RelatedMinds Psychological Services will reopen in early September.
At that time we will primarily be seeing patients for issues relating to adult and adolescent autism assessments.
Please wait until the second week of August to contact us (by email) about adult and adolescent (teen) autism assessments.
The basic information about these assessments can be found at our main webpage at www.RelatedMinds.com
Because autism diagnostic assessments call for face-to-face interactions we will require that anyone able to have a Covid Vaccine be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to the assessment.
What does an Autism Assesment/Disgnosis Cost?
Private assessments for autism spectrum disorder (and what was formerly called "Asperger's disorder or syndrome" cost $2,600.00. These assessments use the tools required by the Ministry in British Columbia. They meet the Ministry Standards (a link to the Ministry's webpage can be found below).
Patients need to have a computer and internet services available to them as we have switched from completing forms and written assessment tools from the office to your home. Therefore parts of the assessment will be taken on-line.
How Do I Get an Autism Assessment in BC?
Click here: https://www.autismbc.ca/blog/autism-assessment-bc/
How is Autism Diagnosed in BC?
Are there standards for Autism Assessments in BC?
Yes. Reading over these Standards may make it clear why your family doctor is unlikely to be able to provide an Autism assessment or diagnosis. Click here: http://www.phsa.ca/Documents/asd_standards_0318.pdf
Are there forms I need to obtain services and assistance for my teen/adolescent or child in BC?
Yes, there is a form that I will complete (see the link below). If you are coming from another country or province you need a confirmation of the other jurisdictions assessment. I am only able to provide a confirmation of diagnosis if the patient has had the ADOS/ADOS-2 and ADI-R as part of their original examination. The patient also requires an examination in my office. I cannot "confirm" a diagnosis without these tests and examining the patient myself.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/managing-your-health/autism/non_bcaan_private_diagnosis.pdf
Is there any financial assistance for my teen so we can obtain an assessment?
Yes. Regretfully BC medical services does not cover the cost for assessments like this. Some private schools have paid, Indigenous groups and Variety. There website is listed below. Some private insurance may cover the costs, however everyone's plan is different and it is your responsibility to investigate this. Patients are required, with private insurance, to cover the costs and obtain reimbursement. I would advise you to get approval in writing from your insurance company before proceeding.
https://www.variety.bc.ca/autism-assessments/
Do you see women? I understand it is difficult to diagnose women and girls?
I have been completing these diagnoses for over 25 years. Many, nearly 40%, of my patients are women. We use the same set of test and assessment tools that are required for a child of adolescent getting an autism assessment. These tools and procedures are very sensitive and I am satisfied with their results. Most women who have come to me with concerns about the diagnosis of women were previously seen by doctors who simply didn't use any tools or structured procedures. They ruled out the diagnosis with no data. That is something we try to avoid doing.
How long will it take to get an appointment and do you have a waiting list?
We will not be taking appointments until September. The schedule fills up quickly. The best way to reach my office is by email, which you will find on the website www.Relatedminds.com. If we have an opening within the next several weeks we will contact you. We don't keep a long waiting list because, frankly, it is difficult to obtain this type of assessment and people seem to be on several waiting lists already. We recommend contacting us by email, and we will get back to you if there is an appointment available in a reasonable amount of time.
