅ You don't need documentation urgently ✅ You're willing to wait for cost savings
Bottom Line: Private assessment is a significant investment, but for many families, the 1.5-2.5 years of earlier intervention is priceless.
Sources: College of Psychologists of Ontario, Ontario Psychological Association
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