Gulf Coast Family Services follows the Alabama Regional Autism Network recommendations for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for children, adolescents, and adults. We use numerous screenings, the intake clinical interview, and formal assessments, including the Gold-Standard to diagnose ASD, the ADOS-2, to collect information needed to determine a diagnosis.
Whenever possible, we require three raters to participate in the evaluation process. For children and adolescents that includes two immediate family members and one rater outside of the immediate family. It is best for the third rater to be a teacher; however, if a teacher is unavailable it can be an aunt, uncle, grandparent, family friend, former teacher, etc. who knows them well. For adults, three raters include the client and two additional raters - a spouse, partner, parent, family member, close friend, etc., someone who knows the client well.
Screenings and evaluations are sent to all raters except the client via email to be completed digitally. Following the intake session, testing session(s), and completing all assessments, a detailed psychological evaluation report is created for the client, which is presented at the results session. All reports are reviewed, consulted on, and signed by a clinical psychologist to provide additional confirmation of the validity of the assessments and diagnosis.
Treatment recommendations and resources are provided in the report, and, if necessary, referrals for further evaluations.
We often receive phone calls during times when we are unable to answer the phone. It can also be difficult for us to return phone calls between sessions. For more information or if you have questions, text us at 251-202-3887.
Gulf Coast Family Services strives to provide the most effective therapy strategies for each client. Unfortunately, many insurance companies force certain types of treatment modalities in order for therapists to receive reimbursement. It is not our desire to limit our services based on insurance restrictions.
Therefore, Gulf Coast Family Services does not file with insurance companies.* However, we offer super billing for clients to file for out-of-network provider reimbursements with their insurance. Please check with your provider to make sure your insurance provider allows such reimbursement.
* We offer discounted rates on testing for children on Medicaid and families making less than $100,000/year. We do not provide a Superbill for insurance reimbursement on discounted services.
For information on fees or to apply for discounted rates on testing, please click the link below.
