Specializing in psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, with expertise in autism · Guilford, CT

Understanding your child starts with seeing them fully

Comprehensive, strength-based evaluations for children and teens across Connecticut's Shoreline and greater New Haven area.

Dr. Alessandra Shapiro, Psy.D.
Board Certified Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychologist
PCIT Trained Clinician
ADOS-2 Research-reliable

What I Offer

Personalized evaluations guided by your referral questions

Every evaluation is personalized. I complete all testing and report writing myself - no short-cuts. Serving Guilford, Madison, Branford, New Haven, and the Connecticut Shoreline.

Psychological & Neuropsychological Evaluations

A comprehensive evaluation builds a full picture of how your child thinks, learns, and processes the world — identifying strengths, challenges, and opening the door to meaningful support.

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Early Childhood Developmental Evaluations

For children 18 months to 5 years. Early identification opens doors to early support — the most impactful intervention window in development.

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Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

An evidence-based, live-coaching therapy that strengthens the parent-child relationship and reduces tantrums, defiance, and aggression in children ages 2–7.

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Autism Evaluations for Children

Comprehensive assessment tailored to your child's unique presentation. I specialize in recognizing subtle and atypical autism, particularly in children who may not fit the "classic" picture.

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PDA-Informed Assessments

Many girls and women are missed or misdiagnosed for years. I specialize in identifying autism in females who mask, camouflage, or present atypically — at any age.

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Autism Consulting for Adults

Not a formal evaluation — a private, validating space to explore your experiences, understand your traits, and build practical strategies for daily life.

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Why Shapiro Psychology

What makes this practice different

I do all the testing myself

Every evaluation — from the first interview to the final report — is completed by Dr. Shapiro. No assistants, no hand-offs. You get a clinician who knows your child's full story.

Specialist in subtle & atypical presentations

Standard autism assessments can miss kids who don't fit the classic profile — particularly girls, highly verbal children, and those who have learned to mask. I specifically look for what others miss.

Neuro-affirming from the start

My goal isn't to document deficits — it's to build a full picture of your child's strengths, differences, and needs, so they can get the right support and understand themselves better.

Personalized recommendations that actually help

My reports don't just diagnose — they provide specific, actionable recommendations for your child's school, providers, and home environment. And I'm available for questions after.

From the Blog

Resources for families

🧬
Research

A New Way of Understanding Autism: What the Latest Research Means for Your Family

Princeton scientists just identified four biologically distinct subtypes of autism — here's why that matters for families seeking an evaluation.

Dr. Alessandra Shapiro March 2026
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Girls & Women

Why So Many Girls and Women Are Still Being Missed — and What to Do About It

Up to 80% of girls with autism remain undiagnosed at 18. Here's what masking looks like, why the diagnostic gap exists, and what families can do.

Dr. Alessandra Shapiro March 2026
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The Evaluation Process

What to Expect During an Autism Evaluation at Shapiro Psychology

If you've never been through a psychological evaluation, it can feel daunting. Here's a clear, step-by-step walkthrough of what happens and why.

Dr. Alessandra Shapiro March 2026

Take the first step

Every family deserves answers

Start with a free 15-minute phone consultation. No pressure — just a conversation about what you're seeing and how I might be able to help.

📍 2614 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT  ·  📞 (860) 847-7489  ·  ✉️ info@shapiropsychology.com

Home / About
Dr. Alessandra Shapiro, Psy.D., psychologist specializing in neuropsychological evaluations and autism in Guilford CT

About Dr. Shapiro

A psychologist who genuinely loves this work

Welcome — I'm so glad you found your way here. You're probably searching for answers and support for yourself or someone you love, and I want you to know: you're in the right place.

I am a licensed, board-certified psychologist specializing in child and adolescent psychology, based in Guilford, Connecticut. I earned my Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in clinical psychology at Nova Southeastern University and completed my internship at Florida State University's Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Consulting Center.

I am trained and research-reliable in administering the ADOS-2 — the gold standard of autism assessment. But I also know that the ADOS-2 alone isn't always enough, particularly for girls, women, and individuals who have learned to mask their traits. When standard tools fall short, I handpick additional measures designed to capture what standardized tests miss.

I moved to Guilford from Florida two years ago and have loved making Connecticut my home. As a mother of two young girls, I understand firsthand the joy and the worry that comes with parenting — and I bring that perspective to every family I work with.

My Philosophy

Neurodiversity is professional and personal to me

My goal is to welcome you and your loved one into a space where you can be free to be yourself without judgment. The diagnostic process should be clarifying — not frightening. Every report I write centers on strengths, not deficits.

I do all my own testing

Every evaluation, interview, and report is completed by me — not delegated to technicians or assistants. You get a psychologist who knows your family's full story.

I stay current with research

The field of autism science is moving fast. I actively read the literature and apply the latest findings to my clinical work.

Recommendations that are actually useful

My reports don't just describe what I found — they translate findings into specific, practical recommendations for schools, providers, and home life. And I'm available after the report is delivered.

You don't have to do this alone

Parenting a neurodiverse child — or navigating your own neurodivergent identity as an adult — can feel isolating. I want to be a resource, not just a one-time evaluator.

Ready to get started?

The first step is a free 15-minute phone consultation. Let's talk about what you're seeing and whether an evaluation makes sense.

Home / Services

Services

Evaluations tailored to every stage of life

Whether you're concerned about a toddler's development, a teenager who's always struggled socially, or your own lifelong sense of being different — I have an evaluation designed for you. Serving Guilford, CT and the entire Connecticut Shoreline.

Psychological & Neuropsychological Evaluations

A comprehensive evaluation builds a full picture of how your child thinks, learns, and processes the world — identifying strengths, challenges, and opening the door to meaningful support.

↗

Early Childhood Developmental Evaluations

For children 18 months to 5 years. The earlier the identification, the greater the impact of intervention.

↗

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

An evidence-based, live-coaching therapy that transforms the parent-child relationship — and the behaviors that come from it.

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Autism Evaluations for Children

Comprehensive assessment for school-age children — including those who don't fit the classic picture.

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PDA-Informed Assessments

Your child may look autistic in some ways and not others. If extreme demand avoidance, anxiety-driven resistance, and an overwhelming need for autonomy are at the center of the picture, a PDA-informed evaluation can help make sense of it all.

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Autism Consulting for Adults

A private, validating space to explore your experiences — without the weight of a formal evaluation.

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Home / Services / Service
Home / Who I Serve

Is This Right For You?

You may be in exactly the right place

If any of the situations below sound familiar, I'd love to talk. Start with a free 15-minute phone consultation — no commitment required.

For Parents of Children

You might be in the right place if...

Your child's teacher has raised concerns

A teacher or school professional has mentioned social struggles, attention difficulties, or sensory sensitivities and you're wondering whether an evaluation makes sense.

Your child "doesn't look autistic"

They're social, verbal, and doing well academically — but something feels off. You've been told they can't have autism, but your instincts say otherwise. You may be right.

A previous evaluation didn't feel complete

Your child was evaluated before and results were inconclusive or didn't match what you observe at home. You're looking for a second opinion or a more thorough assessment.

You want independent documentation for school

You're seeking an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) or need documentation to support an IEP, 504 plan, or college accommodations request.

Your toddler is missing milestones

Your child is between 18 months and 5 years and you have concerns about language, social development, sensory responses, or other developmental markers.

Your child struggles but no one can explain why

School is hard, friendships are hard, daily routines are hard — but no one has given you a clear picture of why or what to do about it.

You need more than a diagnosis — you need tools

Your child has a diagnosis but you're still at a loss when the tantrums hit, the defiance escalates, or bedtime becomes a battle every night. PCIT gives you real strategies, practiced in real time.

Not sure if you're in the right place?

That's what the free consultation is for. 15 minutes on the phone, no pressure, no commitment. Let's figure it out together.

Home / Blog

Resources & Insights

From Dr. Shapiro's desk

Plain-language posts translating autism research and the evaluation process for families, adults, and the educators and clinicians who support them.

🧬
Research

A New Way of Understanding Autism: What the Latest Research Means for Your Family

Princeton scientists identified four biologically distinct subtypes of autism. Here's why that's a paradigm shift — and what it means for families seeking an evaluation.

Dr. Alessandra Shapiro March 2026
👧
Girls & Women

Why So Many Girls and Women Are Still Being Missed — and What to Do About It

Up to 80% of girls with autism are undiagnosed at 18. Here's what masking looks like, why the diagnostic gap exists, and what families can do.

Dr. Alessandra Shapiro March 2026
📋
The Evaluation Process

What to Expect During an Autism Evaluation at Shapiro Psychology

A clear, step-by-step walkthrough of the evaluation process — what happens, why, and what you'll receive at the end.

Dr. Alessandra Shapiro March 2026
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Schools & Advocacy

School Evaluation vs. Independent Evaluation: What Every Connecticut Parent Should Know

Your child's school offered a free evaluation — should you take it? What's the difference, and when does an independent evaluation make sense?

Dr. Alessandra Shapiro March 2026
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For Parents

Does My Child Need an Autism Evaluation? Signs Parents Often Miss

Autism doesn't always look the way people expect. Here are the signs — including the subtle ones — that suggest an evaluation is worth pursuing.

Dr. Alessandra Shapiro March 2026
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Insurance & Access

Navigating Insurance for Autism Testing in Connecticut: What Families Need to Know

Insurance coverage for psychological testing is confusing. Here's a practical guide to superbills, out-of-network benefits, and what questions to ask your insurer.

Dr. Alessandra Shapiro March 2026
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Therapy

What Is PCIT? The Evidence-Based Therapy That Coaches Parents in Real Time

PCIT is one of the most researched treatments for young children with behavioral challenges — and it works differently from any therapy you've probably tried.

Dr. Alessandra Shapiro March 2026
Home / Blog / Post
Home / FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers before you reach out

The most common questions I get from families. Don't see yours? Call me — I'm happy to talk.

Do you take insurance?

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Insurance companies provide limited reimbursement for psychological testing, and many assessment types are not covered under most plans. I am an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. However, I provide a detailed superbill (receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. I recommend calling your insurer before your appointment and asking about your out-of-network benefits for psychological testing (CPT code 96130–96133 is a good starting point).

Do you offer virtual or in-person sessions?

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I offer both. In-person sessions take place at my office at 2614 Boston Post Road, Lower Level, Guilford, CT (by appointment only). Some components of the evaluation process — such as parent interviews, feedback sessions, and adult consultations — can be conducted virtually. Hands-on testing with children is generally done in person. We'll discuss the best format for your specific evaluation during the consultation.

How long does an evaluation take?

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The evaluation process typically involves multiple appointments: an initial parent interview (1–1.5 hours), one or more testing sessions with your child (2–4 hours total, often split across days), and a feedback session to review findings and recommendations. From first appointment to final report typically takes 4–6 weeks. I'll give you a more specific timeline during our consultation.

My child already had a school evaluation. Why would I need an independent one?

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School evaluations are designed to determine eligibility for special education services — they answer a different question than a clinical evaluation does. They are often limited in scope, don't always include a formal autism assessment, and may not capture the full clinical picture. An independent psychological evaluation is more comprehensive, provides a clinical diagnosis (which school evaluations cannot), and can be used to advocate for services inside and outside of school. You have the legal right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you disagree with the school's evaluation.

How should I prepare my child for their appointment?

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Keep it simple and honest. You can tell your child they'll be meeting someone who wants to learn how they think, learn, and feel — and that there are no right or wrong answers. Reassure them that it isn't a test they can pass or fail. For younger children, you might say they'll be playing games and answering questions with a doctor. Make sure they're well-rested and have eaten before the appointment. Bring any comfort items if helpful.
Yes — and this is an area I'm particularly passionate about. Many adults, especially women, went through childhood without a diagnosis because autism looked different in them, or because the diagnostic criteria at the time weren't sensitive to their presentation. I specialize in evaluating adults who mask or camouflage, and I approach adult evaluations with your subjective experience at the center — not just behavioral observation.

What is your cancellation policy?

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I ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to a fee. I understand that life happens — especially with young children — so please reach out as soon as you know you need to change your appointment.

Do you serve families outside of Guilford?

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Absolutely. While my office is in Guilford, I serve families from across New Haven County and the Connecticut Shoreline — including Madison, Branford, Clinton, Old Saybrook, New Haven, and beyond. Some parts of the evaluation can be done virtually, making it accessible for families farther away.
Home / Contact

Get in Touch

Let's start with a conversation

The free 15-minute consultation is a no-pressure call. We'll talk about what you're observing and whether an evaluation at Shapiro Psychology is the right next step for your family.

📞
Phone
(860) 847-7489
✉️
Email
info@shapiropsychology.com
📍
Office
2614 Boston Post Road
Main Hall, Lower Level
Guilford, CT 06437
By appointment only
Shapiro Psychology office building at 2614 Boston Post Road Guilford CT
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Areas Served
Guilford, Madison, Branford, Clinton,
Old Saybrook, New Haven & Greater
New Haven County, CT

Send a Message

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