UnityPoint Health - Blank Children's Psychology

About Our Services

Blank Children's Hospital is committed to providing children and families with the best care. The Blank Children’s Psychology Clinic at the Blank Children's Developmental Center provides services to patients and their families experiencing concerns related to Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. Please discuss any concerns with your healthcare team. Your provider will make a referral and our team will determine what types of services will be best to address your concerns. For any visit, please plan alternative childcare arrangements for other siblings as feasible.

Once a referral is made, our team will work to determine the appropriate service for your child. Internal referrals can be placed by a UnityPoint provider, or an external referral can be placed by faxing a completed referral form to 515-241-3290, ATTN: Blank Psychology.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluations

Autism Spectrum Disorder evaluations are available for children and adolescents ages 3 to 16 years. It typically includes 1-3 separate visits.

The first visit is a testing consultation appointment. The testing consultation appointment is a 45-60 minute assessment that allows the psychologist to get to know your child and family while obtaining information about your concerns. This visit may be conducted in the clinic or via telehealth (if available).

The second appointment is the evaluation appointment, which ranges in length, depending on the child or adolescent’s motivation and performance. Generally, evaluation appointments range from 2-4 hours. Results may be provided on the same day as the evaluation, or during a separate appointment, depending on whether more information is needed and/or other factors (e.g., patient behavior, family comfort).

A referral for an Autism Spectrum Disorder evaluation may be helpful to obtain additional information on the following:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Global Developmental Delay
• Intellectual Disability
• Secondary concerns that may arise (e.g., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Disruptive Behavior Disorders) may be evaluated in the context of the evaluation

Interdisciplinary Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluations

Interdisciplinary evaluations (i.e., team approach) include a developmental pediatrician and a pediatric psychologist. This type of Autism Spectrum Disorder evaluation is available for young children who have complex developmental, behavioral, and/or medical needs. The visit typically lasts 1.5-2 hours and includes a thorough developmental interview and standardized testing and/or questionnaires.

Intellectual Disability Evaluations

Intellectual Disability evaluations are available for children and adolescents ages 3 to 16 years. It typically includes one or two visits. The first visit is typically completed in approximately 2 hours, and includes interview with parents or caregivers, testing with the child or adolescent, and providing feedback on results in some cases. The results may be provided in a separate 30-60 minute appointment, depending on whether more information is needed and/or other factors (e.g., patient behavior, family comfort).

A referral for an Intellectual Disability evaluation may be helpful to obtain additional information on the following:

• Global Developmental Delay
• Intellectual Disability
• Whether the child or adolescent qualifies for the Iowa Intellectual Disability (ID) Waiver (English) or Iowa Intellectual Disability (ID) Waiver (Spanish)
• Inform academic supports

Behavioral Consultation

Behavioral consultation involves a one-time visit (either in person or virtually) with the patient and their parent or caregiver. It typically lasts 45-60 minutes. Behavioral consultation is available to patients ages 2 to 16 years who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Global Developmental Delay, and/or Intellectual Disability, and focuses on a specific behavior concern and when/where it is most problematic. During your behavioral consultation appointment, you will be asked to describe a specific behavior problem and when/where it is happening.

A psychology behavioral consultation referral may be helpful if you observe any of the following in your child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Global Developmental Delay and/or Intellectual Disability:

• Self-injurious behavior
• Aggression
• Disruptive behavior
• Tantrums
• Noncompliance
• Rigid or avoidant behaviors

Insurance and Billing Information

A referral from a provider is required for Psychological Services. Blank Children's Psychological Services participates with most major insurance companies. Insurance pre-authorization will be conducted as necessary. It is strongly recommended that families call their insurance to get more specific coverage information.

Please bring a copy of your insurance card to the appointment if it is not already on file. We will file the claim with your insurance company on your behalf. If you have a co-payment, it is due at the time of service. Any account balance identified as your responsibility after the insurance has been paid will be directly billed to you.

Financial aid applications, payment plans and information about pre-authorization are also available. If you have questions about your account, please contact our customer service line at 1-844-849-1260, or speak with a social worker regarding available financial options