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Autism Assessment

Specialized Autism Assessment

Our autism assessments are tailored to each individual, considering factors such as age, previous evaluations, and the impact it has on their daily life. 

  • For young children: We meet with parents or caregivers to gather important background information, then assess the child’s cognitive, language, and social interaction skills using standardized tools.
  • For teens and adults: The process includes a detailed interview, formal assessments of social communication skills, and discussions with a spouse, partner, or others who knew the individual during childhood.

By taking a personalized approach, we ensure that each assessment provides accurate insights and clear recommendations for next steps. RMPS offers parents convenience; while we generally conduct assessments in our Calgary office, we may be able to do some of the assessment process online for families in Calgary and across Alberta.

Child learning during autism assessment

What to Expect from an Autism Assessment

An autism assessment can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you are unsure about what to expect. At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services, we do everything we can to make the process clear, comfortable, and supportive for both the individual and their family. From your very first consultation, we guide you through each step, explaining what will happen and why it matters. You’ll have a say in who participates, the pace of the process, and how information is gathered.

We take time to understand the whole picture: strengths, challenges, and unique qualities, so that the results are meaningful and useful. Our aim is not only to provide answers but also to offer practical, personalized strategies that can help improve daily routines, learning experiences, and relationships.

When to Consider an Autism Assessment

Autism assessment isn’t just about a diagnosis; it helps you better understand the differences in communication, behaviour, and social interactions.
Any parent can consider autism assessment for their child if they notice signs such as delayed speech or language, difficulty making eye contact, strong reliance on routines, intense focus on specific interests, or distress with changes. All these signs can make daily life around school or in social settings more challenging for children.

For teens and adults, signs may include challenges with reading social cues, forming relationships, managing sensory sensitivities, or adapting to new situations. An assessment is not only about identifying challenges but also recognizing strengths and understanding individual needs.

With a clear picture, families, educators, and individuals can put effective supports in place. Whether you’re a parent seeking clarity for your child or an adult exploring your own experiences, an autism assessment can be the first step toward greater understanding and meaningful change.

Our Approach to Autism Assessment

At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services, we understand that seeking an autism assessment can be overwhelming for families. This is the reason our professional team of clinicians approaches each assessment with  care, patience, and genuine respect for every individual’s unique journey.

Our assessment process is very thorough and evidence-based, combining developmental history, standardized testing, behavioural observations, and valuable insights from parents, teachers, and caregivers. We take time to listen to your concerns, notice your child’s strengths, and explore the areas where they may need more support.

Our goal is not just to answer the question of Autism or give an Autism diagnosis, but also to guide you to a clear understanding of your child’s needs and practical strategies that can make a real difference at home, in school, and in daily life.

Children playing blocks autism assessment Calgary

Benefits of Getting an Autism Assessment

An autism assessment offers more than just a diagnosis; it opens up the opportunity to a better understanding and meaningful change. For many families, it brings a clearer picture of how a child or adult learns, communicates, and experiences the world. This insight can guide choices at home, school, and in social settings, creating an environment where the individual can thrive.

The assessment results provide tailored resources, therapies, and school accommodations that may not have been available before. Beyond practical support, there’s the emotional relief of having answers, replacing uncertainty with clarity and direction. Even if the outcome does not confirm Autism, the process still provides valuable information about strengths and areas where extra help may be beneficial, ensuring the next steps are informed and purposeful.

Meet Our Autism Clinicians

At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services, our Autism assessment clinicians combine professional expertise with genuine care. We understand that seeking an assessment can feel like a big step, and we’re here to make the process reassuring and approachable. Our registered and provisionally registered psychologists have specialized training in assessing Autism across all ages and are skilled at creating a calm, welcoming environment where individuals feel respected and understood. We take time to truly listen to you, your child, and your story, so we can have a better understanding of the whole picture, not just the challenges. With a focus on empathy, patience, and clear communication, our goal is to help you feel confident in the process and supported every step of the way.

Take the First Step Toward Clarity and Support

If you’ve noticed signs that make you wonder about Autism for your child, yourself, or any loved one, you don’t have to navigate the uncertainty alone. An Autism assessment can provide answers, direction, and a clear path toward the right support. At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services, we’re here to listen, guide, and walk beside you through every step of the process. Book your assessment consultation today and begin the journey toward understanding and confidence.

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Common Questions about Autism Assessments

How is an autism assessment personalized at RMPS?

We tailor the assessment based on the individual’s age, previous evaluations, and presenting concerns. For children, we conduct parent interviews, cognitive and pragmatic language testing, and social interaction evaluations. For teens and adults, we include detailed interviews, standardized social-skill assessments, and input from people who know the client well.

Early indicators may include limited eye contact, speech delays, repetitive behaviors, difficulty with transitions, and challenges in social interactions—even withdrawal or unusual responses to social situations.

The process encompasses an initial interview with the child’s caregiver or with the adult client themselves if an adult is being evaluated. The assessment also includes multiple testing sessions that may include cognitive evaluation as well as social and pragmatic skills. Typically, the ADOS-2 and ADI-R assessment measures are completed (considered the gold standard in evaluating for Autism Spectrum Disorder), as well as other selected measures that are determined by the psychologist based on the individual’s background, needs, and presentation of the client. The data is gathered, reviewed, and integrated into a comprehensive report (or sometimes a diagnostic letter for adults, again, depending on the specific purpose and needs of the individual), as well as a feedback meeting to discuss results. A follow-up meeting is scheduled 6 weeks after the feedback conference to discuss any questions, concerns and to start developing a treatment plan.

Yes, many autistic individuals can live fulfilling and independent lives, especially with early support, tailored education, and skill development. Independence looks different for everyone; it may include independent living, employment, or strong social relationships, depending on individual strengths and challenges.

The exact cause of autism is not fully known. Research suggests it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors may affect brain development. It is important to note that vaccines do not cause Autism; this has been thoroughly disproved by scientific studies.

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Cassandra White

Cassandra has been the owner and Director of RMPS since 2013. She brings more than 20 years of experience in working with children and families to the practice. Her background and expertise in the areas of assessment and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD as well as her knowledge of neurofeedback therapy and play therapy give her the broad base of knowledge to direct this multi-faceted private psychology practice.In addition to her experience in assessment and treatment of learning disabilities and giftedness, Cassandra has training and expertise in Child Psychotherapy and Play Therapy. She has worked extensively with children and their families regarding treatment of anxiety, depression, behavioral issues and emotion regulation using play-based and expressive interventions. Cassandra is also a clinical supervisor who provides supervision and consultation to other practitioners specializing in working with children. Cassandra’s experience and knowledge is not only academic; she is the mother of four children. Her experience of being a parent of four children makes her a very practical and realistic therapist. She understands the demands of parenting and does not rely on “book knowledge” or recommendations that appear unattainable for parents. She prides herself in understanding both the needs of the parents and the child. She looks for ways to enhance family functioning so that parents can feel competent and successful in their difficult jobs of raising children with a variety of complex needs.
Rocky Mountain psychological services Calgary

MacKenzie Ebel

MacKenzie is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Princeton University, where she also played 4 years for the women’s ice hockey team. She recently completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology through City University of Seattle.MacKenzie has worked with children, youth, and their families in a number of settings, through coaching, as a behavioural aid, and counselling through her internship placement. She is excited to continue learning about assessment administration, neurofeedback, and play therapy practices at RMPS! Currently, she is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team, as she completes her final capstone assignment and intends to join our counselling team as a Registered Provisional Psychologist.

Tammy Thomson

Tammy is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program at Yorkville University and is trained at the master’s level in art therapy as a professional art psychotherapist and member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in child development settings, children’s hospitals, and schools as an early childhood educator and elementary teacher.She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science specializing in Child Development Studies at the University of Guelph, Ontario and holds a Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Tammy is a member of the Canadian Counsellor and Psychotherapy Association and College of Alberta Psychologists while pursuing her next goal of registration as a provisional psychologist. Tammy values a client-centered approach using play therapy and the expressive arts to support those who may find it difficult to articulate their thoughts and feelings with words. Children and families do not need any skill or prior art experience and the art studio is a safe place where children can gain a sense of independence, greater emotional regulation, and confidence through self-exploration. Expressive interventions in art therapy can treat behavioural issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, physical and developmental disabilities, and attachment difficulties. As a parent of three young children herself, Tammy understands the complexities of family life using compassion to help parents feel more confident in their role of raising a successful family.

Raquel Freitas

Raquel is an Office Administrator at RMPS. Back in Brazil, her home country, she graduated as a Psychologist and worked as a clinician for the past 5 years. Although she loved working with children and adults, she discovered a new passion: manage the administrative tasks that keep the business running. 

As someone who is passionate about learning new things and developing new skills, with the career transition also came the decision to live abroad and explore a new culture. To serve empathetically and connect with people is Raquel’s main personal and professional goal.

Emma Donnelly

Emma is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in her hometown at Brandon University, after which she moved to Calgary to earn her Master’s of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Calgary.Emma has a passion for working with children and families and has experience doing so in a number of settings, including schools, homes, early intervention programs, and within the community. She specializes in assessment, including psychoeduational, social-emotional-behavioural, and autism assessment. Emma uses a client centred approach to counselling, supported by cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as play-based and attachment-based techniques. She believes in meeting clients where they are at and prides herself in working together with her clients to achieve their goals, improve their functioning, and enjoy their daily life.

Amanda Stoner

Amanda is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Amanda earned her doctoral degree in Psychology at Brock University in Ontario in 2017, with a specialization in developmental psychology. Amanda provides formal assessment services at RMPS. 

Since 2009, Amanda has received formal training and work experience in private practice settings in conducting psycho-educational assessments for students ranging from preschool through university. Amanda is skilled at test administration, interpretation of data, and report writing for various referral questions including ADHD, Learning Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Giftedness, and Intellectual Disabilities. Amanda enjoys working with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds, and she tries to make the testing environment feel relaxed and comfortable while maintaining integrity in testing protocol.

Denise Riewe

Denise has completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences through the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Counselling with Athabasca University. She is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and a member of the Psychological Association of Alberta.Denise has over 9 years of experience supporting children, youth and their families in both residential and community-based practices. Denise is experienced in working with high and at-risk youth, supporting children and their families with strength-based approaches. She practices from a client-center approach supported by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Theraplay, and other play and art-based modalities.

John Pynn

John is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. He completed his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. He brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in a variety of settings. He brings a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere to sessions.John uses an integrated counselling approach including client-centred, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focussed therapy (SFT) to find the best-fit for clients. He has experience with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, anger, self-
esteem, relationships, parenting, ADHD, grief/loss, addictions, and trauma. This broad experience comes from working in schools, social service agencies, group-care, and clinical settings. He also draws from the practical experience of being a parent to two teenagers as well as a husband. Supporting and empowering clients with mental health concerns is something John genuinely enjoys. John also provides counselling for adults and holds a Gottman level 1 certification for couples therapy.

Zara Crasto

Zara is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Calgary and her Graduate Diploma in Psychological Assessment at Concordia University of Edmonton. 

Zara has spent over five years working alongside children, adolescents, and their families in a variety of settings. These include public and private schools, in-home support, residential programs, early-intervention programs, and non-profit organizations. Currently, Zara is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team. As a lifelong learner, Zara plans to go back to graduate school and eventually become a psychologist one day.

Kellie Lanktree

Kellie is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care with the University of Victoria and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology through the University of Lethbridge.Kellie has over 10 years experience supporting children and youth with developmental disorders/delays and their families. Kellie has experience working in schools, clinical settings, and within homes to provide support and therapeutic interventions. Through her time at RMPS, Kellie has also gained experience in helping individuals affected by trauma, grief/loss, separations, emotional dysregulation, depression, and anxiety. Kellie practices through developmental, attachment-based and trauma-informed lenses, and draws from a variety of play-based approaches such as Synergetic Play Therapy, Child-centered play therapy, DIR/Floortime, art-based mediums, and mindfulness-based practices. Kellie also provides Neurofeedback therapy, and is working on receiving her certification through BCIA. Kellie believes in meeting children and their families where they are at and that there is no “one size fits all” for therapy.