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1. What services do you provide?
We provide comprehensive virtual developmental evaluations for autism for individuals ages 2–17.
Our evaluations are conducted by a multidisciplinary team and are designed to provide clarity, detailed recommendations, and next-step planning for families.
2. How does the evaluation process work?
Our evaluation model includes three structured appointments:
1. Intake & Developmental History
We gather detailed background information, developmental history, and current concerns.
2. Direct Evaluation Appointment
Standardized assessments & evaluations and structured observation are conducted virtually by our clinical team.
3. Feedback & Recommendations Session
We review results, explain findings clearly, and provide individualized recommendations and next steps.
Families receive a comprehensive written report following the evaluation.
3. How much time is dedicated to the evaluation?
Across three thoughtfully structured sessions, we spend meaningful, focused one-on-one time directly with your child and family. These sessions are intentionally designed to allow space for observation, conversation, and collaboration - ensuring your family’s questions are heard and your child’s strengths and needs are fully understood. We schedule generous appointment windows so discussions are never rushed and families feel supported throughout the process.
Beyond the time we spend together in live sessions, our team carefully reviews records, scores and interprets assessments, consults as a multidisciplinary team, and prepares a detailed written report tailored specifically to your child.
When all of this time - both together and behind the scenes - is combined, our team dedicates well over 10 hours to each comprehensive evaluation. We believe families deserve depth, clarity, and individualized attention - not abbreviated assessments.
4. Is this evaluation done in person or virtually?
All evaluations are conducted virtually through a secure telehealth platform.
Our model is intentionally designed for virtual delivery and follows best practices for telehealth-based developmental assessments. Evaluating in a familiar, comfortable environment often allows for more natural interaction, authentic behavior, and meaningful observation.
We provide clear guidance in advance to help families prepare their space, so the evaluation process runs smoothly and effectively.
5. Are virtual evaluations considered valid for diagnosis?
Yes. Our evaluation model follows best practices for telehealth-based developmental assessments and is designed specifically for virtual delivery.
When conducted appropriately, virtual evaluations can provide reliable and clinically meaningful diagnostic information. Our multidisciplinary team uses standardized tools, structured observation, developmental history, and clinical judgment to ensure accuracy.
6. How do we know if this evaluation is the right fit?
If you are unsure whether a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is appropriate, we encourage you to contact us for an initial discussion.
We can review your concerns, discuss your goals, and help determine whether this evaluation aligns with your needs, or if another type of service may be more appropriate.
7. What ages do you serve?
We currently provide evaluations for individuals aged 2 through 17 years old.
8. Do you accept insurance?
We are an out-of-network provider.
Payment is made directly to First Light Collaborative. After your evaluation is complete, we can provide a detailed superbill that families may submit to their insurance company for potential reimbursement.
We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to ask about out-of-network reimbursement for psychological or developmental testing services.
9. What is the cost of the evaluation?
Our comprehensive evaluation package is a flat fee of $2,500.
Pricing reflects:
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Multidisciplinary clinical collaboration
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Standardized assessment tools
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10+ hours of clinician time
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A detailed written report
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Recommendations
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A feedback session with time for questions and support
Payment is made directly to First Light Collaborative. We can provide a detailed superbill upon completion that families may submit to their insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
If you have questions about payment or reimbursement, we are happy to discuss this with you.
10. What is a superbill?
A superbill is a detailed receipt that we provide after your evaluation is completed. It includes the service codes, diagnostic codes (if applicable), provider information, and payment details required by insurance companies.
Families may submit the superbill directly to their insurance provider to request possible reimbursement for out-of-network services.
Reimbursement depends on your individual insurance plan. We recommend contacting your insurance company in advance to ask about out-of-network benefits for developmental or psychological testing services.
We do not bill insurance directly and cannot guarantee reimbursement.
11. Can we use HSA or FSA funds?
Because this evaluation may result in a medical diagnosis, many families use Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds.
Following completion of the evaluation, we can provide a superbill that families can submit directly to their plan administrator, if required.
Coverage and reimbursement policies vary by plan. We recommend confirming eligibility with your administrator in advance.
12. Do you offer financing or payment plans?
Yes. We offer financing through a third-party payment provider that allows eligible families to divide the cost into monthly payments.
Approval, interest rates (if applicable), and payment terms are determined directly by the 3rd party payment provider.
For additional details about financing options, please visit our Pricing page or contact us directly. We are happy to answer questions and review available options during your initial consultation.
13. What is your cancellation policy?
Because evaluation appointments require coordination among multiple clinicians and dedicated preparation time, we require advance notice for cancellations or rescheduling.
Late cancellations or missed appointments may result in fees, as outlined in your intake documentation. These policies help us protect reserved clinical time and ensure availability for all families seeking services.
Specific cancellation policy details can be found within the documentation completed at Intake. We encourage families to reach out as early as possible if scheduling concerns arise so we can discuss next steps together.
14. How soon can we get scheduled?
Availability varies depending on demand. We aim to offer timely appointments and maintain shorter wait times than many traditional settings.
Please complete our contact form, and a team member will reach out to discuss availability and next steps.
15. What happens after the evaluation?
During your feedback session, we will:
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Review findings clearly and thoroughly
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Discuss whether diagnostic criteria are met
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Provide recommendations for school, therapy, and home supports
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Answer your questions
Our goal is that you leave with clarity and a plan.
16. Is this evaluation considered a medical or educational diagnosis?
This evaluation provides a medical diagnosis when criteria are met, based on DSM-5 standards and multidisciplinary clinical assessment.
Educational eligibility for special education services is determined separately by school districts under federal and state education guidelines. A medical diagnosis does not automatically guarantee school-based eligibility; however, our reports are comprehensive and often serve as valuable documentation to support educational planning.
Families may share the report with their school team as part of the eligibility or accommodation process.
17. Will this evaluation work for school or medical documentation?
Our reports are comprehensive and written to support educational and medical planning.
18. What can families do with a medical diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis provides clinical clarity and may open access to a range of supports and services.
When appropriate, it may assist with:
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Insurance coverage for therapeutic services
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Referrals to medical or developmental specialists
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Access to community or state-based programs
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Workplace or post-secondary accommodations
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Educational planning discussions
Educational eligibility decisions are made separately by school districts; however, medical documentation can be a valuable component in that process.
Beyond services, many families find that diagnostic clarity helps guide informed decision-making and long-term planning.
19. What makes First Light Collaborative different?
We are clinician-founded and clinician-led.
Our model prioritizes:
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Collaboration
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Clinical depth
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Clear communication
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Family-centered care
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Timely access to services
We believe clarity reduces stress, and evaluations should provide direction rather than confusion.
20. How do we get started?
Complete the contact form on our website.
A member of our team will reach out to:
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Learn more about your concerns
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Review next steps
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Discuss scheduling and payment
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Answer any initial questions
We look forward to connecting with you.
21. Are diagnoses guaranteed as part of the evaluation?
No. A diagnosis is never guaranteed.
Our responsibility is to conduct a thorough, objective evaluation and determine whether diagnostic criteria are met based on standardized assessments, clinical observation, developmental history, and multidisciplinary review.
Payment for services does not determine outcome. Clinical findings do.
Some individuals meet full diagnostic criteria. Others may demonstrate traits or developmental differences that warrant support, monitoring, or further evaluation without meeting criteria at this time.
Our role is to provide clarity, accuracy, and thoughtful recommendations, regardless of the outcome.
22. What if diagnostic criteria are not met?
If criteria are not met, you will still receive:
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A comprehensive written report
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A detailed explanation of findings
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Recommendations
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Guidance for monitoring or next steps, if appropriate
Every evaluation provides meaningful clinical insight and direction.
23. How is a diagnosis determined?
A diagnosis is made using:
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DSM-5 criteria
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Standardized assessment tools
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Clinical observation
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Developmental history
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Collaborative multidisciplinary review
We prioritize clinical accuracy, ethical practice, and clear communication in every case.
24. What if we have been previously evaluated for Autism?
Many families come to us after their child has previously been evaluated or tested for autism. Some are seeking a second opinion, updated documentation, clarification of prior findings, or a more comprehensive understanding of their child’s strengths and needs.
If your child has already been evaluated, we ask that you share any prior reports during the intake process. Our team will review this information carefully and help determine whether a full comprehensive re-evaluation or a more focused consultation would be most appropriate.
25. How should we prepare for the evaluation?
Before your appointment, we will provide detailed instructions to help you prepare your space and technology.
We may request that certain materials or items be available during the session. Clear preparation helps ensure the evaluation is smooth, accurate, and productive.
26. Do you prescribe medication?
We provide diagnostic evaluation services only. Medication management is not part of this evaluation process. If appropriate, we may provide recommendations to medical providers for follow-up care.