Autism Assessments for Youth & Adults in Kitchener-Waterloo

Discovering Your Unique Blueprint

We offer in-person and virtual, neurodiversity-affirming Autism (ASD) Assessments for children, teens, and adults seeking clarity and self-discovery. Our compassionate, evidence-based process focuses on identifying individual strengths and support needs to provide a clear path forward at any stage of life. Autism Assessments are conducted in-person in Kitchener–Waterloo.

It feels like everyone else was given a life rulebook that I never received

Autism is not a flaw or illness to be cured, but a naturally occurring neurological profile that shapes how a person perceives, processes, and connects with the world.

To be autistic often feels like operating with a different internal rulebook than the majority of society. For a child, it might feel like intense joy and deep focus on their favourite passions, paired with overwhelming sensory environments and a struggle to make sense of unspoken social expectations. For an adult, it often feels like a lifetime of “masking” or constantly translating social cues and mimicking others to fit in, which can lead to profound mental and physical exhaustion.

Ultimately, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a unique way of experiencing life, characterized by deep-seated strengths, intense sensitivities, and a deeply honest way of interacting with the world.

At Colibri NeuroWellness, an ASD Assessment can help clarify your concerns and guide you toward effective support.

If you notice you or your child experience...

Difficulty making friends or preferring to play alone
Taking language very literally and missing subtle social cues
A lifelong feeling of being an "outside observer" looking in on society.
Extreme distress or meltdowns during unexpected transitions
Collecting and organizing objects or information as a way to self-soothe
Strong reactions to loud noises, bright lights, or clothing textures
Profound exhaustion from constantly mimicking others to fit in (masking)
A history of being treated for anxiety or depression without lasting relief
Uneven skill development, like reading early but struggling with motor skills
Not responding to their name being called, despite having normal hearing

Avoiding eye contact or finding it uncomfortable
An ability to hyper-focus on passionate interests for hours at a time
Repetitive movements like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning
Actively seeking out sensory inputs like spinning or deep pressure
Severe "social hangovers" that require days of alone time to recharge
Periods of intense burnout where daily tasks feel impossible
Directing speech at people rather than engaging in a two-way conversation
Very limited food preferences based entirely on texture, color, or smell
Needing to script conversations or know what will happen next
Finding comfort in repeating the same meals, movies, or routines daily

With the support and expertise at Colibri NeuroWellness, you can gain the insights and tools needed to understand your mind and enhance your quality of life.

ASD Assessments for youth and adults| Kitchener-Waterloo

Autism Assessments We Offer

Note: For children and adolescents, we do not offer stand-alone or “ASD-Only” assessments. This is because ADHD, neurodevelopmental, and mental health conditions in youth often present with highly overlapping symptoms, and an isolated evaluation can therefore lead to incomplete or inaccurate findings. To ensure the highest standard of care, all youth autism (ASD) evaluations must be conducted as part of a comprehensive Psychoeducational or Neuropsychological Assessment.

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For Youth (age 7 and up).

Psychoeducational and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessments conducted by our Clinical Psychologist offer a comprehensive evaluation for parents or guardians seeking clarity about their child/teen’s learning profile, cognitive strengths, and neurotype.

During these assessments, our Psychologist utilizes clinical interviews, standardized cognitive testing, and validated diagnostic tools to evaluate learning styles, academic skills, executive functioning, and social-communication patterns. This thorough process includes a deep review of developmental, academic, and psychosocial history to understand how these factors shape daily functioning and lived experiences.

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For Youth (age 7 and up).

Neuropsychological and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessments conducted by our Neuropsychologist offer a comprehensive evaluation for parents or guardians seeking clarity about their child/teen’s brain-behaviour relationships, cognitive strengths, and neurological profile.

These evaluations are highly beneficial for youth experiencing neurodevelopmental delays, complex trauma, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), or concerns regarding memory and cognitive ability. They are also designed to assess the impact of prenatal factors (such as premature birth or low birth weight) and medical conditions affecting brain functioning, including seizures, concussions, strokes, or acquired brain injuries.

During these assessments, our Neuropsychologist combines clinical interviews, standardized neuropsychological testing, and validated diagnostic measures to assess key areas of the youth’s development.

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For Adults.

ADHD and/or Mental Health concerns plus Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessments conducted by our Clinical Psychologist offer a comprehensive evaluation for adults or seniors seeking clarity around attention, emotional well-being, and neurodivergence.

This thorough approach helps differentiate between overlapping conditions as well as identify co-occurring strengths and challenges. The assessment process includes a detailed clinical interview, standardized diagnostic testing, and an in-depth review of developmental, medical, and psychosocial history.

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For Adults.

Neuropsychological plus Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessments for adults or seniors are conducted by our Neuropsychologist and offer a comprehensive, in-depth evaluation for individuals seeking clarity about their brain-behaviour relationships, cognitive strengths, and neurotype.

These comprehensive evaluations are highly beneficial for individuals experiencing concerns with memory or cognitive ability, complex trauma, substance use, or neurodevelopmental conditions.

Additionally, these assessments can also assess the impact of prenatal factors (such as premature birth or low birth weight) and medical conditions that affect brain functioning, including concussions, acquired brain injuries, seizures, stroke, Alzheimer’s, or dementia.

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For Adults.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessments for adults are conducted with a Clinical Psychologist/Neuropsychologist and offer a dedicated, neurodiversity-affirming evaluation for individuals seeking clarity about their social-communication patterns, sensory experiences, and unique neurotype. This focused assessment helps adults understand their lifelong lived experiences, explore whether they align with autism, and transition from self-doubt to self-discovery.

The assessment process includes detailed clinical interviews, validated adult diagnostic measures, and a review of your developmental history and current daily functioning. This thorough approach allows for a highly nuanced understanding of how autistic traits may have been masked or missed during childhood, and how they currently impact your daily life, career, and relationships.

A formal ASD Assessment is a supportive, neurodiversity-affirming process designed to map your unique cognitive, sensory, and social profile. Our aim is to bring you clarity and understanding, helping unlock the accommodations and support you need.

ASD Assessments for youth and adults| Kitchener-Waterloo

Why Work With Us?

Our approach goes beyond simply checking off diagnostic traits and symptoms; we focus on understanding you as a whole, unique person. By looking at the complete picture, we help you gain a compassionate, comprehensive understanding of how your brain works, paving the way for meaningful self-discovery and practical, everyday support.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

We don’t look at autism as a list of “deficits.” Instead, we translate our findings into a strengths-based profile that celebrates your unique mind, validates your lived experiences, and gives you practical tools and accommodations to help you thrive.

Clinical Interviews

These interviews are in-depth conversations with the Psychologist and the individual or parent. For adult ASD Assessments, a collateral informant such as a partner or long-time friend are also interviewed to help inform the assessment.

During these interviews, the Psychologist will ask abut developmental milestones from early childhood, investigate social and behavioural patterns, explore how the individual currently experiences the world, and discuss the individuals functioning at home, school, or in the workplace.

Standardized Diagnostic Observational Tools

This includes the use of structured, interactive diagnostic tools (such as the ADOS-2, ADI-R and MIGDAS-2), which are administered via a combination of in-person and/or virtual appointments with the Psychologist. This allows for the real-time, objective observation of social communication, reciprocal interaction, and behavioural patterns in a comfortable, low-pressure environment.

Self-Report and Informant/Observer Questionnaires

These standardized questionnaires gather valuable data on sensory processing, executive functioning, and daily adaptive skills across different environments.

For Youth: Depending on their age and developmental stage, children and adolescents may complete their own self-report forms, while additional questionnaires are completed by their parents/guardians and teachers to capture a complete picture of their daily life.
For Adults: Clients complete self-report questionnaires, and are also asked to have a family member, parent, partner, or long-time friend complete observer forms to provide helpful developmental and relational context.

Cognitive, Academic, & Executive Functioning Testing

If Autism is being investigated during a Psychoeduational or Neuropsychological Assessment, standardized measures are used to evaluate intellectual abilities, memory, processing speed, and attention. This testing maps out the individual’s unique learning profile, identifying natural cognitive strengths to leverage and executive functioning gaps that may require practical support.

Screening For Co-Occurring Concerns

Many neurodivergent traits and mental health experiences overlap, during an ASD Assessment, the Psychologist will also look closely at how different aspects of your well-being interact.

We carefully screen for conditions such as ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, depression, trauma, and sensory processing sensitivities. This ensures we provide you with a highly accurate, complete, and holistic understanding of your unique mind.

Focus On Real-World Functioning

The assessment focuses on real-world functioning by looking at how symptoms affect everyday life, including work performance, relationships, time management, and emotional regulation. Rather than relying solely on diagnostic criteria, it considers how these challenges show up in practical, day-to-day situations and overall quality of life.

Clear Reports & Practical Recommendations

Assessment reports are clear and easy-to-understand with minimal jargon, focused on what your results mean in everyday life.

A report will outline the assessment findings, explain any diagnostic conclusions, and describe how these may be affecting your day-to-day functioning. It also includes practical next-step recommendations that are tailored for you at home, post-secondary school, or work, and can be used to support treatment planning or formal accommodation requests in academic or workplace settings.

Recommendations may include behavioural strategies, psychotherapy options, lifestyle adjustments, and discussion of medication pathways where appropriate.

Options for Follow-Up Care or Referrals

At Colibri NeuroWellness, Psychologists, Nurse Practitioners, Psychotherapists, Executive Functioning Coaches, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists work together as part of a coordinated care network, so you don’t have to navigate everything on your own.

When ongoing support is needed, clients are guided toward appropriate therapy, coaching, or other healthcare providers, ensuring smooth continuity of care beyond the assessment itself.

Meet Our Team

Connect With a Psychologist For Autism Assessments in Kitchener-Waterloo

Clinical Director, Clinical Psychologist, & Neuropsychologist

Clinical Neuropsychologist

Psychological Services

At Colibri NeuroWellness...

Our Autism (ASD) Assessments are led by experienced Psychologists, who personalize the process to meet your or your child's unique needs. After the assessment, you will receive clear results and practical, neurodiversity-affirming recommendations designed to support everyday life at home, school, the workplace, and in relationships.

ASD Assessments for youth and adults| Kitchener-Waterloo

Our Approach To Autism Assessments

Understanding Your Needs

We start with a brief screening call or email with our administrative assistants to help you choose the right assessment for your needs. You will be emailed an Intake Form so you can describe why you are seeking an assessment and what your goals are.

Initial Appointment or Interview

All assessments begin with an Initial Background Interview with the Psychologist, conducted virtually via Zoom or Jane Video. For children and teens, this interview is held with parents or guardians. For adults, the interview can be completed independently, though you are welcome to invite a partner or family member to join.

During this initial meeting, the Psychologist will discuss developmental history and current concerns to collaboratively determine the most appropriate scope of assessment to meet your or your child’s unique needs.

Detailed Evaluation

We take a whole-person approach to understand how attention, emotional wellbeing, and biological factors may be affecting your everyday life. Along with Autism tendencies or symptoms, we also combine evaluations to explore concerns related learning (i.e., math, reading, and writing), ADHD, and psychological functioning (e.g., anxiety, depression, mood, OCD).

The goal is to understand not just what symptoms you’re experiencing, but how they connect and show up in real-life situations like work, relationships, and daily routines. This helps create a clear, well-rounded picture that supports accurate diagnosis and leads to practical, personalized recommendations you can actually use in your day-to-day life.

Exploring Your Strengths & Challenges

This means looking not only at your areas of difficulty, but also recognizing your strengths, coping strategies, and the ways you have learned to adapt over time.

Many people develop practical workarounds, resilience skills, or high-functioning routines that may not always be visible on the surface, and these are just as important to understand as challenges. By exploring both sides, we get a clearer picture of how you operate in different environments, what supports you naturally use, and where additional strategies or adjustments could make daily life easier and more sustainable.

Reviewing Your Results

At the end of the assessment, you will meet with your Psychologist for a Feedback Session to go over your results in detail. This is an opportunity to ask questions, clarify findings, and discuss next steps so you can leave with a clear understanding of your results and a plan moving forward.

Receiving an Assessment Report

After the Feedback Session, you will receive a report summarizing the findings, any diagnoses, and recommended next steps.

This report can be provided to schools, universities, and employers to help guide academic accommodations (such as Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)) or workplace adjustments to support daily success.

Additionally, the report serves as an essential document for healthcare providers and therapists to guide tailored, neurodiversity-affirming care, while also helping you access government funding, community support programs, and insurance coverage for recommended therapies.

Personalized Recommendations

Based on your results, you will receive tailored recommendations designed to help support your needs. This may include strategies, therapies, accommodations, or resources to help you function more comfortably and effectively in everyday environments.

ASD Assessments for youth and adults| Kitchener-Waterloo

FAQs About ASD Assessments

What are the signs that I, my child, or my teen might benefit from an ASD assessment?

Determining whether you, your child, or your teen would benefit from an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment involves looking at patterns in communication, social interactions, and daily routines. Because autism presents differently at different stages of life, the signs can vary:

For Children & Teens: Signs often become more noticeable as social and academic demands increase. You might observe challenges with communication, such as delayed speech, limited eye contact, or taking language very literally. Socially, they may struggle to read social cues, make friends, or prefer to play and be alone. You might also notice repetitive behaviours (like hand-flapping or lining up toys), highly focused interests in specific topics, high anxiety when routines change, or frequent emotional meltdowns when overwhelmed by sensory inputs like loud sounds or bright lights.
For Adults: Many adults seek assessments after years of feeling different. Signs include feeling constantly exhausted from “masking” (forcing yourself to mimic social cues to fit in), finding small talk difficult, relying on strict daily routines, experiencing lifelong sensory sensitivities, or having an ability to hyper-focus on specific hobbies.

If these behaviours are impacting daily life, school or work performance, or emotional well-being, an assessment can provide valuable clarity, helping you access the right support, accommodations, and self-understanding.

Can Colibri NeuroWellness assess my young child (under 7 years) for autism?

At Colibri NeuroWellness, we do not provide Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments for children under the age of 7 (e.g., such as toddlers or preschoolers).

Evaluating very young children requires highly specialized developmental and pediatric assessment tools that are outside our current clinical focus. If you are seeking an assessment for a child under 7, we recommend speaking with your family physician or pediatrician, who can refer you to a specialized child development center or a pediatric psychologist specializing in early childhood diagnostics.

Can I have a focused "Autism-Only" assessment for my child if there are no other concerns?

At Colibri NeuroWellness, we do not offer isolated, “Autism-Only” assessments for children. To ensure the most accurate and helpful results, we conduct comprehensive Psychoeducational or Neuropsychological assessment that evaluates your child’s overall cognitive, academic, social-emotional, and behavioural functioning.

Since symptoms of autism often overlap with other developmental profiles, such as ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, or language differences, a broader evaluation is necessary. This comprehensive approach ensures we do not miss other critical factors and allows us to provide you with a complete, well-rounded understanding of your child’s unique strengths and support needs.

Are autism evaluations completed in-person or virtually?

Autism evaluations for youth are completed in-person, while evaluations for adults can be done either in-person or virtually.

For children and teens, meeting face-to-face is the most accurate and effective approach. This allows our psychologists to observe social interactions, communication styles, and hands-on activities in real time.

For adults, we are happy to offer the flexibility of virtual autism assessments over Zoom or Jane Video. Because the psychologist still needs to observe and interact with you during the evaluation, a video connection is required for these sessions.

Does autism (ASD) present differently in girls than in boys?

Yes, autism can look very different in girls than in boys, which is why many autistic girls are diagnosed much later in life. Historically, autism was studied primarily in boys, leading to a common misconception of what autism “should” look like. Today, we know that gender can significantly influence how autistic traits are expressed, perceived, and managed.

Autistic girls are often highly motivated to fit in socially and may become experts at “masking” or camouflaging their differences. They might closely observe their peers, copy social gestures, and practice conversations to blend in. While this helps them navigate school, masking requires immense energy and often leads to extreme exhaustion, anxiety, or meltdowns once they get home.

Is it too late to be assessed with ASD an Adult?

Not at all. Many people are diagnosed in adulthood after years of wondering why certain experiences felt different. An adult assessment can provide greater self-understanding, help identify appropriate supports, and inform decisions about work, relationships, education, and overall well-being.

What is the difference between an Autism Assessment for a child vs. an adult?

Youth assessments focus heavily on developmental milestones, school observations, and input from parents and teachers. Adult assessments rely more on self-reflection, lived experiences, and exploring how you may have “masked” your traits over time.

Additionally, an adult can seek a standalone or “ASD-Only” assessment if there are no concerns around learning (reading, writing, and math), mental health, or ADHD.

How long does the assessment process take?

The entire process – from the initial interview to receiving the final report – typically takes between 3 to 3.5 months. However, this may require less or more time depending on complexity and how comprehensive you would like the assessment to be.

Do I need a referral for a ASD Assessment?

No, a referral is not required have an Autism Assessment; you can contact our clinic directly and self-refer for an assessment. However, while the clinic itself does not need a referral, it is highly recommended to check with your private insurance provider, as some Extended Health Care plans require a physician’s referral note before they will reimburse you for psychological services.

Are Autism Assessments at Colibri NeuroWellness covered by OHIP?

Unfortunately, OHIP does not cover assessments completed by a Clinical Psychologist or Neuropsychologist at a private practice. Many clients are able to use extended health benefits, employee health benefits, or private insurance plans to cover some or all of the cost, depending on their coverage.

We offer direct billing for most insurance plans for assessments, however, because details vary between policies, it’s recommend that you review your plan to confirm coverage for the services provided, any limits, and when your benefits reset.

Coverage for assessments conducted by a Psychologist are classified as “Psychological Services”.

Have more questions? See All FAQs

ASD Assessments | Kitchener-Waterloo

Life After An
Autism Assessment

Getting clear answers is a meaningful first step.

An autism assessment offers valuable clarity, helping you better understand how you or your child experience the world while highlighting unique strengths, identifying daily challenges, and pointing the way toward the most effective supports.

After an assessment, you may notice:

Greater clarity about your personal experiences and patterns
Validation of occurrences that may have previously felt confusing or misunderstood
Personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and goals
Practical strategies for navigating sensory, communication, or executive functioning differences
Information about workplace or educational accommodations, when appropriate
Improved understanding of social communication styles and relationship patterns
More confidence in advocating for your needs and setting healthy boundaries
Access to appropriate supports, resources, therapy, coaching, or community
A baseline to track growth and progress
A foundation for continued personal growth while embracing your authentic self

“An ASD assessment isn't about changing who you are. It's about understanding yourself to the fullest, so you can build a life that works with your brain- not against it.”

— Unknown

Colibri NeuroWellness

How To Get Started

Taking the first step is an important decision, and we are committed to ensuring you feel heard, respected, and supported from your very first interaction with us. To help you find the right fit, we offer several convenient ways to connect with our team.

However you choose to reach out, we look forward to connecting with you and supporting your mental health goals.

Therapy & Coaching

Book a free, no-obligation consultation that allows you to speak directly with the therapist or coach.

Psychologist and Nurse Practitioner Assessments

Contact our Intake Coordinator for detailed information regarding what assessments investigate, fees, and current wait times.

Call or Fax Us

226-212-4842

Email Us

info@colibrineurowellness.com

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826 King Street North, Unit 17
Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 4G8

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We provide in-person therapy to those living in Waterloo and surrounding communities – including Kitchener, Cambridge, Elmira, and St. Jacobs – as well as secure virtual therapy for clients located across in Ontario.

Our assessment services are tailored to clinical needs, with psychological assessments utilizing a combination of in-person and virtual components, while nurse practitioner assessments are conducted entirely virtually for your convenience.

Autism Assessments for Youth & Adults in Kitchener-Waterloo

Diagnostic Clarity

Guiding Treatment Planning

Improving Daily Functioning

It feels like everyone else was given a life rulebook that I never received

With the support and expertise at Colibri NeuroWellness, you can gain the insights and tools needed to understand your mind and enhance your quality of life.

ASD Assessments for youth and adults| Kitchener-Waterloo

Autism Assessments We Offer

ASD Assessments for youth and adults| Kitchener-Waterloo