For parents seeking an initial evaluation or re-evaluation for children or teens (ages 6 to 17), AZA United offers School Age Diagnostic Evaluations. All evaluations are overseen throughout by licensed Clinical Psychologists with specialized training in diagnosing autism and related conditions. This service is part of our Support from the Start model, which includes the help of a Family Support Specialist to provide hands-on guidance with navigating systems of care after an initial diagnosis or re-evaluation. Our goal is to provide each family with the most accurate diagnosis possible to inform treatment decisions, and to make sure no family feels lost or alone after an evaluation is completed.
Program Highlights
- Thorough evaluations to ensure an accurate diagnosis that informs treatment decisions
- Includes post-diagnosis help from a Family Support Specialist at no extra cost
- Conducted by highly qualified Clinical Psychologists to support ALTCS/DDD documentation
- Many health insurance plans are accepted, including AHCCCS and DDD
- Available at several locations around the valley
Program Overview
For families in need of an initial diagnostic evaluation or a re-evaluation, AZA United’s program for School Age Diagnostic Evaluations provides a comprehensive and individualized assessment to screen for autism, as well as any other developmental, behavioral, learning challenges or related conditions. Unlike many evaluation providers that focus solely on autism, our comprehensive approach screens for a wide range of concerns to ensure the most accurate diagnosis possible and clear recommendations for treatment, services, and supports.
There are different reasons why children, adolescents, or teens may need a re-evaluation at different stages. For example, children who receive an “at-risk” diagnosis or have a prior diagnosis that does not address all areas of concern are often required to be re-evaluated before age 6 in order to maintain eligibility for services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) or another healthplan. There may be similar requirements before an individual reaches the age of 18. Another scenario to consider a re-evaluation is if different or additional diagnoses are suspected, or additional testing is recommended beyond what was identified in the previous diagnostic evaluation. In some cases, substantial changes in functioning may justify an updated evaluation if significant time has passed since the previous assessment. If you would like to discuss how a re-evaluation may or may not be beneficial for your child, parents are encouraged to contact our Family Support Team first.
At AZA United, all evaluations are conducted under the supervision of highly qualified Clinical Psychologists who meet directly with families and oversee every aspect of the evaluation process, including documentation requirements for ALTCS and DDD eligibility. As a training site for several university partners, graduate students may also participate in aspects of the evaluation under close supervision, helping us contribute to the development of the next generation of healthcare professionals with expertise in serving the autism community.
AZA’s Model of Care
What truly sets AZA United’s diagnostic evaluation services apart is our innovative Support from the Start model. Following a diagnosis, families are immediately paired with an experienced Family Support Specialist who provides guidance, resources, and emotional support. The process includes a Resource Review Meeting to help families navigate systems of care such as DDD, insurance, and schools, while connecting them with community resources tailored to their individual needs. Our goal is simple: no family should feel lost or alone after receiving a diagnosis, and no time should be wasted accessing the treatments and services that can make a meaningful difference in a child’s life.
