How OPWDD Evaluations Work: A Step-by-Step Guide

When families reach out to us about services for their child, one of the most common questions we hear is: How do I get an evaluation for OPWDD?

An OPWDD evaluation is the first step toward accessing important supports for individuals with developmental disabilities in New York. Yet for many families, the process can feel unclear or overwhelming.

At Hamaspik, we believe it shouldn’t be that way.

This article outlines the entire evaluation process—from application to testing to what happens afterward—so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare. Whether you're just beginning the process or updating a previous evaluation, our goal is to make this step as smooth and supportive as possible.

What Is an OPWDD Evaluation—and Who Needs One?

An OPWDD evaluation is a professional assessment used to determine whether someone qualifies for services through the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) in New York State. These services can include things like respite, day programs, employment support, and more.

To be eligible, a person must have a qualifying developmental disability that began before age 22 and causes significant challenges in daily life. This can include diagnoses such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or general developmental delay.

Some families come into the process with a known diagnosis. Others have concerns based on behavior, slow development, or feedback from teachers. Regardless of where you’re starting from, the goal of the evaluation is to gain a clear, professional understanding of your child’s needs and determine if they meet the criteria for OPWDD services.

Where Do We Start?

Getting an OPWDD evaluation through Hamaspik is straightforward. Once you reach out, we’ll ask you to complete a short application with basic information about your child.

If you’ve had any previous evaluations or an Individualized Education Program (IEP), we’ll review those as well. They’re not required, but they help inform the process.

Once we receive your paperwork, our team will review it and determine which assessments may be needed. You don’t need to have a diagnosis or know exactly what you’re looking for—that’s what the evaluation is for.

From there, we’ll schedule your appointment and guide you through the rest.

What Happens During the Evaluation?

The evaluation takes place in our clinic. Your child will meet one-on-one with a licensed evaluator. Sessions usually last between one to one-and-a-half hours, depending on your child’s needs.

There isn’t one standard test. Instead, the evaluator selects from a range of assessments based on the child’s age, development, and suspected diagnosis.

Tests may include IQ testing (using tools like the WISC or Stanford-Binet), adaptive behavior assessments (such as the Vineland or ABAS), autism-specific tools (like the ADIR, CARS, or GARS), and other standardized measures depending on clinical judgment.

During the session, your child may be asked to:

• Respond to verbal questions designed to assess understanding and reasoning
• Identify, sort, or categorize objects and pictures to gauge cognitive and visual processing skills
• Follow multi-step directions to observe attention, memory, and executive functioning
• Engage in age-appropriate puzzles or hands-on tasks that reflect real-world problem-solving abilities

These activities help the evaluator understand how your child learns, communicates, and functions in daily life.

The goal is to understand how your child learns, communicates, and functions in daily life. Evaluators are trained to adapt to your child’s pace and comfort level. There’s no such thing as passing or failing, this is about understanding, not judging.

After the session, parents will complete an adaptive behavior questionnaire at home. This questionnaire asks about everyday skills like communication, hygiene, safety, and independence. In many cases, a teacher or school staff member will be asked to complete a similar form to offer additional perspective. Hamaspik will provide the questionnaire and instructions, and families share it with the child’s school team directly.

How Long Does It Take to Get Results?

Most evaluations are scheduled within 6 to 8 weeks of completing the intake process. Once the appointment is complete and all questionnaires are submitted, the report is typically ready within three weeks.

The final report includes all assessment results, clinical impressions, and any relevant diagnoses. This document is used solely to determine OPWDD eligibility—it is not designed to guide treatment or therapy decisions.

Families working with Hamaspik don’t need to manage the next steps on their own. Once the evaluation is complete, Hamaspik handles all communication with the care manager and ensures the report is submitted where it needs to go. You can focus on your child’s needs—we’ll take care of the rest.

What Does an Evaluation Cost?

If your child has Medicaid, the evaluation is fully covered with no out-of-pocket cost.

If your child does not have Medicaid, the fee is $675. This reflects the standard Medicaid reimbursement rate—Hamaspik does not charge above this amount.

In some cases, if your child is already connected to Hamaspik or will be receiving services through us, you may qualify for reimbursement or other support. Our Intake team will walk you through your options.

What Else Should You Know?

You do not need a referral to begin. Families can contact Hamaspik directly to request an evaluation.

If your child has had a previous evaluation, we’ll help determine whether it meets current OPWDD standards or needs to be updated. School-based evaluations are often helpful, but they don’t always include the specific tools OPWDD requires.

We evaluate individuals of all ages. Adults can still qualify if their developmental disability began before the age of 22, even if services were never accessed earlier.

If you’re unsure whether your child needs an evaluation, what’s involved, or how to begin, just reach out. Our team will guide you through it all.

Why Families Choose Hamaspik for Evaluations

An OPWDD evaluation is more than just a box to check. It provides the professional documentation required to access support through New York State’s OPWDD system, services that can impact a person’s daily life, education, independence, and long-term care.

Families trust Hamaspik because we offer:

• Shorter wait times than many other providers
• Evaluators who understand OPWDD’s requirements inside and out
• A respectful, personalized approach for every child
• Clear, accurate reports that meet all official standards

Most importantly, we don’t leave families on their own. From intake to follow-up, you’ll have a team that explains, supports, and advocates at every step.

A Clear Path Forward Starts Here

An evaluation is a practical but necessary part of getting the services and supports your child may need. It doesn’t guarantee eligibility—but it does ensure you’re taking the right, informed step forward.

Whether you’re just starting the journey or need updated documentation, Hamaspik is here to make the process clear, supportive, and focused on your child’s future.

Have questions or ready to get started? Reach out to our Service Specialists today. We’ll walk you through every step with clarity and care.