Job Title

Licensed Psychologist – Autism Assessment & Diagnostic Services

Reports To

Clinical Director (Collaborative Relationship)

Employment Classification

Independent Contractor / Credentialed Diagnostic Provider

(Must maintain independent billing and credentialing)

Position Overview

The Licensed Psychologist – Autism Assessment & Diagnostic Services is responsible for conducting comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluations for children and adolescents referred by A Leap Beyond Autism Services (ALBA) and community partners. This role requires the use of gold-standard autism assessment tools, timely diagnostic completion, precise diagnostic language, and the ability to bill independently for all diagnostic services rendered.

The psychologist operates with full clinical autonomy while maintaining a collaborative referral relationship with ALBA.

Diagnostic Turnaround Time Requirement

Autism diagnostic assessments must be completed within 30 calendar days of referral acceptance and receipt of all required intake materials, with a maximum allowable turnaround of 45 calendar days for clinically justified exceptions.

Core Responsibilities

1. Autism Diagnostic Assessments & Diagnostic Language Standards

• Conduct comprehensive autism evaluations in accordance with DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria
• Utilize clinically accurate, standardized diagnostic language consistent with medical, insurance, and educational standards
• Assign the correct ICD-10 diagnostic code F84.0 – Autism Spectrum Disorder when diagnostic criteria are met
• Clearly document diagnostic rationale, including symptom presentation, severity, and functional impact
• Address differential diagnoses and rule-outs when Autism Spectrum Disorder criteria are not fully met
• Ensure all diagnostic conclusions are defensible, individualized, and supported by assessment data

2. Required Autism Assessment Tools (Clinician-Facing)

The psychologist must demonstrate competency and routine use of the following evidence-based diagnostic tools, as clinically appropriate:

• ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition)
• ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised)
• CARS-2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale – Second Edition)
• SRS-2 (Social Responsiveness Scale – Second Edition)
• Vineland-3 Adaptive Behavior Scales
• Mullen Scales of Early Learning and/or WPPSI / WISC / WAIS (age-appropriate cognitive tools)
• BASC-3 (Behavior Assessment System for Children)
• DSM-5-TR Diagnostic Criteria

3. Parent & Caregiver Assessment Tools (Family-Facing)

• Administer and interpret caregiver-completed measures, including:
• Vineland-3 Parent/Caregiver Interview or Rating Form
• SRS-2 Parent Form
• BASC-3 Parent Rating Scale
• Structured developmental, medical, and psychosocial history interviews
• Communicate diagnostic findings using clear, professional, family-centered language
• Educate caregivers on diagnosis, strengths, needs, and recommended next steps

4. Reporting & Documentation Standards

• Complete comprehensive diagnostic reports that meet insurance, medical, and educational requirements
• Reports must include:
• Reason for referral
• Developmental, medical, and psychosocial history
• Assessment tools used and clinical rationale
• Behavioral observations
• DSM-5-TR diagnostic determination with correct ICD-10 code (F84.0 when applicable)
• Clinical recommendations for ABA, therapies, educational supports, and medical follow-up
• Submit finalized diagnostic reports within the required turnaround timeframe

5. Billing & Credentialing Requirements

• Must be independently credentialed with applicable insurance payers
• Must bill and collect payment independently from ALBA
• Maintain:
• Active, unrestricted psychology license
• Individual NPI number
• Professional liability insurance
• Compliance with payer-specific documentation and coding requirements
• ALBA does not bill, collect, or assume financial responsibility for diagnostic services

6. Collaboration & Professional Conduct

• Collaborate with ALBA’s Clinical Director, BCBAs, and intake team as clinically appropriate
• Participate in interdisciplinary consultation when needed
• Maintain compliance with:
• APA Ethical Principles
• State licensure laws
• HIPAA regulations
• Demonstrate professionalism, responsiveness, and ethical clinical judgment

Qualifications

Required

• Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in Psychology
• Active, unrestricted psychology license in the state of practice
• Formal training and demonstrated competence in autism diagnostic evaluations
• Demonstrated ability to use proper diagnostic language and ICD-10 coding
• Ability to independently bill insurance or private pay
• Strong clinical writing and documentation skills

Preferred

• Experience collaborating with ABA providers
• Familiarity with early intervention and school-based systems
• Trauma-informed and culturally responsive clinical approach

Performance Expectations

• Consistent adherence to the 30-day standard diagnostic timeline
• No assessments exceeding the 45-calendar-day maximum without documented clinical justification
• Accurate, defensible diagnoses using correct DSM-5-TR language and ICD-10 coding (F84.0)
• High-quality documentation and timely communication with referral partners

Scope of Relationship with ALBA

• ALBA serves as a referral and collaboration partner, not an employer or billing entity
• The psychologist retains full clinical and financial independence
• Continued referral partnership is contingent upon diagnostic accuracy, timeliness, and professional standards