Expert Autism Evaluation in Orlando for Toddlers, Children & Teens

I view autism not as a disorder, but as a neurodevelopmental difference—a unique way of interacting, communicating, and experiencing the world. Because autism is a spectrum, my first step is always to understand an individual's unique profile of strengths and challenges. To achieve this, I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations for toddlers, children, and adolescents using gold-standard instruments like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). As a psychiatrist certified in the ADOS-2 Toddler Module, I specialize in the early and accurate assessment of young children. My commitment is to provide diagnostic clarity and manage any co-occurring mental health conditions, supporting families from Lake Nona to Winter Park and across Central Florida.

ASD Child showing autism sensory/social processing.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism impacts brain development, influencing how individuals perceive and socialize with others. Key characteristics often include differences in social communication and interaction, along with focused interests, repetitive behaviors, or distinct sensory sensitivities. To learn more about the characteristics and nuances of the spectrum, read our detailed guide: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder. It's crucial to remember the diversity within the spectrum – "If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." Many autistic individuals also experience co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, or OCD.

Step 2: ADOS-2 & CARS-2 Autism Testing

We use a combination of gold-standard instruments to ensure a thorough and accurate evaluation. This includes the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), which is considered the 'gold standard' for observing communication, social interaction, and play. This assessment is play-based and standardized to be engaging for your child. We complement this with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS-2), a diagnostic rating scale that helps us systematically evaluate the degree of autism-related characteristics. Using both tools provides a comprehensive and reliable diagnostic picture. Our practice is fully certified to administer the ADOS-2, including the specialized Toddler Module for children as young as 12 months.

Step 3: A Comprehensive Diagnosis for Your Child

The Importance of Comprehensive Assessment & Coordinated Support

Receiving an accurate ASD diagnosis from a qualified professional (like a psychiatrist or psychologist) can be validating and essential for accessing appropriate support and understanding oneself or a loved one better. Comprehensive evaluation also involves identifying common co-occurring conditions. Effective support for autistic individuals often requires a collaborative team approach, potentially involving behavioral therapists (like ABA providers), speech therapists, occupational therapists, educators, psychologists, and medical doctors.

Your Psychiatrist's Role: Expert Evaluation and Support for Autistic Individuals

As an autism psychiatrist in Orlando, my role is to provide crucial components of your care within a supportive and collaborative framework. This is consistent with my Approach:

Expert Psychiatric Evaluation & Diagnosis: Using evidence-based tools like the ADOS-2, I conduct thorough assessments to evaluate for Autism Spectrum Disorder across the lifespan. This includes differentiating ASD from other conditions and identifying frequently co-occurring diagnoses like ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, or OCD.
Management of Co-occurring Conditions: A primary focus is treating associated mental health challenges. Effectively managing anxiety, depression, ADHD symptoms, sleep disturbances, or significant irritability can dramatically improve an autistic individual's quality of life, participation, and overall well-being.
Targeted Medication Management: Carefully prescribing and monitoring medications to treat co-occurring psychiatric conditions or specific behavioral symptoms (like significant irritability or aggression). It's important to understand that medication does not treat the core characteristics of autism itself, but rather associated conditions and challenges.
Collaboration with Your Support Network: Actively communicating and coordinating care with the individual's therapists (ABA, Speech, OT), school personnel, primary care physician, psychologist, and family members is essential for an integrated support plan. I understand that supporting autistic teens can involve navigating behavioral challenges; understanding effective communication strategies can be helpful for families, as discussed in my post on Communicating with Teenagers About Behavior. My overall collaborative approach aims to support the individual within their entire network.
Education and Resources: Helping individuals and families understand ASD and co-occurring conditions, navigate resources, and challenge common mental health myths. Discussing overall wellness, including the potential benefits of physical activity for mood and energy, or considering links between past experiences like ACEs and current mental health, may also be part of the process.

Ishdeep Narang, MD. Autism Evaluation, Child Psychiatrist, Orlando, Florida

From my clinical experience, what is often perceived as a ‘symptom’ of autism is actually a completely understandable reaction to the stress caused by an underlying, untreated condition like anxiety or sensory overload. By addressing the co-occurring condition directly, we often see a significant reduction in distress and an improved quality of life.

ACES Psychiatry

Expert Autism Evaluation in Orlando for Toddlers, Children & Teens