A Medical Doctor (MD) and a Registered Nurse (RN) offer the Autism Direct Assessment as an MD-RN Team over a series of structured appointments that adapt to the needs of different ages. 

Individuals aged 3 years and older can be seen for an Autism Direct Assessment. That means young children as well as adults of any age can be seen by the MD-Nurse Team for this assessment. 

The Autism Direct Assessment involves a series of structured appointments that adapt to the needs of different ages and skills. For children 3 to 13 years, one session typically takes place in–person, while others take place virtually—though children in the upper end of that age range may be assessed virtually if considered more in keeping with client needs and skills as determined by the MD-Nurse team. Older children and adults are typically seen virtually for all appointments. 

Before any meetings, parents—or individuals themselves, if older—complete questionnaires. These forms help the MD-Nurse Team gather preliminary information about social communication skills, daily functioning, mental health, and areas of strength and interests. This information helps our team begin with a full picture of both needs and abilities. 

The process begins with a Clinical Intake Interview with a Nurse. This is a chance to share your story, explore developmental history along with current skills and needs, and set goals for what you’d like the assessment to clarify.

How we assess skills and symptoms of Autism can vary depending on what the MD-Nurse Team deems most helpful for making an accurate diagnosis. Typically, these are the assessments administered by the Nurse on the Clinical Team based on a client’s age: 

• Ages 3–13 years: Children participate in an ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) session, a play-based, structured assessment designed to look at communication, interaction, and flexibility. 

• Ages 13 years and up: Adolescents and adults take part in a MIGDAS (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing Autism Spectrum) assessment, a conversational, strength-based process that explores personal perspective and lived experience. 

The Medical Doctor on the MD-Nurse Team makes the diagnostic decision, determining whether Autism is present or not based on the findings of the assessment. The MD meets with you after the testing with the Nurse is complete.  

After the meeting with the Medical Doctor, the Nurse provides a follow-up session where strengths, needs and next steps for moving forward are discussed.

The appointments happen over separate days in a specific order. The time needed for each appointment appears in this chart: 

The cost of an Autism Direct Assessment is $1450. 

The cost of an Autism Direct Assessment is not covered by OHIP. Appointments with the Medical Doctor are covered by OHIP but Nursing appointments and testing materials are not. Please check with your insurance provider to see if assessment services provided by a Registered Nurse are covered. 

Yes! At Possibilities we also offer a Signature Autism Assessment which involves Physicians working with Psychologists/Psychological Associates if this assessment is better suited to your needs.  

We can help! At Possibilities, we offer a complimentary 20-minute session with a member of our Next Steps Navigation Team. Members of this team are professionals from education and healthcare. During this session, a member of the Navigation Team will listen to your questions, discuss your concerns, and help you clarify your next steps. If you would like to book an appointment with the Navigation Team, please begin by completing our Intake Form. If you have already completed an Intake Form, please contact us at info@possibilitiesclinic.com or 1-833-482-5558 to request an appointment with a member of our Navigation Team.