Autism Assessments

When it comes to Autism Spectrum Disorders we believe that early screening and diagnosis results in more effective treatment, services, and school programming.

Parents and family members are often the first to notice delays or differences in development, communication, attention and play with others. It is important to trust your instincts and seek help if you have concerns. Our team provides parents with strategies to stimulate early language development and social attention when children are very young. Dr. Sonnenberg, our developmental pediatrician, leads our preschool assessment clinic. As well we have three psychologists who lead assessments for adolescents, teens, and adults.


What is Autism?

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior and difficulties in social skills. “Spectrum” refers to the fact that people with autism present with an array of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability and functioning. In order to achieve the most accurate diagnosis, we use The Autism Diagnostic Observation Scheduled (ADOS), which is considered the gold standard. An interdisciplinary approach is used by a speech language pathologist and a psychologist to administer the ADOS. In addition, a full comprehensive cognitive assessment is also completed with a psychologist.

Types of Assessments

Our assessments teams have significant experience with complex developmental profiles, including the ability to provide a differential diagnosis of Autism (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Social-Emotional difficulties, and Global Developmental Delay.

We provide timely assessments so that you and your child can begin to receive appropriate intervention services at school and through Family Support for Children with Disabilities. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders have a wide range of learning needs that are unique to each person. The right accommodations can be helpful in mitigating learning difficulties, managing sensory needs and developing social relationships with others. Following the assessment our team will meet with you to share the results and provide suggestions for future programming.

What is the right age to assess?

Khan provides diagnostic assessments for children, teens, and young adults. The type and cost of assessment will differ based on the needs of the individual and stage of life.

What standard does Khan follow?

In 2019 the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) recognized that the rising incidence of autism created a need for community-based centers to assess and diagnose, and put forth a position statement called the Standards of diagnostic assessment for autism spectrum disorder. Khan Communication Services adheres to the recommendations provided in this position statement

CPS Statement

Treena Anand

Executive Director & Speech Language Pathologist

I am so proud to lead our agency in creating programs and services that have the greatest impact on our clients

Treena AnandExecutive Director & Speech Language Pathologist

Treena Anand is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist and the Executive Director of Khan Communication Services. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Alberta in 1998, a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Washington in 1999 and a Master of Speech- Language Pathology degree from the University of Alberta in 2001.

Treena's warmth and positive energy, collaborative problem solving skills, passion for working with children who have special needs, and her astute clinical skills, have made her a respected Speech-Language Pathologist in the community.

Treena comes highly trained with certifications and a diverse skill-set in areas such as Autism assessment (trained by Dr. Sonnenberg from the Glenrose Hospital and multidisciplinary diagnostic team with Dr. Goulden), Autism treatment (training in the “STAR” program, “DIR®/Floortime”, “Applied Behavior Analysis”, “Hanen”), Childhood Apraxia of Speech (trained by Dr. Megan Hodge to deliver the “Let’s Start Talking” program, “PROMPT” certified), multiple certifications in the assessment and treatment of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders, Augmentative/Alternative Communication Systems (e.g. “PODD”, “PECS”), as well as advanced training in the management of feeding difficulties, language, and pediatric fluency disorders.

In addition to her role as Executive Director of Khan Communication Services, she works as a member of the “Multi-Disciplinary Team Panel” of experts for Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) with the Government of Alberta. She also completes assessments and reports for medical-legal cases with various law firms in Alberta through Khan Communication Services.

Treena is the coordinator of the Khan Communication Services Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Team and currently leads the intake process for educational psychology and multidisciplinary assessments for Autism. She strives to ensure that families have a positive, comfortable and supportive experience from the point of their initial referral to the end of their team debrief and connection to community resources and services.