Comprehensive Developmental and Behavioral Assessments

Comprehensive Behavioral Diagnostic Assessments

At Calm Gardens Therapy, we specialize exclusively in behavioral diagnostic assessments for autism, ADHD, and related emotional or behavioral concerns. We do not conduct neurological or psychological assessments (such as neuropsychological, cognitive, or IQ testing). Our services are strictly focused on behavioral evaluation to inform diagnostic clarity and guide effective treatment planning.

Leah Gardner, LCPC, MFT-T, leads our team with advanced graduate education in Special Education and formal certification in gold-standard behavioral assessment tools, including the Vineland-3, BASC-3, and Conners-4. These validated instruments provide a comprehensive understanding of a client’s adaptive functioning, emotional regulation, attention profile, and social-behavioral presentation.

🧠 Behavioral Evaluations for Children, Teens, and Adults
We offer autism and ADHD assessments for individuals ages 8 and up. For adults, evaluations focus on behavioral and social-emotional concerns related to autism and ADHD. We do not conduct neurological or psychological (e.g., cognitive/IQ) testing for any age group. If intellectual disability or specific learning disorder is suspected as a primary concern, we refer to licensed psychologists or neuropsychologists for those assessments.

👩‍⚕️ Specialized & Compassionate Clinicians
Our team consists of licensed mental health providers with advanced training in behavioral and developmental assessment. Evaluations are led by Leah Gardner, LCPC, MFT-T, who brings both clinical expertise and a warm, collaborative approach to every evaluation.

📊 Evidence-Based & Individualized
Each assessment package includes validated behavioral diagnostic tools, structured interviews, and measures of emotional, attention, and adaptive functioning. If comprehensive psychological or neurological evaluation is required, we provide referrals to appropriate specialists.

🧩 Screening for Intellectual & Learning Differences (Referral-Based)

We can screen for concerns related to intellectual and learning challenges through behavioral and adaptive measures. We do not diagnose intellectual disability or specific learning disorders, nor do we perform cognitive or achievement testing—these require referral to licensed psychologists. Our reports can support educational planning and service recommendations, even when additional testing is completed externally.

💖 Client-Centered Process
We prioritize a calm, respectful environment where clients feel seen and supported. Assessments are conducted one-on-one in a quiet, focused setting, and every step is customized to the unique needs of each individual and their support system.

1. Initial Interview:
   Gathering developmental history, current concerns, and background.
2. Assessment Session(s):
   Completing structured, evidence-based behavioral tools to evaluate social, emotional, and attention-related concerns.
3. Scoring & Clinical Interpretation:
   Integrating behavioral data to develop diagnostic impressions. A personalized written report is prepared.
4. Feedback Session:
   Reviewing results, discussing findings, and providing recommendations for treatment or support.

Calm Gardens Therapy does not provide:

• Neurological assessments
• Psychological or neuropsychological testing
• Cognitive/IQ or achievement testing

If these types of assessments are needed for diagnostic or educational purposes, we will refer you to licensed psychologists or neuropsychologists.

• Non-refundable deposit required at scheduling.
• Full payment due before feedback session.
• Insurance billing available for many behavioral assessment components; coverage is not guaranteed. Clients are responsible for any uncovered portion.
• Credit card on file required for all clients.

Financial Support:
Some families may qualify for assistance through Nevada’s Autism Treatment Assistance Program (ATAP).
Learn More About ATAP

Q: What types of assessments do you provide?
We provide behavioral diagnostic assessments for autism, ADHD, and related emotional/behavioral concerns. We do not conduct neurological or psychological assessments.

Q: Can you diagnose intellectual disability or learning disorders?
We can screen for concerns but do not perform the cognitive or achievement testing required for diagnosis. We refer to licensed psychologists for these assessments.

Q: What tools are used in your assessments?
Our packages may include ADOS-2, ADI-R, Vineland-3, BASC-3, Conners-4, structured interviews, and behavioral observations. No neuropsychological or IQ testing is performed.

Q: Will I need additional testing after this assessment?
Possibly. If concerns about intellectual disability, learning disorders, or neurological conditions arise, we will discuss referral options.

Q: How long does the process take?
Turnaround is typically 4–6 weeks from the final assessment session and receipt of all rating scales/records.

Q: Do you diagnose other conditions?
Yes. We also evaluate for anxiety, depression, executive functioning challenges, and other behavioral/emotional concerns.

Still Have Questions?
Contact us by phone, email, or through our website form. We’re here to help guide you with care and clarity.

Q: Who conducts autism and ADHD assessments at Calm Gardens Therapy?
All behavioral diagnostic assessments related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are conducted by Leah Gardner, LCPC, MFT-T, a licensed mental health professional with behavioral and mental health diagnostic privileges under Nevada law. Leah has completed formal training in the ADOS-2 and ADI-R, the gold-standard tools for behavioral ASD assessment. ADHD assessments may be conducted by Leah or other licensed and supervised clinicians, depending on the complexity of the case. Please note: our assessments are strictly behavioral in nature and do not include neurological or psychological testing.

Q: Are these assessments valid and recognized by other professionals?
Yes. Our assessments use gold-standard behavioral tools and best practices. They are considered clinically valid and are frequently used to inform treatment planning, educational support services, and referrals for additional care.

Q: Will schools accept these assessments?
Yes. Public and private schools are 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 behavioral data for determining IEP eligibility, accommodations, or service needs.

Q: Will insurance accept these assessments for services like ABA therapy?
It depends on your insurance provider. Some plans, including Medicaid and certain state-regulated policies, may accept a diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional. Many commercial insurance providers, however, 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 provide referrals for additional documentation as needed.

Q: What tools are used in the assessment process?
Our behavioral 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 (e.g., BASC-3, Conners-4)
• Adaptive functioning screeners (e.g., Vineland-3)
• Clinical interviews and behavioral observations

All tools are administered by licensed clinicians trained in their use. We do not conduct neurological, psychological, or IQ testing. If such evaluation is indicated, we will refer you to an appropriate specialist.

Q: Will I need additional testing after this assessment?
Possibly. If concerns about intellectual disability, learning disorders, or neurological conditions arise, we will discuss these with you and offer referral options. Our focus is behavioral diagnostic clarity for autism, ADHD, and related concerns, but we collaborate when further testing is needed.

Q: How long does the process take?
Turnaround time is typically 4–6 weeks from the final assessment session and completion of all rating scales or records. Reports are reviewed with families in a feedback session to ensure clarity and next-step planning.

Q: What if my child is already receiving services elsewhere?
No problem. We frequently work alongside schools, ABA providers, speech therapists, and pediatricians to support a team approach. With your written consent, we can coordinate care, share findings, and help integrate our evaluation into your child’s ongoing support system.

Q: Do you diagnose other conditions too?
Yes. Our licensed clinicians also evaluate for anxiety, depression, executive functioning challenges, and other behavioral/emotional concerns that may present alongside or separate from autism or ADHD.

Q: Do you provide neurological or psychological assessments?
No. We do not conduct neurological, psychological, neuropsychological, or cognitive/IQ testing. If these types of assessments are needed, we will refer you to an appropriate licensed specialist.

Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Please contact us directly or visit our website for more information.