AUTISM SCREENINGS — Welcome to ADHD Counselling Canada

For many Canadians, obtaining a formal autism assessment can take two to three years or longer, leaving individuals without the clarity, validation, and practical guidance they need while waiting. Mountainside Wellness's Autism Screening service is designed to help bridge that gap.

Although the screening is not a formal medical diagnosis, it provides valuable clinical insight into whether an individual's experiences are consistent with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It can be a powerful first step toward greater self-understanding while waiting for, or deciding whether to pursue, a comprehensive diagnostic assessment.

Designed to Be Financially Accessible

Understanding yourself shouldn't be limited by the high cost of care.

Unlike many comprehensive autism assessments that can cost several thousand dollars, Mountainside Wellness has intentionally priced its Autism Screening service to be financially accessible, making professional neurodiversity-informed support available to more people.

More Than a Screening

The Autism Screening is completed over two private online sessions and explores areas including:

Developmental history
Childhood experiences
Communication and relationships
Sensory processing
Executive functioning
Emotional regulation
Daily functioning
Restricted and repetitive behaviours
Personal strengths and areas of challenge

Following the screening, each client receives a comprehensive, personalized report that goes far beyond simply summarizing the results.

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The report includes:

Clinical impressions
A detailed summary of autistic characteristics and presentation
Strengths and protective factors
Areas where autism-related traits may be affecting daily life
Personalized recommendations based on the individual's unique experiences
Practical strategies and tools
Treatment recommendations
Educational resources
Suggested accommodations and supports where appropriate
A detailed, individualized action plan outlining practical next steps, whether that involves therapy, coaching, workplace or educational accommodations, self-directed learning, or pursuing a formal diagnostic assessment

Rather than simply identifying autistic traits, the report is designed to provide clients with meaningful direction and actionable recommendations they can begin using immediately.

A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

Mountainside Wellness approaches autism through a neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed lens that recognizes autism as a natural variation in human neurology rather than something to be "fixed."

The screening process is designed to help individuals better understand how their brain works, recognize their strengths, identify barriers, and discover strategies that support long-term wellbeing.

Available Anywhere in Canada

Because the entire screening process is conducted securely online, clients can access the service from anywhere in Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, the Atlantic provinces, and the territories.

For individuals who have spent years wondering whether autism may explain their lifelong experiences, Mountainside Wellness's Adult Autism Screening offers an affordable and accessible opportunity to begin that journey now—without waiting years for answers. Combined with a comprehensive personalized report and individualized recommendations, the screening provides valuable insight and practical guidance to help clients move forward with greater confidence and self-understanding.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Autism Spectrum Disorder screening?

An Autism Spectrum Disorder screening is a structured clinical process that explores whether a person’s traits and experiences are consistent with autism.

Although the screening is not a formal medical diagnosis, it can provide meaningful insight, validation, and practical recommendations. It can also help someone decide whether pursuing a comprehensive diagnostic assessment may be beneficial.

Is this a formal autism diagnosis?

No. Mountainside Wellness provides a comprehensive autism screening, not a formal medical or psychological diagnosis.

The screening provides clinical impressions, a detailed personalized report, and recommendations for moving forward. It does not replace an assessment completed by a professional who is authorized to formally diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Who is the autism screening designed for?

The screening is designed for teenagers and adults who suspect they may be autistic or want to better understand their neurodivergent experiences.

It may be particularly helpful for people who:

Have always felt different from other people
Experience sensory sensitivities or frequent overwhelm
Find social interactions confusing or exhausting
Mask their natural behaviours around others
Experience challenges with routines or executive functioning
Already have ADHD and wonder whether they may also be autistic
Were overlooked during childhood
Want greater clarity before pursuing a formal diagnosis

Can the screening be completed anywhere in Canada?

Yes. Mountainside Wellness offers autism screenings through secure online video appointments, making the service available to clients anywhere in Canada.

Clients can participate from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada, or the territories without travelling to an office.

Why choose a screening instead of waiting for a diagnosis?

Accessing a formal autism assessment can take two to three years or longer in some parts of Canada. A screening allows someone to begin exploring and understanding their experiences without waiting years to start that journey.

The results can provide greater clarity, identify helpful supports, and offer practical strategies that can be used while waiting for a formal diagnosis or deciding whether a diagnostic assessment is the right next step.

How is the screening priced?

Mountainside Wellness has intentionally priced the screening to be financially accessible.

Formal autism assessments can cost several thousand dollars and may not be financially available to everyone. The screening offers a more affordable way to receive professional insight, a detailed report, and personalized recommendations.

Current pricing and booking information are available through Mountainside Wellness.

What happens during the autism screening?

The screening is completed through two private online sessions. Each session is approximately one hour long.

The process may explore areas such as:

Developmental and childhood history
Communication patterns
Social relationships and interactions
Sensory processing
Routines and repetitive behaviours
Focused interests
Executive functioning
Emotional regulation
Masking and social exhaustion
Daily strengths, barriers, and support needs

The process combines clinical conversation with evidence-informed screening tools.

What is included in the personalized report?

Following the screening, each client receives a comprehensive, personalized report based on their individual experiences, strengths, challenges, and goals.

The report may include:

Clinical impressions
A summary of identified potential autistic traits and experiences
Personal strengths and protective factors
Areas where additional support may be helpful
Practical tools and coping strategies
Treatment and counselling recommendations
Educational resources
Suggestions for school, work, relationships, or daily life
Recommendations related to pursuing a formal diagnosis

Does the report include a personalized plan?

Yes. The report includes a detailed and personalized plan based on the client’s unique needs, experiences, barriers, strengths, and goals.

The plan is designed to provide clear next steps rather than simply stating whether potential autistic traits were identified. Recommendations may relate to therapy, coaching, self-advocacy, emotional regulation, sensory needs, executive functioning, education, workplace supports, or pursuing a formal diagnostic assessment.

Can the report help while someone waits for a diagnosis?

Yes. The screening and personalized report can help someone begin their journey before a formal diagnosis becomes available.

Clients may use the report to better understand their needs, guide counselling or coaching, communicate with healthcare professionals, identify possible supports, and begin using strategies that are better aligned with how they process and experience the world.

Is the screening appropriate for someone who already has ADHD?

Yes. Autism and ADHD can occur together, and many adults begin exploring autism after receiving an ADHD diagnosis.

An autism screening may be helpful when ADHD does not fully explain experiences involving sensory processing, masking, social communication, routines, focused interests, or feeling chronically different from others.

What approach does Mountainside Wellness use?

Mountainside Wellness uses a compassionate, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming approach.

The screening is not focused on identifying what is “wrong” with someone. It is designed to help clients understand how their brain works, recognize their strengths, identify barriers, and find strategies that support their wellbeing.

Is the screening covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage depends on the client’s extended health plan and the professional designation of the clinician providing the service.

Clients should contact their insurance provider directly before booking to confirm whether the service may be eligible for reimbursement.

How can someone book an autism screening?

Autism screenings can be booked online through Mountainside Wellness. Since appointments are offered virtually, clients can complete the process from anywhere in Canada.

Learn More or Book a Screening

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