Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessments in Ottawa and Gatineau

What Is an ASD Assessment?

An ASD assessment is a structured evaluation used to determine whether an individual meets diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder. These assessments often include:

• A clinical interview with the client and/or caregivers
• Developmental, educational, and medical history review
• Standardized cognitive and behavioural testing
• Behavioural observations
• Questionnaires completed by parents, teachers, or partners
• Recommendations based on current functioning

In many cases, an ASD assessment also considers co-occurring concerns such as ADHD, learning disabilities, or anxiety.

ASD Assessments in Ottawa

Clients in Ottawa benefit from psychologists who are registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) and experienced in conducting autism assessments for children, adolescents, and adults.

Services are available in English and French, with in-person testing at our Ottawa office. Intake and feedback may be held online or in person, depending on the professional and the situation.

Ottawa-area psychologists also provide written reports that can be used to support:

• School-based accommodation requests (IEPs, special education services)
• University disability support
• Workplace accommodations and transition planning

ASD Assessments in Gatineau

In Gatineau, psychologists are members of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ) and provide ASD assessments tailored to the Quebec context. Services are offered in French and English, and assessments are appropriate for clients of all ages.

Clinicians in Gatineau are familiar with local school systems and community resources. Reports set out the findings and the recommendations. If the report is intended for a school service centre, a school board or a post-secondary institution, mention it at the outset, since each one has its own requirements. Recommendations may touch on:

• Accommodations with school service centres and school boards
• Child and adult disability supports
• Workplace and daily functioning planning

At Belleisle, standardized testing usually takes place in person. Depending on the situation and on the professional, some parts can sometimes be completed remotely. Intake and feedback may be held online or in person, depending on the professional and the situation.

What to Expect During the Assessment Process

1. Intake Interview (online or in person). The psychologist gathers information on developmental history, presenting concerns, and daily functioning. This session may be held online or in person, depending on the professional and the situation.

2. Standardized Testing. Testing is administered by the psychologist or by a psychometrist working under their supervision. Interpretation, the conclusions and any diagnosis remain the psychologist’s responsibility. The tasks assess cognition, language, memory, executive functioning, and social-emotional development.

3. Behavioural Observation and Informant Reports. Depending on age, clinicians may observe social interactions and gather feedback from parents, teachers, or partners.

4. Comprehensive Diagnostic Report and Feedback (online or in person). The psychologist integrates all findings into a report that includes diagnostic impressions (if applicable) and recommendations. A feedback session is then scheduled to review results and answer questions.

Why Work With Psychologists in the Belleisle Network?

• Availability varies from one professional to another, and current timelines are confirmed when you send a request
• Experience across age groups – from early childhood to adulthood
• Psychologists registered with the CPBAO in Ontario or the OPQ in Quebec, practising within their scope and competence
• Clear and practical reports – designed for use with schools, universities, or workplaces
• Option for bilingual services – French and English support available

Get Started with an ASD Assessment

To begin the process, please complete our contact form. We follow up to better understand your needs and, subject to availability, direct your request to a psychologist who offers ASD assessments in Ottawa or Gatineau.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ASD assessments be done online? Parts of the process (intake and feedback) may be held online or in person, depending on the professional and the situation. At Belleisle, standardized testing usually takes place in person, and some parts can sometimes be completed remotely, depending on the situation and on the professional.

Do you assess adults as well as children? Yes. Many clients seek a diagnosis in adulthood to better understand their experiences or access workplace accommodations.

Are reports suitable for school or post-secondary accommodations? Yes. Reports include detailed documentation to support formal requests for accommodations, including IEPs, post-secondary disability services, or job-related support.

Are the psychologists registered? The psychologists who conduct these assessments are registered with the CPBAO in Ontario or the OPQ in Quebec, depending on where they practise. You can check any professional’s registration in the public register of either body.

Are psychological assessments covered by OHIP or RAMQ? Assessments in private practice are generally not covered by OHIP or RAMQ. Coverage under private plans varies by contract and by the professional’s title; it is worth checking your plan before booking.

Request an Appointment

Fill out our contact form to get started. A physician’s referral is not required, though it is welcome and often helps contextualize your situation.

Related assessments and services: Child and teen therapy · ADHD assessments · Psychoeducational assessments

---

The content on this site is for informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a qualified health professional.