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Autism Assessment Calgary: A Clear, Respectful Guide

An autism assessment in Calgary can bring clarity and direction to individuals and families who have been living with unanswered questions. Rocky Mountain Psychological Services provides comprehensive, respectful assessments for children, teens, and adults, because understanding how someone experiences the world is the first step toward meaningful support. If you have wondered whether autism might be part of your or your child’s story, a thoughtful assessment can help.

This guide explains what an autism assessment involves, who it is for, and how a clear understanding opens the door to the right supports.

Why Consider an Autism Assessment in Calgary

People seek an autism assessment for many reasons. A parent may notice their child communicates or plays differently from peers. A teacher may raise questions about social interaction or routines. An adult may recognize patterns in themselves after years of feeling out of step, often reflected in the strong local interest in adult autism assessment Calgary families are now pursuing.

Whatever the starting point, the purpose is the same: understanding. Autism is a difference in how a person perceives, communicates, and relates, and it exists across a wide spectrum of strengths and needs. A formal assessment replaces guesswork with a clear, individualized picture.

That clarity matters. Research summarized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows autism is more common than once thought, and many people, especially girls and adults, are identified later than they could have been. An assessment helps close that gap.

What a Comprehensive Assessment Involves

A quality autism assessment is never a single test. It is a careful process that brings together several sources of information to build a complete understanding of the individual.

It usually begins with an intake conversation about history, development, and current concerns. From there, the psychologist draws on standardized measures, structured interviews, and direct observation. For children, input from parents and sometimes teachers adds important context across settings.

What an Autism Assessment Looks At

Area explored Why it matters
Social communication Central to understanding how someone connects
Patterns and interests Reveals strengths and sources of comfort
Sensory experiences Explains reactions to the surrounding world
Developmental history Places current patterns in context
Strengths and supports Shapes practical, individualized recommendations

The result is a clear summary of findings and, just as importantly, concrete recommendations the individual and family can act on.

Support That Follows Clarity

An assessment is most valuable for what it makes possible. With a clear understanding in hand, families and individuals can access supports that fit, whether that is accommodation at school or work, targeted strategies, or therapy that honours how the person is wired.

Our broader autism assessment services are designed around that goal, and for children, our child counselling team can help put recommendations into practice. The experienced clinicians on our team approach every assessment with warmth and respect, because the person always comes before the label.

An autism assessment is not about fitting someone into a box. It is about understanding them well enough to support them fully.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can an autism assessment be done in Calgary?
Assessments can be done across the lifespan, from young children to adults. The process and tools are tailored to age and stage, so the right time is simply when questions arise.

What happens during an autism assessment?
A comprehensive assessment includes an intake conversation, standardized measures, interviews, and observation, building a whole picture of the person’s strengths and challenges with clear recommendations.

Do I need a referral for an autism assessment in Calgary?
A referral is not always required to book privately, though some funding sources may ask for one. Our intake team can explain what applies to your situation.

What are the benefits of an autism assessment?
It brings clarity, can open doors to supports at school or work, guides helpful strategies, and gives individuals and families language for experiences that may have felt confusing.

Begin an Autism Assessment in Calgary

Rocky Mountain Psychological Services is located at Clennan Square, Suite 212, 110 – 11 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0B8. Call (403) 245-5981 or email intake@rmpsychservices.com to arrange an appointment. Any fees are discussed directly with our intake team once we understand what you are looking for.

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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.