How and Where to Obtain a
Diagnosis/Assessment in Indiana

Contributed by: Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA,  Marci Wheeler, MSW,  Brian J. Mifflin Jr., BSW

When an individual is suspected of having an autism spectrum disorder, obtaining an accurate diagnosis can be a time consuming, costly and confusing process. However, the process can be made easier when qualified personnel are located who can thoroughly assess the individual to determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria for an autism spectrum disorder, including Asperger’s syndrome, autism and other pervasive developmental disorders.

An initial screening can be done by a psychologist and/or medical doctor who have training and experience in understanding autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. Remember that there is no medical test for autism. While professionals can suggest, based on observation or a brief office visit, that your child may have an autism spectrum disorder, an accurate diagnosis requires an appropriate and thorough assessment and observation.

An accurate diagnosis is based on an observation of specific behavioral characteristics across a variety of environments/situations and a comprehensive history of early development. The behavioral characteristics typically used are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association. A copy of the current diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM can be obtained from the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at  www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca.

The Indiana Resource Center for Autism recommends an interdisciplinary assessment that includes a psychologist and family members. Since communication is always affected to some degree, it is important to include a communication assessment from a certified speech language pathologist. If the individual seems to be exhibiting sensory processing difficulties, it would be appropriate to have an assessment performed by a qualified professional. Often times, occupational therapists have the necessary training to assess individuals for sensory processing difficulties. Medical personnel, including neurologists, psychiatrists, and pediatricians should be involved when there are issues related to medication and to assess for potential neurological, genetic or physical difficulties (e.g., seizures, brain lesions, Fragile X, allergies, digestive system problems). If the child is in a school program, an educator should be involved in the assessment to address a child’s performance in the school curriculum, and to determine additional educational support needs. Other team members who might be involved include social workers, physical therapists, audiologists, and other health professionals.  For infants or toddlers ages 0-2, local First Steps Service personnel may be able to assist in locating trained personnel. The phone number for your local First Steps can be obtained by calling (317) 232-1144 or (800) 441-7837. You will need to provide the name of the county in which you live and they will provide you with the number to call for your county.
 
If you are seeking a diagnosis and/or assessment for an individual of school age, including ages 3 through 5, contact your local school district for information. School districts employ psychologists and other professionals who can assess school-age children to determine if they meet eligibility criteria for an autism spectrum disorder. If your child is between the ages of 3 to 21, an educational assessment with a team of qualified professionals will be needed to determine eligibility for special education and related services. A “medical diagnosis” from a physician does NOT necessarily qualify an individual for educational services. Evaluations conducted through the school district are conducted at no cost to parents.

The Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) provides diagnostic/evaluation services for individuals in need of residential services. Individuals will have to be assessed to determine initial and continuing eligibility for services. BDDS is also the main entry point for three of Indiana’s Medicaid (HCBS) Waivers: the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver, the Autism Waiver and the Support Services Waiver. Call the state BDDS office at  (317) 232-7933 or  (800) 545-7763 to request contact information (e.g., phone numbers, names, addresses) for the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Field Service Office for the county in which you live.

If a family or agency wants a private or second evaluation, the following agencies and individuals have experience diagnosing and assessing autism spectrum disorders. Some of the professionals on this list also may be able to provide assistance with medications, educational programming, speech therapy, behavioral support, and/or with counseling or psychiatric services. The Indiana Resource Center for Autism does not recommend a specific organization or person. When contacting those listed below, discuss the cost of the evaluation, the testing procedures and assessment instruments used, and the type of follow-up report. A thorough assessment should allow the examiner to gather sufficient information about areas of strength and need, educate the family regarding the diagnosis, and provide information that logically leads to programming recommendations at home and elsewhere. When pursuing a private evaluation, contact your insurance company to determine how much and what portions of the assessment will be covered. And ask the person/agency doing the testing, whether they accept Medicaid or if there are other payment options they will or will not accept.

Once a diagnosis is made, contact the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at (812) 855-6508 for more information about autism spectrum disorders. Or visit our web site at  www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca to learn more about the activities of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism.

Resources for the Diagnosis/Assessment of
Children and Adults Across the Autism Spectrum 

Indiana

Auburn

Marla J. Souder, PsyD
Community Psychological Consultants
201 West 103rd Street ,  Suite 280
Indianapolis, IN  46290
(317) 574-1785
Fax: (317) 574-1786
Email: mjsouder.psyd@gmail.com
www.commpsychconsult.com
Contact through Indianapolis office and/or email to make arrangements for appointments in the Auburn satellite office.
(Also sees young adults)

Bargersville

Old Schoolhouse Pediatrics
Jim Baurely (Clinic Manager)
3011 West Smokey Row Road., Suite 3A
Bargersville, IN 46106
(317) 535-0453

Bedford

 
Kimberley A. Green, PhD, HSPP
P.O. Box 213
Bedford, IN 47421
(812) 275-7765 (Answering service - leave a message) 

Bloomington

IU Health Southern Indiana Physicians
4935 W. Arlington Rd.
Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 353-3740
(Also sees young adults)

Mike Monahan, PhD, HSPP
Graham Plaza, Suite 314
205 North College Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 323-7857
Scheduling: (317) 450-6970
(Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays)
(Also sees adults)

Robin R. Murphy, PhD, HSPP
2213 Queensway
Bloomington, IN 47401
(812) 333-1990
Fax: (812) 333-8081

Susan J. Rautio Dietz, PhD, HSPP
532 North Walnut Street, Suite D
PO Box 5185
Bloomington, IN 47407-5185
(812) 332-7394
(Also sees adults)

Carmel

Edward B. Aull, MD
13450 North Meridian, Suite 354
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 582-7654

Beacon Psychology Services
Jennifer Horn, PhD, HSPP
11495 North Pennsylvania, Suite 105
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 942-4020
Fax: (317) 942-4019
Email: Horn@BeaconIndiana.com
Website: www.BeaconIndiana.com
 
Indiana Health Group
Nirav Bigelow, PhD, PsyD
Richard Jones, PhD, HSPP
703 Pro Med Lane, Suite 200
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 843-9922
(800) 276-1122
Fax: (317) 581-3918
Website: www.indianahealthgroup.net

Neuropsychology & Learning Associates
Carl S. Hale, PsyD, HSSP
1016 3rd Avenue SW, Suite 102
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 503-9177
Website: www.drcarlhale.com
(Also sees adults)


Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
Ernest E. Smith, M.D.
Director of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Residency Training
301 East Carmel Drive
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 582-8290
Fax: (317) 582-8291

Clarksville

Southern Indiana Rehab Hospital Clinic at Goodwill Bridgepointe
Jodi L. Goodin, LCSW, PsyD
1329 Applegate Lane
Clarksville, IN 47129
(812) 283-5992

Columbia City

Bowen Center
Columbia City Office
Hani Ahmad, MD
Lisa Wooley,  PsyD, HSPP
119 West Market Street
Columbia City, IN  46725
(260) 248-8176
Fax: (260) 248-2366
www.bowencenter.org/index.html
(Also sees adults for diagnostic services)

Connersville

Whitewater Valley Care Pavilion
Jeff Prater, NP
450 Erie Street
Connersville, IN 47331
(765) 827-7890
(800) 959-4929
Fax: (765) 825-6628
(Child and adolescent psychiatry)

Crown Point

Life Strategies, LLC
Autumn Vendramin, LMHC, BCBA
Schererville Office
The Point
5521 West Lincoln Highway, Suite 105
Crown Point, IN 46307-1118
(219) 359-3272
Fax: (219) 359-3089
Email: contact@life-strategies.net
http://life-strategies.net/
(Also sees adults)

Danville

Hendricks Therapy
Rick Robertson, MD
202 Myers Road
Danville, IN 46122
(317) 718-8436
(Also sees adults) 

Evansville

Stacy Blankenbuehler, PhD, HSPP
Deaconess Clinic
421 Chestnut Street
Evansville, IN 47713
812-426-9779
Dr.Stacy_Blakenbuehler@deaconess.com

Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center
Lisa Fisher, MA, CCC-SLP
3701 Bellemeade Avenue
Evansville, IN 47714
(812) 479-1411
(Has a team including a clinical psychologist)

Ireland and Luzio Behavioral Services, Inc.
Stacy Quint, PsyD
3101 North Green River Road, Suite 910
Evansville, IN 47715
(812) 479-1916
Fax: (812) 479-5014
Website:  www.luzioassociates.com

St. Mary’s Center for Children
Pediatric Sub-Specialty Clinic
Joseph Hersh, MD
Jim Schroeder, PhD, HSPP
Neurodevelopmental Medicine and Genetics
3900 Washington Avenue
Evansville, IN 47714
(812) 485-7425 or (877) 589-9858

 

Fort Wayne

Patricia Bader, MD
Northeast Indiana Genetic Counseling Center
11143 Parkview Plaza Drive, Suite 311
Fort Wayne, IN 46845
260-482-3886
www.genesrus.us/ 

Bowen Center
Ft. Wayne Office
Hani Ahmad, MD
Richard Ruhrold, PhD, HSPP
2100 Goshen Road
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46808
(260) 471-3500
www.bowencenter.org/index.html
(Also sees adults for diagnostic services)

Counseling Services and Consulting, LLC
Dual Diagnosis Provider
Jeff Wihebrink, PhD
4660 West Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 200
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
(260) 432-9916

Fort Wayne Neurological Center
Neuropsychology Department
Peter Dodzik, PhD (Pediatrics only)
Ronald Williams, PhD (Sees older)
Tasha Williams, PhD (Sees all ages)
Christina Stemmler, PsyD (Sees ages 5 and up)
Fran Goss, PhD (Sees only adults at the West office exclusively)
2622 Lake Avenue  (East Office)
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
(260) 460-3100
7956 West Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 220 (West Office)
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
(260) 436-2416

Fort Wayne Psychiatry, PC
Prevesh K Rustagi, MD
2414 East State Boulevard. Suite 301
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
(260) 484-1312
Fax: (260) 471-0996
(Also sees adults)

Greenwood

Valle Vista Hospital
Jennifer Comer, PhD
898 East Main Street
Greenwood, IN 46143
(317) 887-1348
(Also sees adults)

Huntington

Bowen Center
Huntington Office
Hani Ahmad, MD
Lisa Wooley, PsyD, HSPP
2860 Northpark Avenue
Huntington, IN  46750
(260) 356-2875
Fax: (260) 358-0611
www.bowencenter.org/index.html
(Also sees adults for diagnostic services)

Indianapolis

Children's Resource Group
Andrew Brothers, PhD, HSPP
Sharon Bruner, MS
Janel Burchfield, MA
Karen Dougherty, EdS
Kim East, MSW, LCSW
Tonya Foreman, MD
Sajjad A. Khan, PhD, LCSW
Christine Kerr, MA, LMHC
Dennis Ray Kinder, PhD, HSPP
Jennifer Levett, MS, CCC-SLP
Nancy Lindhjem, EdS, NCSP
Joshua Lowinsky, MD
David R. Parker, PhD
Jason Rowland, MD
Susan Sherer-Vincent, MS, LCSW, LMFT
Julie T. Steck, PhD, HSPP
Linda Vermillion, MA, NCSP
Diane Widdifield, EdS, NCSP
Wendy Wilson, EdS
Jillian N. Yee, PsyD, HSPP
9106 North Meridian Street, Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46260
(317) 575-9111
Fax: (317) 571-4470
Email: crg@childrensresourcegroup.org
Website:  www.childrensresourcegroup.com
(Also sees adults)

Meridian Youth Psychiatric Center, PC
Jerry H. Fletcher, MD
Danita Lively, MD
Matthew Galvin, MD
Mimi Brittingham, APRN-BC, LMHC
Sarah Henning, PhD, HSPP
Fiona Kress, PhD, HSPP
Kenneth Lovko, PhD, HSPP
Megan O’Bryan, PhD, HSPP
Jessie R. Fogle, MSW, LCSW
Michelle Harden, LCSW
Rita Langlois, LCSW
Julie Martin, LMHC
Danny Waddle, LMHC
210 East 91st Street, Suite C
Indianapolis, IN 46240
(317) 844-0055
Fax: (317) 571-5040
Website:  www.meridianyouth.com

David J. Posey, MD
50 East 91st Street, Suite 316
Indianapolis, IN 46240
(317) 341-4575

Professional Psychological Services
Corby A. Bubp, PhD, HSPP
10293 North Meridian Street, Suite 375
Indianapolis, IN 46290
(317) 581-2288
Email: propsychserv@aol.com
(Also sees adults)

Riley Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic
Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center
Noha Minshawi, PhD, HSPP
702 Barnhill Drive, Suite 4300
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Main Office: (317) 944-8162
Intake: (317) 948-9766
Fax: (317) 948-0609
Email: kidpsych@iupui.edu
Website:  http://psychiatry.medicine.iu.edu/subsites/christian-sarkine-autism-treatment-center/
(Also sees adults)


Riley Hospital for Children
Riley Child Development Center
Bill Beechler, MD, Behavioral Pediatrician
Jessica Bissey, Psy D., HSPP
Cheryl Crisp, MSN, RN, CDDN, CRRN
Steven M. Koch, PhD, HSPP
Eli Lopes, MS, PT
Lorrie Ippensen-Vrieman, DPT, PT
Sarah Muir, MS, CCC-SLP
Stephanie Nicolini, MOT, OTR
Rebecca Roberts, MS, RD
Jessica Stenz, MSW
Lynne Sturm, PhD, HSPP
Paula D. Sullivan, PhD, HSPP
Lann Thompson, EdD, ACSW, LCSW
Angela M. Tomlin, PhD, HSPP
Stephan Viehweg, MSW, ACSW, LCSW
702 Barnhill Drive, Room 5837
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 944-8167
Fax: (317) 274-9760
Email: autism@child-dev.com
Website: www.child-dev.com

Riley Hospital for Children
Developmental Pediatrics
Heike Minnich, PsyD, HSPP
Maria Stanley, MD
Greg Wilson, MD
702 Barnhill Drive, Room 1601
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 944-4846

St. Francis Behavioral Health Services
Mike Monahan, PhD, HSPP
610 East Southport Road,  Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46227
Phone: (317) 783-8336
Fax: (317) 782-6929
(Mondays/Wednesdays)
(Also sees adults)

St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers
Developmental Arena Clinic
Kim Siegfried, RN (Clinic Manager)
5255 East Stop 11, Suite 460
Indianapolis, IN 46237
(317) 865-5341

Marla J. Souder, PsyD
Community Psychological Consultants
201 West 103rd Street , Suite 280
Indianapolis, IN   46290
(317) 574-1785
Fax: (317) 574-1786
Email: mjsouder.psyd@gmail.com
www.commpsychconsult.com
(Also sees young adults)

Maria Valena, MD
6470 North Shadeland Avenue, Suite C
Indianapolis, IN 46220
(317) 849-9509
Website:  http://www.valenaandassociates.com/providers.php
(Also sees adults)

Woodview Psychology Group, LLC
Amy Rexroth, PsyD, HSPP
70 E. 91st Street, Suite 210
Indianapolis, IN 46240
(317) 573-0149
Fax: (317) 573-0154
Email: office@woodviewgroup.com
Website: www.woodviewgroup.com

Merrillville

Behavior Specialists of Indiana, LLC
Debra Farrar-Schneider, PhD, HSPP, BCBA
7863 Broadway,  Suite 239
Merrillville, IN 46410
(219) 472-0096
Fax: (219) 740-9676
Email:  dfarrarschneider@behaviorspecialists.net
http://bsitherapy.com/
(Also sees adults)

Neuropsychology & Learning Associates
Carl S. Hale, PsyD, HSSP
285 West 80th Place
Merrillville, IN 46410
(219) 742-5122
(219) 769-7233 ext. 1
Website: www.drcarlhale.com
(Also sees adults)

Muncie

Ball State University Psychoeducational, Diagnostic, and Intervention Clinic
David E. McIntosh, PhD, HSPP, ABPP, FAASP
Teachers College 524
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306
(765) 285-8526
Also at:
Center for Psychological Development
526 North Martin Street
Muncie, IN 47303
(765) 287-1922

New Albany

The Autism Diagnostic and Treatment Program
Southern Indiana Rehab Hospital
Trish Parnell (Clinic Manager)
3104 Blackiston Boulevard
New Albany, IN 47150
(812) 283-5981
(812) 941-8300 (main hospital)
Website:  www.sirh.org/autism.htm

Plymouth

Cadwell Psychological Services, LLC
Carrie Cadwell, PsyD, HSPP
310 North Michigan Street, Suite 204
Plymouth, IN 46563-1774
(574) 936-3031
Fax: (574) 311-5621
Website:  www.cpsllc.info

Porter

Life Strategies, LLC
Autumn Vendramin, LMHC, BCBA
Chesterton Office
1470 West US Highway 20, Suite B
Porter, IN 46304-9407
(219) 359-3272
Fax: (219) 359-3089
Email: contact@life-strategies.net
http://life-strategies.net/  
(Also sees adults)

Richmond

Meridian Services
16 Southwest 5th Street
Richmond, IN 47374-4101
(765) 983-2220
Fax: (765) 966-5750

Seymour

Christopher and Associates
Evaluation and Counseling Center Inc.
Jill Christopher, PsyD, HSPP
1725 East Tipton, Suite 200
Seymour, IN 47274

(812) 523-0386

Fax: (812) 523-8416

South Bend

A Beautiful Mind
Linda Monroe, PhD, HSSP
2106 Ironwood Circle
South Bend, IN 46635
(574) 243-9370
Fax: (574) 243-9375
Email: lmonroephd@comcast.net
(Also sees adults)

Child Development Center
Douglas Streich, PhD
218 West Washington, Suite 900
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 232-4453
Fax: (574) 232-7718
(Adults only)

Stanley W. Blom, PhD, HSPP
3603 E. Jefferson Boulevard, Suite A
South Bend, IN 46615
(574) 251-1286
((Also sees adults)

Suzanne Courtney, PsyD, HSSP
129 Franklin Place
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 234-5606
(Also sees adults)

Valparaiso

Behavior Specialists of Indiana, LLC - Main Office
Debra Farrar-Schneider, PhD, HSPP, BCBA
2611 A Chicago Street
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 462-6705
Fax: (219) 464-4318
Email: dfarrarschneider@behaviorspecialists.com
http://bsitherapy.com/
(Also sees adults)

Warsaw

Bowen Center
Warsaw Corporate Office
Tracy Gale, PsyD, HSPP
Wendy Melancon, PsyD, HSPP
850 North Harrison Street
Warsaw, IN   46580
(574) 267-7169
(800) 342-5653
TDD: (574) 268-9748
Fax:  (574) 269-3995
www.bowencenter.org/index.html
(Also sees adults for diagnostic services)

Out of State: Most of These Serve Indiana Also

Illinois

University of Chicago
Comer Children’s Hospital
Carol Macmillan, MD
5721 South Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
Office: (773) 702-6487
Appointments: (888) 824-0200
Email: cmacmill@peds.bsd.uchicago.edu

Little Friends Center for Autism, Inc.
Dr. Cynthia Brouillard, PsyD, Clinical Director
Patti Boheme, MS, LCPC,  Executive Vice President
1001 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 151
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 305-4196
Fax: (630) 305-4785
Website:  www.littlefriendsinc.com

MidAmerican Psychological Institute, PC
Daniel J. Moran, PhD, BCBA
1415 Maple Road
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 735-0732
Email:  daniel.moran@comcast.net
Website:  www.thempinstitute.com

Alan I. Rosenblatt, M.D.
4711 Golf Road, Suite 800
Skokie, IL 60076
(847) 677-1818
Fax: 847-1812
Website: www.doctorrosenblatt.com

Kentucky 

University of Louisville
Department of Pediatrics
Weisskopf Child Evaluation Center
Joseph Hersh, MD Chief
571 South Floyd Street, Suite 100
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 852-5331
Fax: (502) 852-7679 

Michigan

University of Michigan
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Autistic Spectrum Disorders Clinic
Mohammad Ghaziuddin, MD, Director (on sabbatical in 2012)
Sarah Mohiuedin, MD
Rachel Upjohn Building
4250 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 764 0231
(800) 525-5188 Michigan Only
Fax: (734) 763-5580

Ohio

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
The Kelly O'Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
3333 Burnet Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039
(513) 636-4611
(800) 344-2462 ext. 6-4611
Fax: (513) 636-3800
Website: www.cincinnatichildrens.org/autism



Pratt, C., Wheeler, M., & Mifflin Jr., B. (2012). How and where to obtain a diagnosis/assessment in Indiana. Bloomington, IN: Indiana Resource Center for Autism.

Rev. 02/2012