Autism Evaluation & Diagnosis for Children in Fishers, IN
Clear answers, a whole-child picture, and a plan you can act on, from toddlerhood through the teen years.
Wondering if your child might be autistic? You don't have to figure it out alone. Dr. Kelsey Shively, PhD, HSPP, provides comprehensive autism evaluations in Fishers for families from Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Zionsville, and north Indianapolis.
We're one of the few practices in the area equipped to evaluate children from birth through adolescence, so we can see your toddler now and stay on their care team as they grow.
Short waits, not months: consult calls within days · intake typically about 2 weeks out · book testing within weeks. Many major hospital systems have much longer waits. See current availability.
Book a free 10-minute consult · Call (317) 456-2321
When to consider an autism evaluation
Every child develops on their own timeline, but some patterns are worth a closer look:
Toddlers and preschoolers
Limited eye contact, pointing, or showing you things they find interesting
Not responding to their name consistently
Delayed speech, or words that appeared and then were lost
Preferring to play alone, or lining up and sorting toys instead of pretend play
Big reactions to sounds, textures, or changes in routine
School-age children and teens
Trouble making or keeping friends, or reading social cues
Intense, focused interests
A strong need for sameness, routines, or rules
Sensory sensitivities, meltdowns, or shutdowns after school
Anxiety or feeling "different," especially in girls and kids who mask their differences
No single sign means a child is autistic. An evaluation sorts out whether it's autism, a language difference, ADHD, anxiety, or something else.
What's included in an autism evaluation at Hive
Tailored to your child's age, language level, and your questions, an evaluation may include:
Intake visit (90–120 minutes, in person or online): developmental, medical, school, and family history, plus your goals. This length is typical for intakes across all of our testing types.
ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition): gold-standard, play-based observation of social communication, interaction, play, and behavior, matched to your child's level.
CARS-2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale, 2nd Edition): combines direct observation with caregiver report.
Developmental, cognitive, and language testing as needed (e.g., Bayley-4 for infants and toddlers, WPPSI-IV or WISC-V, CELF-5 or CELF Preschool).
Adaptive behavior assessment: everyday communication, social, and self-care skills.
Parent and teacher rating forms, plus, with permission, input from therapists, physicians, or teachers.
Screening for co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, mood, or behavior concerns. Dual diagnosis is one of Dr. Shively's clinical specialties.
A comprehensive written report with diagnostic impressions and practical, individualized recommendations.
A 60-minute feedback session, in person or online.
All testing with your child takes place in person at our Fishers office.
Why families choose Hive
Specialized training. Dr. Shively trained in Ohio State University's Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities psychology program. At Nationwide Children's Hospital, she evaluated children on teams with neurology, developmental-behavioral pediatrics, and speech-language pathology.
Strengths-focused. We see your child as a whole person, not a list of challenges. One Carmel parent said: "You saw her in her entirety and gave voice to her character and heart."
Kid-friendly. Testing is play-based for young children, with breaks built in, and parents may stay in the room. As one Fishers mom shared, "My daughter was comfortable and said she had fun during testing!"
Flexible. Choose a targeted assessment, a comprehensive evaluation, or something in between.
What a diagnosis can open up
Insurance often requires a licensed psychologist's diagnosis to cover services like ABA, speech, or occupational therapy, counseling, or social skills groups.
Your report can also inform your school's evaluation for an IEP or 504 plan. (Your school makes its own eligibility decisions. Learn how private and school evaluations differ.)
Pricing: transparent and flat-fee
Hive is private-pay, with fixed, upfront prices and no surprise bills.
Phone consult: 10 minutes, free
Intake visit: 90–120 minutes, $240 (typical for intakes across all testing types)
Evaluation: a flat, value-based fee, generally $1,200–$2,800, based on your child's age, the referral question, and testing needed. Combined evaluations (e.g., autism + ADHD + learning) can run up to about $4,000. Your exact fee is set after intake, and you'll get a written Good Faith Estimate before deciding on testing.
Included: extra caregiver interviews as needed, collateral interviews, record review, all testing, scoring and report writing, a copy of the final report, and one 60-minute feedback appointment.
Payment: we don't take insurance, but HSA and FSA cards work. On request, we provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement (not guaranteed).
Current availability
Many major hospital systems have very long waits. At Hive, the typical timeline is:
Free 10-minute consult call: within days
Intake visit: about 2 weeks out
Testing: within weeks
Timing varies with your child's needs and the season. Book a free consult or call (317) 456-2321 for current openings.
Serving Fishers and surrounding communities
Our office is at 8977 Technology Drive, Suite B, in Fishers. Families come from Fishers and Geist, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Zionsville, and greater Indianapolis.
Intake and feedback can be online, so you only come in for testing.
Frequently asked questions
How young can my child be evaluated for autism?
Hive evaluates children from birth through adolescence, and the ADOS-2 has a toddler module for very young children. Autism evaluations typically start at about age 2, sometimes earlier, and early identification means earlier support.
Very early results can change as a child develops, so we may recommend a follow-up. Not sure if it's too early? Start with a free 10-minute consult.
Do I need a referral from my pediatrician?
No. You can contact us directly. If your pediatrician suggested an evaluation, we'll gladly coordinate with them once you sign a release.
Do you take insurance?
No, but you can pay with a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA). Some insurers reimburse for evaluations, and we can provide a superbill. Some plans require prior authorization, and an insurer may not consider a clinically relevant evaluation medically necessary.
How long does testing take?
One to several hours, depending on your child's age, the concerns, and their energy that day. We try to finish in one session but sometimes schedule more.
What should I tell my child before the appointment?
For younger children, keep it simple: they'll play games and do activities with a new grown-up. For older kids, explain it helps everyone understand how their brain works so school and home feel easier. Good sleep and a healthy meal help.
Will I get a report I can share with my child's school?
Yes. You'll typically receive a comprehensive written report at your feedback session. It's your private property, and you decide who sees it. With your written permission, we're glad to collaborate with your school.
What if my child isn't diagnosed with autism?
That's still valuable information. Outcomes can't be guaranteed and don't always match the first concern, but you'll leave with a clearer picture of strengths, needs, and next steps, plus referrals when appropriate.
Does Hive provide autism therapy?
Hive focuses on evaluation and isn't currently accepting new treatment patients. Your report will include individualized recommendations and referrals to ABA, speech, occupational therapy, or other services as appropriate.
Ready to take the next step?
You don't need all the answers before you call. That's what we're here for.
Book a free consult · (317) 456-2321 · hello@hivecd.com
Related: ADHD Evaluations · Birth-to-5 Developmental Evaluations · IEP & 504 Evaluations · Testing Capabilities