Virtual Autism Assessment
When it comes to autism, timing is everything. Early interventions can often help stop or even reverse the symptoms and challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, we have a team of pediatric specialists with expertise in screening, diagnosing and treating ASD, and ensuring your child has access to the timely care he or she needs.
Our virtual autism assessment service is a first step for families to receive a diagnosis of—or rule out—ASD. Through a smart phone app and from the comfort of your own home, you record four short videos of your child in certain situations and upload it to a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Our autism experts will then review the videos and prepare a report of their recommendations for you.
This service is provided through a partnership with the health technology company Behavior Imaging and using its proprietary NODA app.
Virtual Autism Assessment: Why Choose Us
Quicker diagnosis: Instead of being placed on a waitlist or traveling long distances to see an autism expert, using the virtual autism assessment service enables you to receive prompt guidance from our specialists. Families typically receive a report within 7 to 10 business days of submitting the videos.
In-home privacy: The virtual autism assessment is done in your child’s natural environment, providing a valuable perspective that cannot be easily replicated in a clinical test setting.
Written report: After reviewing the videos, our experts will prepare a diagnostic report with their findings and recommendations, which can be shared with your child’s health care provider or school.
How to Use the Virtual Autism Assessment
Request and submit payment
Complete the virtual autism assessment form here. You will also be asked to pay the fee for this service, which is $875.
Download the NODA app
After your request and payment is processed, our coordinator will contact you with instructions on how to download the NODA app, the platform used for this service, on your smartphone and the specific types of scenarios that need to be recorded. The app can be used on either iPhones or Android devices.
Submit your videos
Use your smartphone to record your child in four different scenarios at home. Follow the directions to upload the videos to the NODA app or website.
Wait for your report
Based on the videos you submit, our experts will review your child’s behaviors and symptoms and provide a diagnosis within 7 to 10 business days of completing all requirements.
Review your report
Our coordinator will send you the diagnostic report to share with your child’s health care professional. When appropriate, our experts will also include recommendations and referrals to community resources.
Start Your Virtual Autism Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for a virtual autism assessment?
Our expert physicians are trained to utilize NODA, a cutting-edge technology, to remotely diagnose autism. If your child is diagnosed with ASD, you will be connected to appropriate treatments for your child. Using the virtual autism assessment service will ensure that your child is receiving the best care with the most up-to-date resources available.
What is the benefit of using the virtual autism assessment versus an in-person appointment?
The wait times for an autism screening at health care centers across the country can be several weeks to months, and centers are often miles away from home. By using the virtual autism assessment at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, your child will be assessed by an autism expert, and you will receive a report of the findings within 7 to 10 business days of submitting the necessary forms and videos. This can all be done in the comfort of your own home, and the report can also be sent to your primary pediatrician.
What device do I need to use to record videos?
Videos can be recorded on any smart device (phone, tablet, etc.) and uploaded to the NODA portal.
In what scenarios should I be recording my child?
- Family mealtime
- When your child is playing alone
- When your child is playing with others
- Any other scenarios where your child shows behavior that is concerning
How much does a virtual autism assessment cost?
The fee for this service is $875 and can be paid by credit card or a health savings account (HSA).
Who can I contact if I have general questions about the virtual autism assessment?
Please contact VirtualAutismAssessment@chla.usc.edu if you have questions about this service.
Who should I contact if I have technical issues using the NODA app?
If you need technical assistance, please email NODA directly at noda@behaviorimaging.com and include the type of device you are using, details about the technical issue and whether you are using a third party app to upload the videos or from your smart device.
Additional Questions?
Please email VirtualAutismAssessment@chla.usc.edu. Our team is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST to assist you.
