Psychological Testing for Children and Adolescents
The purpose of psychological testing is to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s strengths and areas for growth. These insights help inform targeted treatment planning across social, adaptive, communication, and educational domains. If you have concerns about your child or adolescent’s behavior or development, psychological testing can offer meaningful clarity and guidance to support their unique needs.
Available Services
The St. Louis Autism Testing Center offers a variety of assessment and therapy services for individuals 12 months of age to 19 years old. These services are available for children and adolescents with AND without a concern or diagnosis of autism. Services range from autism-focused evaluations to academic achievement testing and sleep therapy for infants to parent coaching for children with ADHD. Please call our office to ask questions or look below for more information.
Developmental Screenings and Comprehensive Autism Evaluations
- Developmental Screenings (Birth through age 4): If you or your child’s provider(s) have concerns for developmental delays in speech/language, motor skills, emotion regulation, or social skills, our Center offers brief screenings to provide valuable information about your child’s strengths and areas of growth. Developmental screenings look broadly at communication and social skills, problem-solving skills, play, and behaviors to guide treatment planning to ensure your child is set up to be successful. These appointments range from 1 to 2 hours and use parent interview, behavior rating scales, and observation to provide information about your child’s development relative to same-aged peers. These appointments are offered in person or via telehealth. Price: $500
- Autism Evaluations (16 months old through age 19): Alternatively, comprehensive autism-focused evaluations are also available for those interested in knowing whether or not their child meets criteria for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These evaluations consist of cognitive/IQ testing, behavioral and emotional questionnaires, and the gold-standard test used to assess for ASD, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). The appointment consists of a parent/child interview, testing, and feedback within a 3 to 5-hour timespan depending on the age and needs of the child. A full report and tailored treatment recommendations are provided. Price: $1500 (payment plans available!)
Psychoeducational and IQ/Gifted Evaluations
- Psychoeducational Testing (8 to 19 years old): These evaluations assess cognitive/IQ ability and academic achievement across math, reading, and written expression skills in school-aged children and high school students. They are helpful at identifying discrepancies between your child’s problem-solving skills and performance at school. Testing consists of a full IQ test, academic achievement testing, parent/teacher interview or questionnaires, and feedback to discuss test data. Price: $2000 (payment plans available!)
- IQ/Gifted Testing (5 to 19 years old): Overall IQ reflects a combination of verbal and nonverbal reasoning abilities, including skills such as working memory, visual-spatial problem-solving, and processing speed. If you or your child’s school are considering placement in a gifted program or exploring advanced academic opportunities, a comprehensive IQ assessment can provide valuable information to support those decisions. Price: $500
General Psychological Evaluations
- Anxiety/Mood Disorders: Psychological testing for anxiety and mood disorders helps clarify emotional and behavioral concerns by identifying underlying patterns in thinking, mood regulation, and coping strategies. This type of assessment provides a clearer understanding of diagnoses such as generalized anxiety, depression, or mood dysregulation, and guides personalized treatment planning to best support emotional well-being. Price: $500
- ADD/ADHD or Behavior Disorders: Psychological testing for ADD/ADHD and behavioral disorders, such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), provides a comprehensive understanding of attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, and behavior patterns. This type of evaluation helps clarify diagnoses, differentiate between overlapping symptoms, and guide effective strategies for home, school, and therapy settings. Price: $500
Additional Services
- Parent Coaching/Parent Management Training: Individual or group-based support for parents of children with autism, ADHD, or behavioral challenges. These sessions provide practical strategies to manage behaviors, strengthen parent-child relationships, and promote skill development in everyday routines. Initial Consultation: $155, Follow-Up Sessions: $95
- Sleep Therapy: Offered in both in person and telehealth formats, sleep therapy focuses on improving sleep hygiene and addressing behavioral sleep concerns. Services are tailored to help children and families establish healthy sleep routines and overcome common sleep challenges. Initial Consultation: $155, Follow-Up Sessions: $95
- Professional Consultations: Expert consultation for schools, therapists, and medical professionals working with neurodivergent children and adolescents. Services include case reviews, diagnostic clarification, and recommendations for intervention and support strategies. Price: $150/hour
The St. Louis Autism Testing Center
The Center is run by a licensed child psychologist in collaboration with speech/language pathologists and other behavioral specialists.
Dr. Poelker has devoted her career to working with children and adolescents with autism and related developmental and psychological concerns. Through years of focused training and clinical experience, she has developed a deep understanding of diagnostic assessment and evidence-based treatment planning. Her approach is rooted in compassion, clinical precision, and a commitment to supporting families through every step of the diagnostic process.
At the heart of Dr. Poelker’s work is a dedication to helping families gain meaningful insight into their child’s strengths and challenges—whether through early identification in young children or clarification of complex presentations in adolescents.
Mission Statement
To provide high-quality, individualized evaluations for children and adolescents—empowering families with accurate diagnoses and actionable insights that support growth, understanding, and long-term success.
Please contact the Center at (314)-557-9797.
