Autism Diagnostic Evaluations for Children
- Licensed psychologists
- Gold-standard assessments
- New Jersey appointments available within two weeks.
An Accurate Diagnosis Is the First Step
When your pediatrician raises a concern or your child isn’t reaching milestones the way you expected, the wait for answers can feel unbearable. At many hospital-based programs, families wait 6 to 18 months for a diagnostic evaluation.
At Children’s Specialized ABA, families in New Jersey are typically seen within two weeks.
Our licensed psychologists conduct thorough evaluations using the same gold-standard tools found in academic medical centers. The difference is speed. We built our evaluation program so families don’t have to choose between a credible diagnosis and a timely one.
Diagnostic evaluations are currently conducted in English only and are available for children up to age 6.
Evaluation Locations
New Jersey
Appointments available within two weeks at four centers across the state.
Now Available
Newark
131 Bergen St, Newark, NJ 07103
Now Available
Princeton
116 Village Blvd Suite 102, Princeton, NJ 08540
OPENING SEPTEMBER 14
Voorhees
136 NJ 73, Voorhees, NJ 08043
OPENING SEPTEMBER 14
Clark
75 Terminal Ave, Clark, NJ 07066
Diagnostic evaluations are also available at select centers in Maryland and North Carolina. Contact us for current availability and scheduling.
What the Evaluation Covers
Every evaluation is conducted by a licensed psychologist and uses standardized assessments recognized by insurers, school districts, and medical providers.
ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
The most widely recognized autism assessment. Your child participates in structured play while the psychologist observes social communication, interaction, and behavior.
CARS-2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale)
A standardized rating scale that evaluates 15 behavioral areas to determine the presence and severity of autism characteristics. Available for children ages 2 and up.
ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised)
A structured interview with you, the parent or caregiver, covering your child's developmental history, communication patterns, social interactions, and play.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Report
Your psychologist integrates all assessment data into a written report that includes a formal diagnosis (when criteria are met), a summary of your child's strengths and needs, and specific recommendations for next steps. This report is accepted by NJ school districts for IEP classification and by insurers for ABA therapy authorization.
From First Call to Diagnosis
01
Schedule Your Evaluation
Call 201-719-8222 or complete the evaluation request form. A care coordinator will confirm your child’s eligibility, verify your insurance benefits, and book your appointment. This call takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Most NJ families receive an appointment within two weeks.
02
Evaluation Day
Your child meets with a licensed psychologist at the center you selected. The session includes the ADOS-2 assessment with your child and the ADI-R interview with you. Plan for approximately [X hours — CLIENT TO CONFIRM]
03
Diagnostic Report
Within [X business days — CLIENT TO CONFIRM], you receive a comprehensive written report. Your psychologist reviews the findings with you and answers your questions.
04
Next Steps
If your child receives an autism diagnosis, insurance is far more likely to cover intensive ABA therapy. Families who choose to continue with Children’s Specialized ABA are connected with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to develop an individualized therapy plan. Many families begin ABA services within weeks of diagnosis.
Meet Our Evaluation Team
Dr. Jaime Ann DeQuinzio, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Director of Psychology, Children's Specialized ABA 25+ years in autism evaluation and treatment. Cofounded a diagnostic clinic at the Alpine Learning Group. Peer-reviewed researcher. Doctorate from the Graduate Center, CUNY.
Dr. Gustavo R. Halley, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Insurance and Payment
Most major insurance plans cover autism diagnostic evaluations. Our care coordinators verify your benefits before your appointment so there are no surprises.
New Jersey plans accepted include: NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid), Horizon BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and others. [CLIENT: Confirm and complete this list. If the list is identical to what’s on the ABA pages, match it. If eval-specific plans differ, say so.]
What we need from you: Your child’s insurance card and a referral from your pediatrician (if required by your plan).
Self-pay: Evaluations are available without insurance. Contact us for current pricing.
What your report is accepted for: Our diagnostic reports meet the clinical standards required by New Jersey school districts for special education classification and IEP development, and by health insurers for ABA therapy preauthorization.
For Pediatricians and Referring Providers
We welcome referrals from pediatricians, developmental specialists, and early intervention coordinators across New Jersey.
Why refer to Children's Specialized ABA?
Our NJ families are typically seen within two weeks. Comprehensive diagnostic reports are returned to your office within [X] business days. Evaluations are conducted by licensed psychologists using ADOS-2, CARS-2, and ADI-R. We are part of the RWJBarnabas Health network.
Questions About Autism Evaluations
What ages do you evaluate?
Our evaluations are available for children up to age 6.
What language are evaluations conducted in?
Evaluations are currently conducted in English only. We are working to expand language availability. If your family needs interpreter support for the parent interview or care coordination, please let us know when scheduling and we will do our best to accommodate.
How soon can we get an appointment in New Jersey?
Most NJ families are seen within two weeks of their initial call.
How long does the evaluation take?
A typical evaluation appointment lasts approximately [X] hours. This includes the ADOS-2 assessment with your child and the ADI-R parent interview.
What do we receive after the evaluation?
A comprehensive written diagnostic report within [X] business days. The report includes a formal diagnosis (if criteria are met), your child’s developmental profile, and specific recommendations for next steps.
Does my child need a referral?
Some insurance plans require a referral from your pediatrician. Our care coordinators will let you know during your initial call.
Will the report be accepted by our school district?
Yes. Our reports meet the documentation standards required by NJ, MD, and NC school districts for special education classification and IEP development.
What if my child doesn't meet the criteria for autism?
The evaluation is still valuable. The report documents your child’s developmental profile, identifies any other areas of concern, and recommends appropriate supports regardless of whether an autism diagnosis is made.
What happens after a diagnosis if we want ABA therapy?
A BCBA conducts a follow-up assessment to build an individualized therapy plan. An autism diagnosis typically unlocks insurance coverage for intensive ABA services. Many families begin therapy within weeks of diagnosis at any of our NJ centers.
Do you evaluate children in Maryland and North Carolina?
Yes. Evaluations are available at select centers in both states. Contact us for current scheduling and availability.
Start with a Phone Call
New Jersey families are typically seen within two weeks. Call 201-719-8222 or complete the evaluation request form to schedule your child’s appointment.
