Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessments

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and engages with the world. While signs can vary significantly from one person to another, common features include difficulty with reciprocal social interactions, limited or unusual communication styles, restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and sensitivity to sensory input (such as noise, light, or texture).

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Some individuals may have strong language and cognitive skills but struggle with reading social cues or developing peer relationships. Others may have more significant developmental delays or require higher levels of support. Early identification and intervention are critical to helping individuals with ASD develop communication, self-regulation, and adaptive life skills. 

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Our services include comprehensive assessments, and we use gold-standard tools for the assessment. An assessment can clarify whether ASD is present and guide recommendations for support, therapy, and social development. This evaluation is appropriate for individuals showing signs of social difficulties, rigid behavior, or sensory sensitivity, regardless of age.

Autism rarely exists in isolation. Research highlights the high co-occurrence of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions in autistic individuals -including intellectual disability, learning disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, and PTSD. Not assessing for these disorders can reduce the accuracy of intervention planning and long-term outcomes.

• Intellectual disability co-occurs in autistic individuals and significantly influences support needs, adaptive functioning, and service eligibility.

• Learning disorders (such as dyslexia and dyscalculia) are frequently underrecognized but can critically impact educational attainment and self-esteem.

• Anxiety and mood disorders affect a large portion of autistic individuals, often presenting atypically, requiring careful differentiation from core autism traits.

• ADHD shares overlapping features with autism and co-occurs significantly, yet has distinct treatment pathways.

• PTSD is increasingly recognized in autistic individuals, particularly those with a history of bullying, medical trauma, or sensory-related distress, and is often missed due to atypical presentations.
   

Without a comprehensive assessment, clinicians risk misdiagnosis, underdiagnosis, or overdiagnosis - each of which can lead to ineffective interventions. A multidimensional evaluation improves diagnostic clarity and ensures that individuals receive personalized, evidence-informed support across all domains of functioning. In our autism assessments, we assess for all of the above-mentioned disorders.

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting both children and adults. It is marked by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. Children with ADHD may have trouble staying on task, following instructions, or sitting still, while adults often struggle with organization, time management, forgetfulness, or meeting deadlines. ADHD affects academic, social, and occupational functioning but with the right support, individuals with ADHD can thrive. 
 

We provide detailed assessments for ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. Because attention challenges often overlap with anxiety, depression, or other conditions, our evaluations look at the whole picture.
 

Our ADHD assessments include:
 

• Clinical interviews and developmental history

• Teacher/parent/adult rating scales

• Tests of attention, impulse control, and executive functioning

• Screening for co-occurring conditions
   

A formal ADHD diagnosis can support:
 

• Medication decisions

• School or workplace accommodations

• Behavioral planning and executive skills coaching
   

In our ADHD assessments, we assess for ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, and depressive  disorders.

Specific Learning Disorders affect the ability to acquire and use academic skills despite average or above-average intelligence and appropriate instruction. These difficulties are neurologically based and persist over time without targeted support. Common forms include:
 

• SLD in Reading (Dyslexia): This includes problems with decoding, fluency, and comprehension. Children may avoid reading altogether, leading to low confidence and academic struggles.

• SLD in Written Expression: Individuals may have trouble organizing ideas, using correct grammar and punctuation, or writing legibly. These difficulties can interfere with classroom performance and written communication in daily life.

• SLD in Mathematics (Dyscalculia): This involves challenges with number sense, arithmetic, problem-solving, or understanding time, money, and measurement. It may go unnoticed until math tasks become more complex.
   

We conduct thorough psychoeducational assessments to identify Specific Learning Disorders, including difficulties in reading (dyslexia), written expression, and mathematics (dyscalculia). A detailed psychoeducational assessment can pinpoint specific areas of difficulty and help guide interventions. These evaluations are essential for students struggling academically despite appropriate instruction and effort. We offer tailored learning strategies and individualized planning to support academic and emotional success.

Our learning disorder assessments include:
 

• Cognitive testing (IQ)

• Achievement testing across key academic domains

• Observations and rating scales

• Analysis of processing areas like memory, attention, and phonological skills
   

Results can support:
 

• Academic accommodations (e.g., extra time, specialized instruction)

• Recommendations for targeted interventions and tutoring
   

In our SLD assessments, we assess for SLD, ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, and depressive  disorders.

Intellectual Disability involves below-average intellectual functioning alongside difficulties in adaptive functioning such as communication, daily living skills, and social skills that are evident during childhood or adolescence. It can range from mild to profound, and while challenges in learning and problem-solving are common, many individuals with ID also bring unique strengths and abilities.
 

Support is focused on maximizing independence, enhancing communication, and building functional skills. With the right interventions, many individuals with intellectual disabilities can lead fulfilling lives, participate in the community, and form meaningful relationships. We offer assessment, skill-building therapy, family guidance, and coordination with community services.
 

An assessment for Intellectual Disability focuses on both cognitive functioning (IQ) and adaptive functioning - the practical skills needed to live independently and meet daily demands. Our evaluations are comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and developmentally appropriate. The assessment will determine whether intellectual functioning is significantly below average, evaluate self-care, communication, and social skills, and inform eligibility for developmental services and school accommodations. This type of assessment is often needed for school services, funding applications, or service access in adulthood.
 

In our ID assessments, we assess for ID, ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, and depressive  disorders.

PTSD can develop after exposure to a traumatic event such as abuse, violence, natural disaster, serious accident, or loss. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, or avoidance of reminders. Children may show regression, reenact trauma through play, or become excessively clingy or withdrawn.
 

PTSD affects not only emotional well-being but also relationships, academic/work performance, and physical health. Our trauma-informed assessments for PTSD are conducted with care and sensitivity. We assess for trauma exposure and its psychological impact using clinical interviews, self-report measures, and functional evaluations.
 

PTSD assessments explore:
 

• Re-experiencing symptoms (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares)

• Avoidance behaviors

• Mood changes, irritability, and hyperarousal

• Impact on social, academic, or occupational functioning
   

This type of assessment helps clarify whether symptoms are trauma-related or better explained by anxiety, depression, or behavioral concerns.
 

What to Expect from Our Assessment Process
 

Each assessment at Vandana Psychological Services is personalized and may include:
 

• A clinical interview with the individual and/or caregiver

• Review of developmental and academic history

• Use of standardized tools and checklists

• A detailed written report

• A feedback session to explain the results and discuss next steps
   

Our goal is to ensure that every client walks away with clarity, validation, and a clear path forward - whether that means therapy, educational supports, medical referrals, or skill-building strategies.
 

In our PTSD assessments, we assess for PTSD, anxiety, and depressive  disorders.

Depression can deeply affect how a person thinks, feels, and functions. While symptoms vary, they often include sadness, low energy, changes in sleep or appetite, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. In children and teens, depression may show up as irritability, low motivation, or withdrawal from social interactions or school. Untreated depression can have serious effects on emotional, academic, and social development. 
 

Our assessments for depression explore emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms such as low mood, irritability, withdrawal, and changes in sleep or motivation. We use self-report tools, clinical interviews, and collateral information to get a full picture.
 

Depression assessments can help:

• Confirm a diagnosis

• Rule out other causes (e.g., medical issues, trauma, grief)

• Guide treatment planning (therapy, medication, school support)
   

These evaluations are suitable for individuals experiencing ongoing sadness, mood changes, or a decline in functioning.

Anxiety disorders are more than just everyday stress or worry - they involve intense, persistent fears that interfere with daily activities. In children and adolescents, anxiety may manifest as school refusal, irritability, perfectionism, or physical complaints like headaches or stomach-aches. In adults, it may appear as chronic worry, difficulty concentrating, avoidance of certain situations, or physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or restlessness.
 

Common anxiety disorders include:
 

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• Social Anxiety Disorder

• Panic Disorder

• Specific Phobias

• Separation Anxiety (in children)
   

When worries, fears, or avoidance start interfering with school, work, or daily life, an anxiety assessment can help determine whether an anxiety disorder is present. 
 

Our assessments examine:
 

• Severity and type of anxiety (e.g., generalized, social, panic, phobias)

• Triggers and coping strategies

• Impact on functioning
   

Assessment helps in creating an effective treatment plan and distinguishing anxiety from other diagnoses like ADHD or depression.