Neuropsychology
Specialists, LLC
973.620.7291
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Dr. Hahn provides comprehensive autism evaluations for children, teens, and young adults throughout New Jersey, including Morris County, Bergen County, and Essex County. If you're concerned about your child's social communication, development, or behavior, a thorough evaluation can provide diagnostic clarity and a clear plan for support and next steps. Learn more about our neuropsychological evaluation services.
Understanding Autism Through Neuropsychological Assessment
Neuropsychological assessments help in confirming or clarifying a diagnosis of ASD using standardized tests and measures to objectively evaluate various cognitive, social and emotional functions. This is important because ASD can present with a wide range of symptoms and a thorough evaluation can help differentiate it from other developmental disorders or conditions, which may mask the diagnosis of ASD.
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Dr. Hahn uses objective measures to assess social skills as well as gathers input from parents and teachers to understand the child's functioning across environments.
Comprehensive Autism Evaluations in Morris County NJ
Dr. Hahn's comprehensive and holistic approach ensures that families in Morris County, Bergen County, and the surrounding tri-state area receive an accurate diagnosis that captures the full picture of each individual's strengths and challenges.
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Our autism evaluation includes:
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Clinical interview with parents about developmental history and current concerns
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Standardized cognitive and neuropsychological testing
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Assessment of social communication and interaction
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Input from teachers and other providers to understand functioning across settings
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Review of previous evaluations and developmental records
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Comprehensive written report with diagnostic findings and specific recommendations for home, school, and therapy
What to Expect During an Autism Evaluation
The autism evaluation process is designed to provide a complete understanding of social communication, behavior, and cognitive functioning. Testing is completed in one full day to provide a realistic assessment across an extended period. The day is structured with individualized breaks, outdoor time in our courtyard, and access to lawn games to help maintain comfort and engagement throughout the evaluation.
Most families meet with Dr. Hahn for an initial consultation within one month, with testing scheduled within 6-8 weeks. The complete process from intake to receiving your comprehensive report typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Why Choose Dr. Hahn for Autism Testing
Dr. Lisa Hahn is one of only four neuropsychologists in New Jersey with dual board certification in both clinical neuropsychology and pediatric neuropsychology. It is important to seek out a board-certified neuropsychologist - a neuropsychologist who has completed a Ph.D., a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in a medical setting, two or more years of experience in the field and has passed the rigorous board certification procedure, including preparation and submission of cases and an oral examination.
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As a parent herself, Dr. Hahn brings empathy, professional expertise, and personal understanding to every autism evaluation.
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What sets our approach apart:
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Expert in autism diagnosis, especially in females - recognizing presentations that are often missed
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Holistic approach to understanding the whole person
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Collaborative style - always includes teacher input and consults with other providers
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Comprehensive reports and in-depth analysis with feedback to ensure thorough understanding of strengths and challenges
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Ongoing support - very responsive to families via email and provides follow-up support to help families connect with community resources
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Virtual consultation options for family convenience (testing is in-person for accuracy)
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Our Parsippany office is centrally located to serve families across Morris County, Bergen County, Essex County, and surrounding areas. Learn more about Dr. Hahn's credentials and approach.
Autism Evaluations for Girls and Young Women
Autism in females is frequently underdiagnosed or diagnosed much later than in males, often not until adolescence or young adulthood. This delay occurs because girls and young women with autism are more likely to engage in social camouflaging—unconsciously mimicking peers, masking their social difficulties, and forcing themselves to make eye contact or engage in reciprocal conversation even when it feels unnatural.
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On the surface, girls with autism may appear to be developing typical social skills. However, the internal effort required to maintain these behaviors often leads to exhaustion, anxiety, and eventual burnout. By middle school or high school, many girls begin to struggle as social demands become more complex and harder to navigate through masking alone.
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Parents often describe their daughters as "quirky," socially awkward, having intense interests, struggling with sensory sensitivities, or experiencing significant anxiety—without recognizing these as potential signs of autism. A thorough neuropsychological evaluation can identify autism spectrum disorder in females even when symptoms don't match the more commonly recognized male presentation.
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Dr. Hahn is particularly passionate about evaluating autism in girls and young women, understanding the unique ways females present on the spectrum and ensuring they receive accurate diagnoses and appropriate support.
Ready to Schedule an Autism Evaluation?
If you're concerned about your child's social communication, development, or behavior, we're here to help. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn how a comprehensive autism evaluation can provide the clarity and direction you need.
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Learn about our other evaluation services
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Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Testing
How long does an autism evaluation take?
The full autism evaluation typically takes 4-6 weeks from your initial intake to receiving the comprehensive written report. Testing itself is completed in one full day, structured with breaks tailored to your child's needs.
What type of doctor diagnoses autism?
Autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed by licensed psychologists and neuropsychologists with specialized training in developmental and neuropsychological assessment. Dr. Hahn is a pediatric neuropsychologist with dual board certification in both clinical neuropsychology and pediatric neuropsychology, making her qualified to provide expert comprehensive autism evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults.
How does an autism evaluation work?
An autism evaluation involves a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment that includes a clinical interview about your child's developmental history, standardized testing to evaluate cognitive and social functioning, and input from parents and teachers. Dr. Hahn uses objective measures to assess social skills and understand your child's functioning across different environments. The evaluation helps confirm or clarify a diagnosis of autism and differentiates it from other developmental disorders.
Why do you test all in one day?
This provides a more similar comparison to "everyday life" in the school and home setting. The day is set up with one-on-one interaction, breaks based on each child's individual needs, lunch break with outdoor courtyard for fresh air and access to lawn games (mini golf, corn hole, etc.). Second testing sessions are scheduled if the child fatigues.
Do you accept insurance for autism evaluations?
Dr. Hahn is an out-of-network provider. She provides all necessary diagnostic and procedural codes so you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Many families receive partial reimbursement for out-of-network neuropsychological services.
How far out are you booking?
Dr. Hahn usually can meet with parents within a month and start testing within 6-8 weeks.
What areas in New Jersey do you serve?
Our office is located in Parsippany, NJ, and we serve families throughout Morris County, Bergen County, Essex County, Hunterdon County, Hudson County, Somerset County, and surrounding areas in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
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