ADHD and Autism Evaluations in New Jersey and Florida: What to Expect, How Long They Take, and How to Get Started
If you are searching for an ADHD or autism evaluation, you are probably looking for answers, not more confusion. Maybe you have wondered for years why things feel harder for you than for others. Maybe your child’s teacher has raised concerns, or a pediatrician suggested a closer look.
A comprehensive evaluation is a structured process where a licensed clinician gathers your history, listens to your experiences, uses standardized tools, and then explains what the results mean and what to do next. This guide walks through each step so you know what to expect.
What is an ADHD or autism evaluation?
An ADHD or autism evaluation is a clinical assessment that determines whether a person meets diagnostic criteria for ADHD, autism, or both, and whether another condition, such as anxiety, trauma, or depression, better explains or overlaps with what they are experiencing.
A thorough evaluation does more than apply a label. It identifies strengths, pinpoints where support is needed, and results in clear recommendations for home, school, work, and therapy.
What happens during an ADHD or autism evaluation?
Most comprehensive evaluations include these parts:
Intake appointment: You share developmental, medical, school, work, and family history, and the clinician conducts a structured interview about daily functioning, relationships, sensory experiences, attention, emotions, and routines. For children, parents provide most of this information.
Standardized questionnaires and rating scales: These measure symptoms and compare them to what is typical. Questionnaires are completed by the client, family members, and/or teacher.
Direct testing: The clinician works one on one with you or your child on standardized tasks that measure cognitive ability (IQ), attention, concentration, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, working memory, and language. These tasks show how the brain handles different demands, not just how symptoms are described.
Observation: For children, this includes how they play, communicate, and engage during the session.
Draft report and feedback session: You receive a draft of your written report before the feedback appointment so you can read it ahead of time and note any questions. At the feedback session, we go over the findings together, answer your questions, and talk through recommendations.
How long does an ADHD or autism evaluation take?
The length depends on age, complexity, and whether ADHD, autism, or both are being assessed. Most evaluations are completed over 2 or 3 sessions across 4 weeks, followed by a feedback session. Your clinician will outline the exact schedule when you book.
What ages can be evaluated?
At True Reflections, autism evaluations are available starting at age 2.5, and ADHD evaluations start at age 4. Evaluations continue through adulthood, including teens and adults who were missed earlier in life.
How do I know if I or my child needs an evaluation?
An evaluation may be worth considering if you notice patterns that have lasted for months or years and affect daily life.
For children and teens
Difficulty paying attention, sitting still, or finishing tasks beyond what is typical for their age
Strong reactions to sounds, textures, or changes in routine
Differences in communication, play, or friendships
Meltdowns that seem out of proportion
School concerns that do not improve with usual supports
For adults
Chronic disorganization, procrastination, or trouble with time
A lifelong sense of being “too much” or “not enough”
Burnout from masking or trying to appear “fine”
Difficulty with social situations, sensory overload, or rigid routines
Realizing your own traits after your child’s diagnosis
Many adults, especially women and people who learned to mask, were overlooked as children. A late diagnosis is common and valid.
Does insurance cover ADHD and autism evaluations?
True Reflections Mental Health Services is a private pay, out of network practice and does not bill insurance. Some families and adults choose a private pay evaluation because it allows more time, a more thorough process, and more flexibility than many insurance based settings. Payment plans are available for evaluations. If your plan includes out of network benefits, you will be provided with a Statement of Reimbursement (Superbill) to submit to insurance for partial reimbursement of services.
Can I get an ADHD and Autism evaluation by telehealth?
Yes. True Reflections offers telehealth throughout New Jersey and Florida, and in person evaluations are available at our Middlesex, NJ office. Telehealth makes it easier for busy parents, adults with demanding schedules, and families who live far from a specialist.
What happens after the evaluation?
Before your feedback session, you will receive a draft of your written report with your diagnostic results and personalized recommendations, so you can review it and bring questions. At the feedback session, we go over everything together. Recommendations may include therapy, school or workplace accommodations, parent support, and referrals to other providers. If an evaluation shows that you do not meet criteria, you still leave with an explanation of what is going on and where to turn next.
How to get started
You can request an appointment for an Autism Evaluation and ADHD Testing online. If you are unsure whether an evaluation is right for you or your child, reach out and we can talk through it.
True Reflections Mental Health Services
518 Clinton Ave, Middlesex, NJ 08846
Serving New Jersey and Florida by telehealth
Frequently asked questions
Is an online ADHD or autism evaluation legitimate?
Yes, when it is a comprehensive evaluation completed by a licensed clinician through secure telehealth, with interviews, standardized measures, and a detailed report. Be cautious of quick quizzes that promise a diagnosis in minutes.
Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD or autism for the first time?
Yes. Many adults receive their first diagnosis in their 30s, 40s, or later, often after years of masking or after their child is diagnosed.
Will my child be labeled?
A diagnosis is a tool for understanding and getting support, not a label that defines your child. Neurodiversity affirming evaluations focus on strengths as well as needs.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is need just request an appointment online. Appointments are available within 1-2 weeks.
Other Services at True Reflections Mental Health Services
In addition to evaluations for children and teens, I also offer:
• ADHD and Autism Evaluations for Adults
• Trauma Therapy for ADHD and Autism
• Affirming Therapy for ADHDers
• Affirming Therapy for Autistics
• Later in Life ADHD and Autism Diagnosis Support
• Prenatal and Postpartum Therapy
• Play Therapy, AutPlay Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, EMDR Therapy, DBT, and more
All services are available in person in Middlesex, NJ and virtually throughout New Jersey and Florida.
Janine Kelly, MSW, LCSW, C-NDAAP, ADHD-CCSP, ASDCS, PMH-C, RPT-S™, C-DBT, CBT-C, CCATP-CA is a neurodivergent psychotherapist and the Founder of True Reflections Mental Health Services in Middlesex, NJ. She provides comprehensive, neurodiversity affirming ADHD and Autism evaluations for children, teens, and adults in person and virtually throughout New Jersey and Florida. Janine specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD and Autism in girls and women.
To request an ADHD and Autism evaluation, please click below:
