OUR EVALUATIONS AT A GLANCE
Learning Disabilities
Gifted
ADHD
Autism
YOU KNOW SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE
Does this sound familiar?
"The school keeps saying they'll 'monitor it' — but nothing is changing."
"My child is smart, I know it. But something isn't clicking."
"We've been told different things by different people. I just want clarity."
"I'm worried about getting them labeled — but I'm more worried about missing something."
"I don't even know if an evaluation is the right first step."
MORE THAN A TEST SCORE.
An evaluation at Morningstar is a comprehensive, individualized process.
We gather information from multiple sources, across multiple sessions, to build a complete picture of how your child thinks, learns, processes, and engages with the world around them.
Evaluations can clarify or assess for:
• ADHD and attention difficulties
• Learning disabilities (reading, writing, math)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Anxiety, mood, or behavioral concerns
• Giftedness and twice-exceptional profiles
• Diagnostic clarification when previous answers haven't fit
Whether your child is in elementary school, middle school, high school, or college — a thorough evaluation helps everyone on their team understand how to actually support them.
We Don't Stop at the Findings.
An evaluation is most powerful when it translates into real support — and that often means working closely with schools to make sure the findings actually inform your child's education.
We collaborate with schools to:
• Provide documentation schools need to initiate the accommodation process
• Consult on 504 Plans and IEP development
• Communicate directly with teachers, school psychologists, and support teams
• Help parents understand their child's profile in the context of school expectations
For families concerned about Autism Spectrum Disorder, the quality of the evaluation tool makes a significant difference. The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is the gold standard for ASD assessment.
At Morningstar, we are trained and certified in ADOS-2 administration. This means your child's ASD evaluation is grounded in the most clinically rigorous, evidence-based tool available — giving you confidence in whatever the results show.
Expertise in Autism Evaluations
The Process
WHAT TO EXPECT
Step 1
Initial Consultation
Every evaluation begins with a conversation. We'll talk about your concerns, you or your child's history, previous testing (if applicable), and the questions you're hoping to answer. This helps us determine whether an evaluation is appropriate and, if so, what it should include.
Step 2 Comprehensive Testing
Testing is individualized and typically takes place over one or two sessions. Depending on the referral questions, we may assess cognitive abilities, academic skills, attention and executive functioning, social-emotional functioning, behavior, or adaptive skills.
Step 3
Information Gathering
Testing is only one piece of the puzzle. When appropriate, we gather information from parents, teachers, physicians, therapists, or other professionals to better understand how your child functions across different settings.
Step 4
Feedback Session
Once the evaluation is complete, we'll meet to review the results together. We'll discuss you or your child's strengths, areas of challenge, diagnoses (when appropriate), and recommendations, leaving plenty of time for your questions.
Step 5
Comprehensive Report
You'll receive a detailed written report that summarizes the findings and includes practical recommendations for home, school, and any additional services. The report can also be shared with schools, physicians, or other providers involved in you or your child's care.
Commonly Asked
How long does the evaluation process take?
From initial consultation to feedback session, most evaluations take four to six weeks. The timeline varies based on scheduling and the scope of assessment needed.
Will my child receive a diagnosis?
Not necessarily — and that's okay. Our goal is to give you an accurate, complete picture of your child's profile. Sometimes that includes a diagnosis. Sometimes it clarifies that a diagnosis doesn't fit but points to specific areas of support. Either way, you'll leave with answers and a clear set of next steps.
Does an outside evaluation guarantee an IEP or 504 Plan?
Schools have their own eligibility criteria governed by state and federal guidelines. An outside evaluation doesn't automatically result in an IEP — but it often provides critical documentation that supports the school's process and can meaningfully inform it.
What ages do you evaluate?
We conduct evaluations for school-aged individuals from elementary school through college age.
Do you work with the school directly?
Yes. We are glad to consult with your child's school, communicate findings with relevant staff, and provide documentation that supports the accommodation process.
What does an evaluation cost?
Fees vary depending on the scope of the evaluation and the areas being assessed. We are out-of-network with insurance providers. We recommend contacting your insurance company to ask about out-of-network reimbursement benefits, as many families are able to receive partial coverage.