With a referral by the Indiana Department of Child Services or Juvenile Probation, children and families can receive various types of psychological testing. These assessments help determine the right interventions for children as early as possible, reducing the likelihood of them being moved between multiple programs.

 

Dr. Tony Sheppard, a Certified Group Psychotherapist, has provided statewide training to direct care staff in youth self-harm and suicidality. He offers:

• Screens for mental health diagnoses and personality traits that might contribute to behavioral or emotional concerns.

• IQ testing to provide insight into cognitive functioning.

• Clinical and parenting measures to evaluate parenting abilities.

• Trauma scales to assess the potential impacts of past or suspected trauma.

 

Open Door Youth Services also offers diagnostic evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Dr. Amber Perkins is trained in administering the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), a structured assessment used to observe social and communication behaviors. The ADOS-2 helps determine whether an individual meets the criteria for an ASD diagnosis and provides guidance for appropriate treatment recommendations.

 

Dr. Perkins collaborates with Dr. Sheppard to deliver these diagnostic services for youth referred by the Department of Child Services and Juvenile Probation. Referrals for this service can be made through Open Door Youth Services. Referral sources should request Psychological Assessment units and specify that the assessment is sought to rule out Autism Spectrum Disorder.