Dr. Helena Johnson is a licensed clinical psychologist (license: PSY 21216) who specializes in diagnostic evaluations for individuals suspected of having an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delays. Evaluations are consistent with best practice guidelines for identifying an autism spectrum diagnosis. As a parent or family member, you may often notice behavior or symptoms in your child that are often associated with an autism spectrum diagnosis and thus require a thorough autism evaluation that targets your child’s social abilities, relationships with peers and you, communication or speech delays or inconsistencies, and day to day challenges. However, you may notice there are inconsistencies in a number of behaviors; that is, you may notice that one day your child seems to be on track and performing many skills, yet the next day you are concerned because s/he is not responding to you as expected, socializing as often, playing with toys as you see other children do, or meeting your gaze as you would like. Inconsistencies in a child's behavior and developmental skills can be a symptom of autism and an evaluation can clarify the problem. As a parent or family member, you may be concerned that any number of other possible conditions (e.g., anxiety, ADHD, OCD) may be overlooked if you seek an autism evaluation. Please know this is not the case. Because of the thoroughness of the autism evaluation and competence of the clinician in all childhood conditions, results can identify issues common in any number of diagnoses, not only autism, but depression, anxiety, inattention, or/and hyperactivity among others. A diagnostic evaluation teases apart these issues, provides answers to your questions and concerns, and gives direction on what is best for your child, family, and providers. Dr. Johnson is also available for school consultations and advocacy, school observations, program evaluations, individual therapy for high-functioning individuals, parenting classes, and social skills groups.
