Tips for a Successful Visit to the Cope Center for Autism

Welcome to the Cope Center! We’re happy that you’ll be joining us for an autism evaluation.

Here’s what you can expect:

Our staff will administer an autism test called the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). The Nurse Practitioner will watch your child play with toys and interact with others. The test takes approximately 60-90 minutes.

When the test is finished, our Nurse Practitioner will discuss the results of the evaluation and provide a written copy of the report within seven days, which can be used to obtain services through insurance and at your school.

A parent support specialist will explain the basics of autism, therapy, insurance, and school.

To make that time more productive, please:

• Leave siblings at home or bring another adult to watch them. We have a waiting room.
• Our staff speak English and Spanish. For alternative languages, please bring a translator.
• Please bring two snacks.
• Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the necessary paperwork.
• If you need to cancel an appointment, please notify us 24 hours ahead of the appointment. Clients who fail to arrive at their appointment without notification will be charged $50.
• Only the legal guardian of the child can accompany the child to the appointment.