Comprehensive Pediatric Autism Evaluation in Madison, WI
Diagnostic Clarity & Answers Without the Wait
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Comprehensive Autism Evaluations
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ADOS-2 and ADI-R Gold-Standard Assessments
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Typically Scheduled Within 2 Weeks
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Individualized Recommendations and Guidance
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$1,200 All-Inclusive; With Written Report
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No Referral Needed; No Membership Required
Autism Evaluation
As a pediatric doctor, Dr. Susan has experience caring for children with autism for over twenty years. In that time, she has encountered many frustrated parents who were unable to get a timely evaluation of their children for autism. Consequently, she obtained formal training to allow her to perform the diagnostic evaluation in her own clinic.
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Prompt Evaluations – Evaluations are typically scheduled within 2 weeks. No waiting 3 to 12 months for the evaluation. No referral needed. Patients do not need to be members of Dr. Susan's pediatrics practice for an autism evaluation.
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Validated Evaluation – Autism assessment is performed using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd edition (ADOS-2) in-person evaluation, widely regarded as gold-standard diagnostic instruments. Her detailed report documents DSM-5-TR criteria and can be shared with ABA providers, insurers, your child’s school, and county programs such as Children's Long Term Support (CLTS). Each organization has its own approval process, and we’re happy to help you understand next steps.
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Who We Evaluate – We evaluate children and adolescents from age 2 through 17. For toddlers under 2 with developmental concerns, we recommend starting with your pediatrician and Wisconsin’s Birth to 3 Program. Young adults 18 and older should seek an adult diagnostic provider.
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What to Expect – Each evaluation includes:
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60 – 90-minute telehealth diagnostic interview (ADI-R) with parents or caregivers
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60 – 90-minute in-person observation assessment (ADOS-2)
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Follow-up in-person or telehealth visit to discuss findings and recommendations
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Written report with findings and recommendations, often completed within two weeks of initial interview.
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Price – Cost of full evaluation is $1,200. Insurance is not accepted as payment.
Is an Autism Evaluation Right for My Child?
Parents often seek an evaluation when they notice differences in how their child communicates, plays, or relates to others. Common reasons families reach out include:
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Toddlers and preschoolers: delayed speech, limited eye contact or response to their name, little interest in pretend play or in showing things to others, or repetitive movements or play.
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School-age children: difficulty making or keeping friends, rigid routines or intense focused interests, strong reactions to sounds, textures, or changes, or concerns raised by teachers.
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Teens: ongoing social difficulties, feeling “different” from peers, or exhaustion from masking. These patterns are often missed earlier, especially in girls and in verbally strong children.
You don’t need to be certain before reaching out. If you’re unsure whether an evaluation makes sense, a free 15-minute call with Dr. Susan can help you decide.
What This Evaluation Does — and Doesn’t — Include
Dr. Susan’s evaluation is focused specifically on answering one question: does your child meet diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder? It includes the ADI-R parent interview, the ADOS-2 observation, a feedback visit, and a written report.
The evaluation does not include:
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Cognitive/IQ testing, adaptive behavior testing, or speech-language evaluation
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Diagnosis or treatment of other conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities, or sleep or feeding concerns
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Ongoing medical care or medication management
Some schools, therapy providers, or insurers may request additional testing, such as cognitive or speech-language assessments. If so, Dr. Susan can let you know what types of evaluations may be helpful.
What If It’s Not Autism?
Many families worry about paying for an evaluation that doesn’t result in a diagnosis. If your child does not meet criteria for autism, Dr. Susan will explain what she observed and what may be contributing to your concerns.
If other concerns come up during the evaluation, such as attention, mood, or behavior, Dr. Susan may recommend a separate visit through her pediatric practice or with another provider to look into them further. These concerns are not diagnosed or treated as part of the autism evaluation.
About Dr. Susan
Dr. Susan Hetzel Frangiskakis, MD, DABOM, CLC, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician with more than twenty years of experience caring for children with autism and developmental differences. She has completed formal training in the ADOS-2 and ADI-R and previously evaluated diagnostically complex children as a member of the Diagnostic Referral Group at the University of Pittsburgh. [Read Dr. Susan’s full bio →]
Frequently Asked Questions
My family had Dr. Susan for our Pediatrician and the care was unmatched. Not only was she knowledgeable, but she genuinely cared about our children. When our oldest was seriously ill, Dr. Susan made regular visits to the hospital and stepped in to advocate for our child. Without her, our oldest child would have continued to progress badly and suffer needlessly with other treatments. Even after we had to move away, she remained caring and asked about our children. We are eternally grateful for her care and would recommend Dr. Susan for any family seeking a Pediatrician for their family!