CHILD AUTISM ASSESSMENTS AND EVALUATIONS NEAR MONTCLAIR, NJ + SURROUNDING AREAS
Compassionate and developmentally grounded Autism evaluations, assessments, and testing for children ages 0–12. Serving families near Montclair, Glen Ridge, Ridgewood, Franklin Lakes, Wayne, and across New Jersey through in-person and virtual assessment components.
Understanding Your Child’s Development Through a Comprehensive Autism Evaluation in New Jersey
When a child shows differences in communication, play, behavior, or social interactions, caregivers often feel overwhelmed with questionS
“Is this autism?”
“Is my child delayed?”
“How do I know what’s typical?”
“What should I do next?”
You don’t have to
navigate this alone.
At Early Branches Child & Family Psychology, I provide comprehensive, developmentally sensitive, trauma-informed autism assessments that offer families clarity, direction, and hope in New Jersey. Evaluations are thorough, evidence-based, and always conducted with warmth and respect for your child’s strengths, identity, and unique developmental profile.
Early Signs of Autism in Infants, Toddlers, and Children: When to Seek an Evaluation
Families often seek an AUTISM evaluation when they notice:
Differences in eye contact or social engagement
Delayed speech or communication
Limited gestures or facial expressions
Repetitive behaviors or routines
Sensory sensitivities or sensory seeking
Challenges with flexibility or transitions
Play that looks different from peers
Difficulty engaging with other children
Intense interests or preferences
Emotional regulation challenges
Not every child
showing these signs
has autism,
but they may benefit
from an assessment
to understand what is
contributing to the behaviors.
MY Approach to Autism Testing in NJ For Infants, Toddlers, and Children ages 0-12
Autism evaluations at Early Branches are designed to give you clear, meaningful insight into your child’s development. The goal is not simply a diagnosis but a deeper understanding of your child’s communication style, social development, play patterns, sensory needs, and emerging skills.
ADOS-Trained Evaluation
I am formally trained in administering the ADOS, the gold-standard tool for assessing autism across ages and developmental levels.
Specialization in Young Children
With extensive training in evaluating infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and early school-age children, I provide the kind of nuanced interpretation that general providers may miss. Families leave with clear, actionable recommendations they can begin using right away at home, at school, and in the community.
Trauma-Informed and Attachment-Aware
Many experiences can look like autism in young children. Anxiety, ADHD, sensory-processing differences, trauma, chronic stress, and attachment disruptions can all create behaviors that resemble autism. I use specialized, evidence-based assessment tools to differentiate these possibilities with accuracy and care, ensuring families receive answers that truly fit their child.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM a Comprehensive Autism Evaluation in New Jersey for Children Ages 0–12
STEP ONE
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation is the best way to explore whether my approach aligns with your family’s needs.
STEP TWO
I conduct a comprehensive Autism evaluation and assessment including IQ neuropsychological testing
Caregiver Interview
A warm, collaborative discussion exploring development, strengths, concerns, early milestones, routines, sensory needs, play, communication, and family history.
STANDARDIZED QUESTIONNAIRES
You may be asked to complete screening tools related to autism traits, emotional/behavioral needs, adaptive functioning, and developmental skills.
REVIEW OF RECORDS
If available, I incorporate prior evaluations, IEPs, medical information, or school reports to ensure a comprehensive understanding.
CHILD OBSERVATION
Using the ADOS and other observation tools, I assess communication, social engagement, play, imitation, flexibility, and sensory behaviors. Sessions are playful and comfortable for the child.
Iq TESTING
With age-appropriate intelligence tests, I assess a child’s thinking and learning skills. This helps determine whether any developmental delays are present, highlights their cognitive strengths and challenges, and provides a clearer picture of their overall functioning.
STEP THREE
CLEAR RESULTS & SUPPORTIVE FOLLOW-UP
You will receive a clear, in-depth written report that covers diagnostic impressions, developmental patterns, strengths, areas of concern, and practical recommendations. In our follow-up meeting, we review the results, address questions, and map out next steps with care and clarity.
FAQS FOR AUTISM ASSESSMENTS NEAR MONTCLAIR, NJ + SURROUNDING AREAS
What signs suggest that an autism evaluation may be helpful?
Differences in communication, play, social engagement, sensory processing, or behavior may warrant an assessment.
Will my child receive a diagnosis?
If criteria are met, a diagnosis is provided. If not, the evaluation will still clarify your child’s strengths and needs.
Do you consider trauma or attachment in the assessment?
Yes. Trauma-informed differential diagnosis is a core component of my approach.
DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?
I am currently private pay and do not accept insurance at this time. I am happy to create superbills for families who would like to submit to insurance for reimbursement. Benefits of private pay-
Privacy: Insurance companies often require a diagnosis and access to treatment notes. Not using insurance allows for more privacy for you and your family. You can also access treatment even if your child does not qualify for a diagnosis.
No restrictions: Insurance companies often limit how frequently someone can be seen, how many sessions they can have, and the type of therapy used.
Faster access: You do not have to wait for insurance to approve a provider or treatment or pause treatment if there are changes or issues with insurance.
HOW MUCH DO ASSESSMENTS COST?
Current fees for my assessment services start at $2000 depending on referral reason.
WHAT AGES DO YOU EVALUATE FOR AUTISM?
I assess children ages 0–12, including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and early school-age children.
Do you use the ADOS?
Yes. I am trained in the ADOS, the gold-standard tool for autism assessment.
Can part of the assessment be done virtually?
Yes. Caregiver interviews, questionnaires, and feedback can be completed virtually. The observational portion must be done in person.
How long does the evaluation process take?
Most assessments are completed within two to three weeks, depending on scheduling and the tools used.
How can I determine if this is the right fit?
A free 15-minute consultation is the best way to explore whether my approach aligns with your family’s needs.
Can this evaluation help with school services or an IEP?
Yes. Your report includes recommendations you may share with your school team.
How should I prepare my child?
I will send a handout to help you explain the process to your child and help them feel more comfortable.
Do you assess other developmental conditions?
Yes. Evaluations may also explore ADHD, developmental delays, trauma impact, mood concerns, or behavior patterns.
What if my child has been evaluated FOR AUTISM before?
A second opinion or updated evaluation can be valuable if new concerns have emerged or if you’d like more clarity.
How do you share results?
We review findings during a dedicated feedback session where you can ask any questions. This can be completed in person or virtually.
Do you evaluate for ADHD?
Yes, click here to learn more about ADHD ASSESSMENTS.
Meet Your EXPERT INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD Psychologist
Hi, i’m SAMANTHA
Child Psychologist and Infant Mental health Specialist
I’m a licensed psychologist with specialized training in infant and early childhood mental health, trauma, attachment, and child assessment. For more than a decade, I’ve supported children ages 0–12 and their families in healing, growing, and building hopeful futures.
MY PRACTICE IS BUILT ON
Warm, relational care
Deep developmental expertise
Evidence-based treatments designed specifically for young children experiencing stress or neurodivergence
A culturally informed, trauma-responsive lens
My goal is to make families feel welcomed, understood, and empowered.
MY PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
CHILD Therapy, Autism Evaluations, ADHD Testing, and Professional MENTAL HEALTH Services in montclair, New jersey
I provide specialized early childhood mental health services and assessments for infants, toddlers, and young children with in-person appointments available near Montclair, Glen Ridge, Ridgewood, Franklin Lakes, Wayne, and nearby New Jersey communities. Families outside these areas can access the same high-quality support through secure virtual services available throughout all of New Jersey and New York.
With advanced training in early childhood mental health, my services are designed specifically for young children and their caregivers. Whether your child is navigating big emotions, behavior challenges, developmental or sensory concerns, trauma, or you are seeking a comprehensive autism or ADHD assessment, I offer evidence-based, developmentally informed care tailored to early childhood.
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Child and Family Therapist for Emotional, Behavioral, and Developmental Needs in-person near Montclair, New Jersey + Surrounding Areas and virtually throughout New Jersey and New York.
Supporting children ages 0–12 years old through evidence-based treatments designed to strengthen emotional regulation, behavior, and the caregiver–child relationship.
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Gold-Standard Autism Evaluations for Children Ages 0–12 in New Jersey
Culturally informed, compassionate, and developmentally grounded autism evaluations using gold-standard tools, including the ADOS. Assessments include a thoughtful differential diagnosis process to help determine whether autism is present, rule out or clarify other contributing diagnoses, and provide a clear, accurate understanding of your child’s strengths and needs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT AUTISM ASSESSMENTS IN NORTH JERSEY -
Evaluations include a thorough differential diagnosis process to distinguish ADHD from other developmental, emotional, or behavioral conditions and to ensure families receive clear, accurate guidance and next steps.
Evidence-based ADHD evaluations that go deeper than checklists to understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and needs utilizing IQ, neuropsychological, and research-informed measures to evaluate. -
One of my favorite roles as a psychologist is being a reflective supervisor/ consultant to those doing the important work in helping others. In our work, it is important to take the time to reflect on the thoughts, feelings, and biases we are experiencing. This process is important not only to make sure we are providing the best services possible for children and families, but also to make sure we stay happy and healthy in our work to prevent burnout. I have experience supervising individuals of all training levels, professions, and backgrounds.
LEARN MORE ABOUT REFLECTIVE CONSULTATION, CASE CONSULTATION, AND CLINICAL SUPERVISION -
Professional Mental Health workshops, presentations, and trainings for agencies, schools, and organizations on early childhood mental health, trauma, diversity, development, and more.
Available virtually or in-person.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH PRESENTATIONS & TRAININGS
PROFESSIONAL ENDORSEMENTS
“Dr. Smith is a superb evaluator and diagnostician. She helps children and caregivers feel comfortable with the process and ensures the most accurate results by engaging everyone in a comprehensive and supportive evaluation. Professionals referring to her for diagnostic clarity are always impressed with the quality of the evaluation and her ability to answer the referral question and provide tailored recommendations.”
Jennifer Mitchell, PhD, IECMH-E®, PMH-C
“Dr. Smith is one of those rare people who is not only a highly skilled professional, but also a human being who lights up a room and spreads warmth and connection wherever she goes. She's part of a small group of mental health professionals who specialize in working with very young children and their families, fostering secure relationships and growth. She has a natural capacity to connect with her small clients and their adults. She has a way about herself that creates a sense of belonging, and she is a fierce advocate for including everyone! If I were looking for a therapist for my little one and myself, I would choose Dr. Sam!”
Dr. Ilse DeKoeyer
“Samantha is a warm, grounded, and highly skilled therapist. She brings clinical insight, genuine care, and a steady presence to her work. Her approach fosters growth, trust, and meaningful change and her guidance consistently helps children thrive.“
Margie Chastain, LCSW
“While I was Sam's supervisee, I felt heard, validated, and respected as a burgeoning mental health professional. In moments of difficulty, Sam showed me and my clients genuine compassion, offering psychoeducation that gave me diverse tools to tackle situations in unforeseen ways. With humor and authenticity, Sam's love for humanity was apparent in all of our supervision sessions, and she is a mentor I will seek guidance from as I continue on my professional journey.”
Elizabeth Malley
“I have been privileged to work closely with Samantha Smith, Psy.D, IMH-E as a Board member of the Utah Association for Infant Mental Health, for the past several years. Sam is an inspiration, always leading with heart, empathy, conviction, and courage. She backs up her emotional accessibility with a strong intellect committed to optimizing the care of stressed young children and their overwhelmed families. She also brings her deep caring to the emotional support of her co-workers through reflective supervision.”
William Cosgrove, MD
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr. Samantha Smith through the Utah Association for Infant Mental Health for several years and have seen firsthand the depth of her knowledge, care, and leadership. She is widely respected state-wide for her expertise in early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, and supporting nurturing caregiving relationships. Dr. Smith brings a deep commitment to promoting equity and high-quality care for young children and their families.”
Alysse M. Loomis, PhD, LCSW
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE EARLY BRANCHES FOR AUTISM ASSESSMENTS AND EVALUATIONS IN MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY + SURROUNDING AREAS
Families consistently share that they feel heard, understood, and supported throughout the process.
Deep specialization in early childhood,
including infants and toddlersADOS-trained autism evaluator
General differential diagnosis
Culturally responsive approach
Thorough, developmentally grounded evaluations
Warm and patient with children of all temperaments
Clear communication with caregivers
Actionable guidance and support
And you’ll never feel alone in the process.
Schedule a VIRTUAL Child Therapy or Assessment Consultation
You deserve a therapist who deeply understands early childhood and who genuinely cares about your family’s future.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation
to discuss your concerns, ask questions,
and see whether we’re a good fit.