Comprehensive Developmental and Behavioral Assessments

Assessments at Calm Gardens Therapy are conducted by licensed mental health professionals with specialized training in developmental and neurodivergent conditions. Leah Gardner, LCPC, MFT-T, is a diagnostician with advanced graduate education in Special Education (ABD – All But Dissertation) and is formally certified in the administration and interpretation of tools such as the Vineland-3, BASC-3, and Conners-4. These evidence-based instruments allow for a comprehensive understanding of a client’s adaptive functioning, emotional regulation, attention profile, and social-behavioral presentation. Our assessments are designed to inform diagnostic clarity and treatment planning and are regularly used to support IEP/504 recommendations, clinical referrals, and therapeutic interventions. 

We offer autism assessments for individuals ages 8 and up. For adults, evaluations focus on autism-related diagnostic clarity without cognitive testing, unless intellectual concerns are identified as a primary area of concern and referred externally.

Our ADHD, learning, and intellectual disability assessments are tailored across age groups, with tools selected based on developmental appropriateness and clinical relevance.

Our team is composed of licensed mental health providers with advanced training in autism, ADHD, and learning assessments. Evaluations are led by Leah Gardner, LCPC, MFT-T, a diagnostician with graduate-level training in special education and certification in gold-standard assessment tools. Leah brings both clinical expertise and a warm, collaborative approach to every evaluation.

Each assessment package includes validated diagnostic tools, structured interviews, and behavior and adaptive functioning measures. Optional cognitive testing (e.g., WISC-V) is available for clients under 18, when indicated by clinical need and within scope of licensure. We refer out when additional psychological testing is needed for comprehensive cognitive or neuropsychological evaluation.

Our team is equipped to assess concerns related to intellectual functioning and learning challenges through the use of adaptive behavior measures (e.g., Vineland-3), developmental and educational interviews, and behavioral/emotional assessments (e.g., BASC-3, Conners-4). These tools help identify functional limitations, school-based challenges, and patterns of academic need.

When cognitive testing (e.g., IQ or achievement testing) is necessary to confirm a diagnosis of Intellectual Disability or a Specific Learning Disorder, we partner with or refer to licensed psychologists for further evaluation. Our diagnostic reports can still support educational planning, IEP/504 referrals, and additional service recommendations even in the absence of cognitive testing.

We prioritize a calm, respectful environment where clients feel seen and supported. Assessments are typically conducted one-on-one in a quiet, focused setting. Every step of the process is customized to fit the unique needs of the individual and their support system.

1. Initial Interview
We begin with a comprehensive interview to gather developmental history, current concerns, and relevant background from the client or parent/guardian.

2. Assessment Session(s)
The client completes a series of structured, evidence-based tools designed to evaluate behavior, social-emotional functioning, attention, and/or developmental concerns. These sessions are conducted in-office by a trained clinician.

3. Scoring & Clinical Interpretation
The clinician reviews all responses, integrates the data, and develops diagnostic impressions based on the assessment results and clinical presentation. A personalized written report is prepared.

4. Feedback Session
We meet to review the results, discuss diagnostic findings, and answer your questions. A copy of the final report is provided along with recommendations and next steps for care or support.

Note: Reports will not be released until the account is paid in full.

• A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of scheduling.
• A final deposit is due before the feedback session to cover the provider's report writing time.
• We do bill insurance for many components of the assessment. However, clients are financially responsible for any portion not covered, including scoring, interpretation, or proprietary tools.
• All clients must have a credit card on file to secure appointments. This is required for all clients, including Medicaid recipients who request an assessment.

  💡 Financial Support Available:
Some families may be eligible for financial assistance for autism assessments through Nevada’s Autism Treatment Assistance Program (ATAP).
To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit:
🔗 https://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Autism/ATAP/ATAP/ 

We are actively working toward expanding our testing capabilities to include full cognitive assessments for adults, allowing us to broaden services for adult ASD and learning evaluations in the near future.

If you’re interested in scheduling an assessment or would like to learn more, please contact our office or submit a request through our Contact Us form at the bottom of this page. We’re here to help guide you through the process with care and clarity.

While Calm Gardens Therapy will bill your insurance for applicable assessment services, coverage is not guaranteed. Most insurance plans only reimburse for services deemed medically necessary. However, we do not determine what qualifies as medical necessity—this decision is made solely by your insurance provider.

It is your responsibility to verify your insurance benefits and understand your plan's requirements and limitations for psychological or neurodevelopmental assessments. You may be responsible for all or part of the assessment costs if your insurance denies coverage, applies the balance to a deductible, or limits reimbursement.

Have Questions About the Assessment Process?
Click below to learn more about what to expect, what's included in each package, and how we tailor assessments to meet your needs. 

All autism assessments are conducted by Leah Gardner, LCPC, MFT-T, who has completed formal training in the ADOS-2 and ADI-R. She is a licensed mental health professional with diagnostic privileges under Nevada law. ADHD assessments may be conducted by Leah or other trained, supervised clinicians depending on the complexity of the case.

Yes. Our assessments are conducted using gold-standard tools and best practices. They are considered clinically valid and are often used to inform treatment planning, educational support services, and referrals for additional care.

Yes. Public and private schools are legally required to consider outside evaluations as part of their review process. While schools may conduct their own assessments, our evaluations (including ADOS-2 and ADI-R results) often contribute valuable data toward determining IEP eligibility, accommodations, or service needs.

It depends on the insurance provider. Some plans, including Medicaid and certain state-regulated policies, may accept a diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional. However, many commercial insurance providers require a diagnosis from a licensed psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or physician for ABA authorization.

If this applies, we will inform you early in the process and, when appropriate, provide referrals to medical or psychological professionals for additional documentation.

Our assessment package may include:

• ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
   
• ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised)
   
• Developmental history and caregiver interviews
   
• Behavior, social, and executive functioning rating scales
   
• Academic or adaptive functioning screeners
   
• Clinical interviews and behavioral observations
   

All tools are administered by a licensed clinician trained in their use. We do not conduct neuropsychological or IQ testing, but refer out when such evaluation is warranted.

Possibly. If concerns about intellectual disability, learning disorders, or neurological conditions arise, we will discuss this with you and offer referral options. Our focus is diagnostic clarity for autism and ADHD—but we remain collaborative when further testing is needed.

Turnaround time is typically 4–6 weeks from the final assessment session and submission of all rating scales or records. Reports are reviewed with families in a feedback session to ensure clarity and next-step planning.

No problem. We frequently work alongside schools, ABA providers, speech therapists, and pediatricians to contribute to a broader team approach. We can coordinate care, share findings (with your written consent), and help integrate our evaluation into your child’s ongoing support system.

Yes. Our licensed clinicians also evaluate for anxiety, depression, executive functioning challenges, and other behavioral/emotional concerns that may present alongside or separate from ASD or ADHD.

We're here to help. Reach out to us through the "Learn More" button below.