If you are questioning whether you or your child may have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the first step is proper diagnosis.

We offer a comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder evaluation, virtual and in-office in Brunswick, GA. Using the best standardized and leading-edge testing technology, we include a combination of cognitive, intellectual, socioemotional and autism tests to confirm an ASD diagnosis.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is is a neurological and developmental disorder that impacts social communication, attention and emotional responsive and behavior. Those on the spectrum can behave differently, move and talk differently, and have a different way of perceiving the world and their environment. The DSM-V considers Autism to be on three levels - level 1 (requiring support), level 2 (requiring substantial support), and level 3 (requiring very substantial support).

Awareness of ASD

In recent years, ASD has become more understood and evaluation has improved and more services are available to support and help to ameliorate performance and development such as ABA therapy and occupation therapy. Education also recognizes the diagnosis and advances have been made in offering educational accommodations within individualized and educational plans. For this reason, many are seeking proper diagnosis and a formal evaluation to support them in their work/school and personal lives. Those with ASD can refer to themselves as “Neurodivergent” which is a term used to identify their diagnosis and describe their atypical neurology so that others recognise and understand more who they are.

Common traits of ASD

Autism is a spectrum of atypical behaviors or traits, some more subtle and hidden, others more pronounced and obvious. Many suspect they may be on the spectrum because these behaviors or traits impact their ability to adapt to life norms or fulfill everyday tasks. For children, an indication of ASD is they come with different presets, that is what’s natural to them won’t be natural to most. The installed responses are different and are shaped differently over time.

Social communication deficits may include:

• Decreased sharing of interests with others

• Difficulty appreciating their own & others' emotions

• Aversion to maintaining eye contact

• Lack of proficiency with use of non-verbal gestures

• Stilted or scripted speech

• Interpreting abstract ideas literally

• Difficulty making friends or keeping them

Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors may include:

• Inflexibility of behavior, extreme difficulty coping with change

• Being overly focused on niche subjects to the exclusion of others

• Expecting others to be equally interested in those subjects

• Difficulty tolerating changes in routine and new experiences

• Sensory hypersensitivity, e.g., aversion to loud noises

• Stereotypical movements such as hand flapping, rocking, spinning

• Arranging things, often toys, in a very particular manner

Autism Tests

We use specialized tests and standardized tests to determine an Autism diagnosis and confirm the nuances of a diagnosis. A comprehensive evaluation includes a combination of the following from each section:

The Process

Clients are seen for 3 to 4 appointments - some virtual and in-office - in order to complete the full testing.

Dr Engen requires direct observation and executive and intellectual functioning tests be completed in the office. There are some tests to be completed with the parent(s) (if child) to understand developmental history, behaviors, and to measure previous emotional functioning which can be offered virtually. We also require online tests to be completed as part of the assessment that are for the parent (if child), patient and also sometimes for the teacher (if child) so as to record behaviors at school.

For adults, some testing is administered in-office although we can offer a complete Autism test virtually, depending on the individual. All virtual/remote testing is carried out using HIPAA compliant video conferencing software. All online tests are through approved psychological assessment websites recognized in the industry.

Dual Diagnoses

If more specialized testing is required, Dr Engen may include additional tests to rule out other diagnoses such as ADHD, Anxiety, or Depression, or Learning Disorders. (Pricing may vary).

Who we are

We are a second-generation private clinical psychology practice in South East Georgia offering evaluation, consultation and therapy. From South Dakota, Brendan C. Engen, PsyD (Clinical Psychologist) obtained his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from C.I.I.S. in San Francisco following three years doctorate study in Philosophy and Theology at UMass, and undergraduate and masters at Ole Miss. Serving clients from The Eupatheia Center in Brunswick, Dr. Engen works with all ages and has extensive experience working for over 20 years with patients with Autism.

Payment & Insurance

We determine case by case whether we accept insurance for an evaluation. We may only accept private pay because of the following:

• Testing benefits vary by insurance provider and by specific plan. Some plans stipulate the deductible has to be met before they will reimburse.

• Each evaluation requires a number of different tests depending on diagnosis, symptoms and age of patient. An insurance provider may say they will reimburse ‘general psychological testing’, but the amount of units or funds allocated vary considerably. Coverage also is not a guarantee of actual payment.

• Some insurance providers require authorizations for testing. Not all units for a complete test may be ultimately authorized which limits therefore the ability to carry out the test in its entirety.

• We are committed to providing a valid assessment that meets the standards stipulated by the American Psychological Association. We are also committed to administered the tests in accordance with the guidelines set by the testing provider.

Here are some of the insurance plans we work with considering the comments above:

• BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, United Behavioral Health, UMR, Meritain

• BCBS Federal, Tricare East

• Ambetter

• Medicare, BCBS Medicare plan, UHC Medicare Plan, Humana

• Insurance for children: Peachstate/Cenpatico, Caresource, Medicaid (under 21 yrs only)

Care Credit

We offer Care Credit for certain evaluations. Plans include an interest free option is investment is paid off in full within 6 - 12 months, as well as other plans with varying rates for longer periods.

Please note we reserve the right to deny services to those who have outstanding balances for past services from us or those who have misrepresented significant information about the client’s history, current symptom profile, current or recent substance use, risk of harm to self or others, or etc.

The Next Step

To enquire about an evaluation for yourself or a member of your family or if you have any further questions, please complete our intake form.