Assessment Availability
Please note that we are not currently accepting new child / teen ASD assessment requests. This page will be updated as soon as we are able to take new referrals or add to our waitlist.
Understanding ASD And Your Child Starts Here
If you're wondering whether your child or teen may be on the autism spectrum, you're not alone—and you're in the right place.
It can be very difficult getting an autism assessment in Nova Scotia and waitlists in the public system are often many (many) years.
However, we are happy to let you know that our clinic now offers comprehensive in-person autism assessments for children and adolescents ages 6 - 18.
Our adult ASD assessment service starts at age 19.
These assessments are designed to give families clear answers, compassionate guidance, and a path forward.
We understand that every child is unique. Our goal is to provide a thoughtful, respectful process that helps uncover your child’s strengths, challenges, and needs—so that they can be better supported at home, in school, and in their community.
It can be very difficult getting an autism assessment in Nova Scotia and waitlists in the public system are often many (many) years.
However, we are happy to let you know that our clinic now offers comprehensive in-person autism assessments for children and adolescents ages 6 - 18.
Our adult ASD assessment service starts at age 19.
These assessments are designed to give families clear answers, compassionate guidance, and a path forward.
We understand that every child is unique. Our goal is to provide a thoughtful, respectful process that helps uncover your child’s strengths, challenges, and needs—so that they can be better supported at home, in school, and in their community.
What is Autism / ASD?
Autism—also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)—is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how children (and adults) take in the world around them, how they communicate, and how they connect with others.
Every autistic child is unique. Some children may be very sensitive to lights, sounds, or textures, while others might seem less responsive to things happening around them.
Many autistic kids develop strong interests in specific topics, or prefer routines and repetition. Some may find social situations or changes in their environment especially challenging. These are just a few examples--autism can look very different from one child to the next, and that's why it's called a "spectrum."
Autism isn’t an illness, and it isn’t something that needs to be “fixed.” In fact, many autistic children have remarkable strengths—like deep focus, creative thinking, and rich inner worlds. Increasingly, autism is understood as one way that human brains naturally vary. Challenges often arise not because of the child, but because our schools, communities, and systems aren’t always designed with different ways of thinking and interacting in mind.
Some children with autism may need extra support at school, in social settings, or at home—while others may need less. Our goal in assessment is to help families better understand their child, recognize their strengths, and identify areas where extra help could make life easier and more fulfilling.
Every autistic child is unique. Some children may be very sensitive to lights, sounds, or textures, while others might seem less responsive to things happening around them.
Many autistic kids develop strong interests in specific topics, or prefer routines and repetition. Some may find social situations or changes in their environment especially challenging. These are just a few examples--autism can look very different from one child to the next, and that's why it's called a "spectrum."
Autism isn’t an illness, and it isn’t something that needs to be “fixed.” In fact, many autistic children have remarkable strengths—like deep focus, creative thinking, and rich inner worlds. Increasingly, autism is understood as one way that human brains naturally vary. Challenges often arise not because of the child, but because our schools, communities, and systems aren’t always designed with different ways of thinking and interacting in mind.
Some children with autism may need extra support at school, in social settings, or at home—while others may need less. Our goal in assessment is to help families better understand their child, recognize their strengths, and identify areas where extra help could make life easier and more fulfilling.
Why Get An Autism / ASD Assessment For Your Child?
If your child is facing challenges that seem connected to how they think, communicate, or relate to the world around them, an autism assessment can be an important step toward understanding and support.
A diagnosis can help make sense of your child’s unique experiences. It can also help family members, teachers, and other caregivers respond with greater compassion and clarity.
For many families, an assessment provides a framework for recognizing a child’s strengths and understanding the areas where extra support might be helpful—whether that’s at school, at home, or in social situations.
Most importantly, it can open doors to services, accommodations, and strategies that can help your child thrive.
A diagnosis can help make sense of your child’s unique experiences. It can also help family members, teachers, and other caregivers respond with greater compassion and clarity.
For many families, an assessment provides a framework for recognizing a child’s strengths and understanding the areas where extra support might be helpful—whether that’s at school, at home, or in social situations.
Most importantly, it can open doors to services, accommodations, and strategies that can help your child thrive.
Child and Adolescent (6y - 18y) Autism Testing At Green Leaf
At Green Leaf Psychological, we offer comprehensive autism assessments for children and teens, using best-practice tools and a caring, supportive approach.
We know that every child is different, and we take the time to get to know your child as an individual—not just a set of symptoms.
Our psychologists work hard to create a warm, welcoming space where children and families feel safe, understood, and respected. We encourage open communication throughout the assessment process, and we’re here to answer your questions every step of the way.
Depending on your child’s age and needs, an autism assessment at Green Leaf may include:
After the assessment, we’ll meet with you to go over the results in a clear and thoughtful way. You’ll receive a detailed written report, including any diagnoses (if applicable), insights into your child’s strengths and needs, and personalized recommendations to help support them at school, at home, and in daily life.
We believe that an autism assessment should never feel stigmatizing or limiting. Our approach is strength-based and affirming. Whether or not a diagnosis is made, our goal is always to help your child be better understood—and to ensure they have the support they need to thrive.
We also understand that going through an assessment can feel stressful or uncertain for both children and parents. That’s why we work to create a calm, reassuring environment where your child can feel at ease and you feel supported.
We know that every child is different, and we take the time to get to know your child as an individual—not just a set of symptoms.
Our psychologists work hard to create a warm, welcoming space where children and families feel safe, understood, and respected. We encourage open communication throughout the assessment process, and we’re here to answer your questions every step of the way.
Depending on your child’s age and needs, an autism assessment at Green Leaf may include:
- A detailed parent/caregiver interview to learn about your child’s development, behaviour, and current challenges
- Child-friendly, interactive activities using the highest standard autism assessment tools, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule -2 (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R) for parents.
- Standardized questionnaires for parents, teachers, or caregivers
- Cognitive testing and evaluation
After the assessment, we’ll meet with you to go over the results in a clear and thoughtful way. You’ll receive a detailed written report, including any diagnoses (if applicable), insights into your child’s strengths and needs, and personalized recommendations to help support them at school, at home, and in daily life.
We believe that an autism assessment should never feel stigmatizing or limiting. Our approach is strength-based and affirming. Whether or not a diagnosis is made, our goal is always to help your child be better understood—and to ensure they have the support they need to thrive.
We also understand that going through an assessment can feel stressful or uncertain for both children and parents. That’s why we work to create a calm, reassuring environment where your child can feel at ease and you feel supported.
Child Autism Spectrum Test (ages 4y - 11y)
The questionnaire below is designed for the early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children aged 4 to 11 years.
Although it is of course, not an official diagnosis, it can be helpful for you to get a sense of whether your child is showing some of the signs of autism.
Please answer YES or NO for each question and keep a tally of your YES responses.
Interpretive scores are at the bottom of the questionnaire.
Although it is of course, not an official diagnosis, it can be helpful for you to get a sense of whether your child is showing some of the signs of autism.
Please answer YES or NO for each question and keep a tally of your YES responses.
Interpretive scores are at the bottom of the questionnaire.
1) Does s/he join in playing games with other children easily?
2) Does s/he come up to you spontaneously for a chat?
3) Is it important to him/her to fit in with the peer group?
4) Does s/he appear to notice unusual details that others miss?
5) Does s/he tend to take things literally?
6) When s/he was 3 years old, did s/he spend a lot of time pretending (e.g., play‑acting being a superhero, or holding teddy’s tea parties)?
7) Does s/he like to do things over and over again, in the same way all the time?
8) Does s/he find it easy to interact with other children?
9) Can s/he keep a two‑way conversation going?
10) Does s/he mostly have the same interests as his/her peers?
11) Does s/he have an interest which takes up so much time that s/he does little else?
12) Does s/he have friends, rather than just acquaintances?
13) Does s/he often bring you things s/he is interested in to show you?
14) Does s/he enjoy joking around?
15) Does s/he have difficulty understanding the rules for polite behavior?
16) Does s/he appear to have an unusual memory for details?
17) Is his/her voice unusual (e.g., overly adult, flat, or very monotonous)?
18) Are people important to him/her?
19) Is s/he good at turn‑taking in conversation?
20) Does s/he play imaginatively with other children, and engage in role‑play?
21) Does s/he often do or say things that are tactless or socially inappropriate?
22) Does s/he make normal eye‑contact?
23) Does s/he have any unusual and repetitive movements?
24) Is his/her social behavior very one‑sided and always on his/her own terms?
25) Does s/he sometimes say “you” or “s/he” when s/he means “I”?
26) Does s/he prefer imaginative activities such as play‑acting or story‑telling, rather than numbers or lists of facts?
27) Does s/he sometimes lose the listener because of not explaining what s/he is talking about?
28) Does s/he try to impose routines on him/herself, or on others, in such a way that it causes problems?
29) Does s/he care how s/he is perceived by the rest of the group?
30) Does s/he often turn conversations to his/her favorite subject rather than following what the other person wants to talk about?
31) Does s/he have odd or unusual phrases?
2) Does s/he come up to you spontaneously for a chat?
3) Is it important to him/her to fit in with the peer group?
4) Does s/he appear to notice unusual details that others miss?
5) Does s/he tend to take things literally?
6) When s/he was 3 years old, did s/he spend a lot of time pretending (e.g., play‑acting being a superhero, or holding teddy’s tea parties)?
7) Does s/he like to do things over and over again, in the same way all the time?
8) Does s/he find it easy to interact with other children?
9) Can s/he keep a two‑way conversation going?
10) Does s/he mostly have the same interests as his/her peers?
11) Does s/he have an interest which takes up so much time that s/he does little else?
12) Does s/he have friends, rather than just acquaintances?
13) Does s/he often bring you things s/he is interested in to show you?
14) Does s/he enjoy joking around?
15) Does s/he have difficulty understanding the rules for polite behavior?
16) Does s/he appear to have an unusual memory for details?
17) Is his/her voice unusual (e.g., overly adult, flat, or very monotonous)?
18) Are people important to him/her?
19) Is s/he good at turn‑taking in conversation?
20) Does s/he play imaginatively with other children, and engage in role‑play?
21) Does s/he often do or say things that are tactless or socially inappropriate?
22) Does s/he make normal eye‑contact?
23) Does s/he have any unusual and repetitive movements?
24) Is his/her social behavior very one‑sided and always on his/her own terms?
25) Does s/he sometimes say “you” or “s/he” when s/he means “I”?
26) Does s/he prefer imaginative activities such as play‑acting or story‑telling, rather than numbers or lists of facts?
27) Does s/he sometimes lose the listener because of not explaining what s/he is talking about?
28) Does s/he try to impose routines on him/herself, or on others, in such a way that it causes problems?
29) Does s/he care how s/he is perceived by the rest of the group?
30) Does s/he often turn conversations to his/her favorite subject rather than following what the other person wants to talk about?
31) Does s/he have odd or unusual phrases?
Score Interpretation:
- 0-11: Typical Development
- 12-14: Moderate Developmental Differences
- 15-31: Significant Developmental Differences
Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ages 6y - 17y)
The Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) is a 27-item parent- or teacher-rated screening tool designed to identify young people between 6 and 17 years of age who show developmental differences in social and behavioural functioning consistent with Autism.
Again, this is not an official diagnosis, but it can be helpful when deciding to explore a formal assessment with us.
Please answer the questions about your child below and keep track of the score.
Interpretive scores are at the bottom of the questionnaire.
Again, this is not an official diagnosis, but it can be helpful when deciding to explore a formal assessment with us.
Please answer the questions about your child below and keep track of the score.
Interpretive scores are at the bottom of the questionnaire.
1. Has difficulty making friends
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
- 0 = No
- 1 = Somewhat
- 2 = Yes
Score Interpretation:
- 0-10: Inconsistent with Autism
- 11-18: Moderately Consistent with Autism
- 19 and above : Strongly Consistent with Autism
Let's Get Started.
We are conveniently located in Halifax, Nova Scotia and have many clients from the areas of Bedford, Sackville, Clayton Park, and Dartmouth.
Please complete our short request form below and we will be in touch asap with more information about a possible Autism assessment for your child.
Autism / ASD Assessment (6y - 18y)
Green Leaf Psychological - Halifax, Nova Scotia
IMPORTANT
After you submit the form, we will definitely get back to you. However, email is sometimes filtered into junk mail folders by mistake. To prevent this from happening, please add [email protected] to your list of safe contacts...or make sure to check your spam folder if you don't see a reply in your inbox within 24 hours. Thanks!
After you submit the form, we will definitely get back to you. However, email is sometimes filtered into junk mail folders by mistake. To prevent this from happening, please add [email protected] to your list of safe contacts...or make sure to check your spam folder if you don't see a reply in your inbox within 24 hours. Thanks!
Green Leaf Psychological Services, Inc.