Healing Through Play,
Growth Through Connection
Autism Assessment: Celebrate Your Unique Way of Thinking
Gain clarity, validation, and a path forward with our neurodiversity-affirming approach.
Neuro-Affirming, Strengths-Based Evaluations for Kids & Adults
In-person or telehealth services in Gainesville and North Florida
Wondering if you or your child might be autistic? Seeking a diagnosis can feel overwhelming but it can also be the first step toward understanding, acceptance, and accessing the right support.
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At Play and Wellness Center, we believe neurodiversity is a natural part of human diversity. Our Autism assessments are designed to be affirming, strengths-based, and trauma-informed, honoring your or your child’s unique way of thinking, learning, and engaging with the world. We use current, evidence-based tools, such as the MIGDAS-2, to capture your or your child’s unique experiences, without pathologizing differences. Because every person’s brain works differently, and there’s no 'one right way' to think, learn, or engage with the world.
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Ready to gain clarity about your or your child’s neurotype?
Why We Use the MIGDAS-2
The MIGDAS-2 is a sensory-based, narrative interview that invites individuals to share their worldviews in a way that feels natural and respectful. The process begins with a discussion of your preferred interests and sensory profile, allowing us to explore your experiences across the key areas impacted by autism.
This narrative method reduces the performative demands often present in other assessments. Instead of focusing on deficits or how well someone "passes" as neurotypical, the MIGDAS-2 celebrates strengths and differences, providing a comprehensive behavioral profile that describes your unique way of relating to the world. This profile supplements assessment scores and informs diagnosis, interventions, and support planning.
Unlike traditional deficit-based models, the MIGDAS-2 aligns with our neurodiversity-affirming approach, ensuring the process feels therapeutic, collaborative, and empowering.
Why Not the ADOS-2?
The MIGDAS-2 and ADOS-2 are both valid tools for assessing autism, but they take very different approaches.
The ADOS-2 is an examiner-driven assessment that focuses on social communication skills. It was originally designed for clinical research settings and is often (inaccurately) referred to as the "gold standard" for autism diagnosis. While some institutions (like school districts) may still require the ADOS-2 for services, it has limitations:
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It can be less sensitive to females, individuals with high IQ, or those from marginalized communities.
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It may miss highly camouflaging adults who have learned to mask their traits in social settings.
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Many autistic adults report that the ADOS-2 process feels performative or infantilizing.
The MIGDAS-2, on the other hand, is a sensory-based interview that allows you or your child to tell the story of your lived experiences in a way that feels authentic and comfortable. We’ve chosen the MIGDAS-2 because it aligns with our neurodiversity-affirming values and centers the voices of autistic adults and clinicians who advocate for its use.
Risks and Considerations...
While a formal diagnosis can provide clarity, validation, and access to support, it’s important to consider potential risks. A diagnosis may impact:
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Life insurance coverage (some providers may deny or limit coverage).
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Military service (ADHD and autism may affect eligibility or clearance).
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Custody or legal proceedings (diagnoses can sometimes be used in court).
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Immigration or travel (some countries have restrictions for neurodivergent individuals).
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Social stigma (unfortunately, bias still exists).
We encourage you to weigh the benefits and risks and discuss any concerns with us during your consultation. Your privacy and autonomy are our top priorities.
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Note: Our assessments are not neuropsychological evaluations and cannot be used for federal disability paperwork, IEPs, or forensic evaluations. However, they are sufficient for 504 plans, workplace accommodations, and school support.
Assessment Process
Pediatric Assessments
Our pediatric assessments are developmentally appropriate, playful, and child-centered while still giving you the clinical results you need. We work closely with you and your child to understand their strengths, challenges, and unique way of engaging with the world.
What's Included in a Pediatric Assessment:
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Initial Consultation: A 60 to 90-minute session to discuss your concerns, goals, and your child’s history. Forms will be given to collect data from other relevant sources in your child's life.
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Assessment Sessions: Play-based and standardized tools (e.g., rating scales and sensory-based interviews) to understand your child’s neurotype, strengths, and areas of support.
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Collaborative Feedback: A follow-up session to review results, provide a strengths-based report, and discuss recommendations for home, school, and community support.
Adult Assessments
Many adults seek assessments after years of feeling "different" or struggling with focus, organization, emotional regulation, or sensory sensitivities. Our adult assessments are respectful, trauma-informed, and tailored to your lived experience.
What's Included in an Adult Assessment:
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Pre-Evaluation Questionnaires: You’ll complete forms to share your history, experiences, and goals.
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Assessment Sessions:
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A 120-minute interview (can be split) using the MIGDAS-2, a sensory-based, narrative tool.
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Collateral Input (Optional): With your permission, we can gather insights from loved ones or previous providers.
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Feedback Session: A 45-minute appointment to review results, provide a diagnostic letter, and discuss recommendations for work, relationships, and self-advocacy.
Is this assessment
right for you?
Our adult assessments may be a good fit if you:​​
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- Have always felt "different" in social situations or sensory experiences.
- Struggle with communication, even if you’ve developed coping strategies.
- Suspect you or your child might be autistic and want formal confirmation.
- Are seeking validation, self-understanding, or access to accommodations
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- Have a child or family member who is neurodivergent and see similarities in yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you may still have questions about the assessment process. Here are answers to some of the most common ones:
​Yes! We offer a combined assessment at a reduced fee for those who suspect both.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re seeking answers for yourself or your child, we’re here to help. Request an Appointment or contact us to learn more about how our assessments can provide clarity and support.
Serving Gainesville, Alachua, High Springs, Newberry, and surrounding Florida communities.
Telehealth offered statewide to Florida residents