Autism Diagnostic Evaluations
Dr. Bowers has completed specialized training in diagnosing autism in children, teens and adults. Autism diagnostic assessments are comprehensive, and involve discussions with family members, teachers, therapists and spouses, and research-validated screening tools. In most cases the screening tools used include the SRS-2 combined with a structured interview based on the ADI-R.
Dr. Bowers is also experienced in the treatment of executive functioning difficulties associated with autism, irritability and aggression associated with autism, and anxiety and mood disorders in individuals with autism. These treatments are not always the same as for individuals without autism, due to sensitivities to medication side effects, and differing responses to medications in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Please reach out to Dr. Bowers for a free introductory call with any questions regarding her approach to medications in individuals with ASD.
What to Expect During an Autism Evaluation
Before scheduling an autism evaluation, a free 15-minute introductory call with Dr. Bowers is required. This call allows you to describe your concerns and helps Dr. Bowers determine whether a diagnostic evaluation is the appropriate next step.
Autism diagnostic assessments are comprehensive and typically require more time than a standard psychiatric evaluation. The process involves in-depth discussions with family members, teachers, therapists, and spouses, as well as direct observation of the individual being evaluated. In most cases, research-validated screening tools are used, including the SRS-2 combined with a structured interview based on the ADI-R.
Dr. Bowers has completed specialized training in diagnosing autism in children, teens, and adults. Following the evaluation, she will share her findings and discuss recommendations, which may include treatment for executive functioning difficulties, irritability, aggression, anxiety, or mood disorders associated with autism. Because individuals with autism may respond differently to medications than those without autism, Dr. Bowers takes particular care with prescribing in this population.
Free Introductory Call
Describe your concerns and determine whether a diagnostic evaluation is the right next step.
Diagnostic Evaluation
Comprehensive assessment using the SRS-2 and ADI-R, with input from family, teachers, and therapists.
Findings & Treatment Plan
Review of diagnosis, personalized recommendations, and integrative treatment options tailored to the individual.
Rates for Autism Evaluations
Bowers Integrative Psychiatry is a private-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly. A superbill can be provided for submission to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Initial Appointments
Children and adolescent intakes are typically 90 min. Time is split between parents and child.
Follow-Up Appointments
Visit length is determined by individual needs and level of complexity.
Other Services
Second opinions include record review, clinician coordination, and documentation.
For complete pricing details, visit the Rates & Fees page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Evaluations
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Dr. Bowers diagnoses autism in children, teens, and adults. Her specialized training in early childhood mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders equips her to evaluate individuals across the lifespan.
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In most cases, the SRS-2 (Social Responsiveness Scale) is used in combination with a structured interview based on the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised). The evaluation also involves discussions with family members, teachers, therapists, and spouses, along with direct observation.
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In-person appointments are recommended for autism evaluations, particularly for young children, as direct observation is an important part of the diagnostic process. Dr. Bowers offers in-person evaluations in Downtown Colorado Springs.
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Following the evaluation, Dr. Bowers will discuss her findings and develop a treatment plan. This may include treatment for executive functioning difficulties, irritability, aggression, anxiety, or mood disorders associated with autism. Medication may be considered, with particular care given to the fact that individuals with autism may respond differently to medications.
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Yes. Dr. Bowers is experienced in treating executive functioning difficulties, irritability and aggression associated with autism, and anxiety and mood disorders in individuals with autism. Because medication sensitivities and side effects can differ in individuals with autism, she takes particular care with prescribing for this population.
Autism Evaluations in Colorado Springs
Getting a comprehensive autism evaluation can involve long wait times, especially for families seeking a psychiatrist rather than a psychologist-only assessment. A psychiatric evaluation for autism offers the added benefit of being able to address co-occurring conditions and begin medication management within the same practice, rather than coordinating between multiple providers.
Dr. Bowers is one of the few board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists in the Colorado Springs area who provides autism diagnostic evaluations for children, teens, and adults. In-person evaluations are available at the Downtown office in the Wells Fargo Tower at 90 S Cascade Ave, serving families from across El Paso County and surrounding communities.
While in-person appointments are recommended for autism evaluations, follow-up treatment and medication management can be conducted via telehealth throughout Colorado and in four additional states: Maryland, Montana, New York, and Oregon. Book a free introductory call to discuss whether an autism evaluation is the right next step.
Learn More About Autism Evaluations
