Little Steps Forward (LSF) Project was created to help families access high-quality neurodevelopmental evaluations sooner, without sacrificing thoughtfulness, accuracy, or care.
We provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluations through a collaborative, team-based model that blends hands-on, local assessment with expert interpretation and diagnosis by licensed psychologists. Each family works with an “on-the-ground” provider—a trained clinician who meets directly with the child and family to complete interviews, observations, and assessment activities in a familiar, supportive setting.
At the same time, families are partnered with a licensed psychologist who is authorized to practice in the child’s state, even if that psychologist is based elsewhere. This psychologist works closely with the on-the-ground provider and the family, reviewing assessment data, integrating developmental history, and engaging in collaborative interpretation to arrive at a thoughtful, individualized diagnosis.
This model allows us to:
Rather than relying on a single moment in time, our evaluations are built through ongoing collaboration, careful synthesis of information, and meaningful conversation with caregivers. The result is not just a diagnosis, but a clear understanding of a child’s strengths, needs, and next steps.
Above all, Little Steps Forward is designed to help families move forward with confidence – providing answers, guidance, and momentum when waiting is no longer an option while supporting efficient access to treatment services when a diagnosis is required.
We collaborate with treatment providers for coordination and logistics while maintaining full independence in diagnostic decision-making.
Families often face long waits for diagnostic evaluations, delaying access to critical services. The LSF Project was created to address this gap by streamlining the diagnostic process without compromising clinical rigor, ethical independence, or clarity for families.
Our doctorate-level psychologists bring deep experience in both child development and neurodevelopmental disorders. Each clinician focuses on a particular age group – ranging from preschoolers to teens to adults – which allows us to address the unique needs of individuals at every stage. By working with a high volume of patients each month, our psychologists are able to build long-term relationships and provide continuous care as patients grow and change.
The diagnostic process is designed to be clear, efficient, and family-centered.
Step 1: Referral
Families are referred to The Neurodevelopmental Collaborative when a formal diagnosis is required to access services.
Step 2: Developmental History & Forms
Families will complete intake forms, consent forms, and supplemental rating scales.
Step 3: Interview with a Psychologist
A licensed psychologist conducts a virtual intake interview (about 60 minutes) over telehealth and reviews developmental history and records and forms provided by the family.
Step 4: ADOS-2 Assessment
The child completes an ADOS-2 assessment at a partner clinic. The assessment is video recorded.
Step 4: Review
Behind the scenes, a Neurodevelopmental Collaborative psychologist independently reviews and scores the ADOS-2, integrates intake and developmental data, and completes the diagnostic evaluation report.
Step 5: Report & Feedback
Families receive a written diagnostic report and participate in a virtual feedback session to review findings, diagnosis, and recommendations. This report will provide any diagnoses and guidance for the family moving forward.
Step 6: Start Services
If indicated, families can then start services at their local clinic with a clear understanding of the child’s diagnoses.
Typical timeline: Approximately two weeks from the intake appointment to feedback, assuming timely scheduling and completion of forms.
The LSF Project provides independent psychological evaluations focused on autism spectrum disorder. Evaluations include consideration of relevant developmental and behavioral rule-outs, such as language delay, global developmental delay, ADHD, and anxiety, as clinically indicated.
Each evaluation includes:
