OUR EVALUATIONS AT A GLANCE
Learning Disabilities
Gifted
ADHD
Autism
YOU KNOW SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE
Does any of 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 — not a checklist.
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
We start by listening. Before any testing begins, we talk with you about your concerns, your child's history, and what you're hoping to understand. This shapes the entire evaluation.
Step 2 Comprehensive Testing
Testing typically takes place across one to two sessions. We use a battery of standardized instruments tailored to your child's age and the areas of concern — including cognitive, academic, behavioral, and social-emotional.
Step 3
Collateral Information
We gather input from parents and, when appropriate, teachers and other professionals who know your child. Real-world context matters as much as what happens in the testing room.
Step 4
The Feedback Session
This is where it all comes together. We don't just hand you a report — we walk you through every finding, explain what the numbers actually mean, and make sure you leave with a clear understanding of your child's profile. No jargon. No confusion. Real answers.
Step 5
Written Report & Recommendations
You receive a comprehensive written report with specific, actionable recommendations — for home, for school, and for any follow-up support. This document can be shared with teachers, specialists, school psychologists, or pediatricians.
Commonly Asked
How long does the evaluation process take?
From initial consultation to feedback session, most evaluations take three to six weeks. Thetimeline 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 collegeage.
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.