UCSB Koegel Autism Center

General Information The Koegel Autism Center Assessment Clinic offers state-of-the-art diagnostic, developmental, and psychological assessment services for individuals with or suspected of having an autism spectrum disorder (including Asperger's Syndrome).  Typically spanning two half-day testing sessions, these multi-faceted, integrated evaluations are tailored to the needs of each child, adolescent, or adult. At the end of the evaluation, families meet with our team for a same-day feedback session in which assessment findings and recommendations are discussed. Each evaluation culminates in the construction of a detailed, yet easy-to-comprehend report that provides a summary of assessment results, diagnostic information, and a comprehensive description of recommendations. 

What is an Assessment Evaluation? An assessment is a way for us to better understand a child or adult's unique strengths and areas of difficulty. Assessments take on many forms: interactive activities, paper-and-pencil tasks, visual puzzles, question-and-answer activities, background questionnaires, checklist surveys, and child/parent interviews, to name a few. We have assessments for very young children, as well as those appropriate for adolescents and older adults. By comparing someone's assessment results to that of their same-aged peer group, we can better understand where they thrive and where they may need some help. Combining assessment results and other information from multiple sources allows us to thoroughly understand who a person is and provide detailed recommendations for home, school, and community settings. This process also allows us to make accurate clinical diagnoses, which can be a means to start receiving helpful services and supports from schools and community agencies.

Behavioral Consultation & Intervention Workshops Because of our close integration with our world-renowned autism treatment clinic, we are also able to offer follow-up intervention and educational workshops to individuals and families. Our workshops typically range from one to three days and provide training in effective, cutting-edge language, social, organizational, and behavioral treatment strategies tailored to the needs of the individual and his or her family. Our behavior consultation and intervention workshops are also available as stand-alone services for families that do not require a psychological evaluation. Please contact us for more information.

Range of Evaluations Our Clinic Offers

TY VERNON, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Director of our Autism Assessment Clinic

Dr. Vernon is a Licensed Psychologist (PSY24597) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst - Doctoral Level (BCBA-D) who received rigorous training in state-of-the-art autism assessment methods as the primary focus of his clinical psychology fellowship (autism track) at the Yale Child Study Center (YCSC). This specialized training is supplemented by psychological and neuropsychological testing experience he accrued working at both the YCSC's Psychological Assessment Service and UCSB's Psychological Assessment Center. Dr. Vernon originally completed the requirements for his Ph.D. in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology at UCSB.  During his graduate years, he collaborated closely with advisors Drs. Robert and Lynn Koegel at the Koegel Autism Center, where he worked as a researcher, clinician, parent educator, inclusion program supervisor, and clinic supervisor. His current research interests include (a) establishing effective methods to facilitate parent training, (b) disseminating treatment methods to the general public, and (c) developing social interventions across the lifespan, with a particular interest in early social motivation in young children with autism.

Dr. Vernon offers intensive private training workshops, presentations, and entire autism conferences to parents, schools, and professionals. Available topics include Pivotal Response Treatment, early intervention strategies, social-communication and socialization interventions for children and adolescents with autism, reducing disruptive/ aggressive behavior, academic considerations, classroom strategies for individuals with ASD, positive behavior support priniciples, college preparation, and strategies for improving independence and quality of life for both young and older adults with ASD. Please email for more information.

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