Evaluation for Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Autistic spectrum disorder is a relatively new term referring to children and adults who exhibit varying degrees of autistic-like behaviors.  Depending on the numbers, severity, and frequency of these behaviors, individuals may function at the low or high end of this spectrum.  Individuals on the low end may have Autism, a severe neurobiological disorder requiring many interventions and special education.  Individuals at the high end may have Asperger Syndrome or high-functioning autism.  Autistic-like behaviors can include:

• Speech delay
• Communication and social interaction difficulties
• Repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior
• Qualitative differences in facial expression, eye contact, and tone of voice
• Auditory, visual, or tactile hypersensitivity
• Unusual preoccupations and/or excessive obsession with objects or topics of interest
• Lack of interest in playing with other children, or in adults, socializing
• Difficulty relating to others, particularly same-age peers
• Insistence on sameness and resistance to changes
• Gross and/or fine motor skills weaknesses
• Difficulty reading nonverbal cues from others
• Concrete, literal thinking and interpretation
• Anxiety, depression, “meltdowns” when frustrated

Evaluation

An evaluation consist of behavioral observations and diagnostic interviews with the individual and/or parents(depending on age and communication ability), a behavioral and developmental history, and completion of standardized behavior rating scales by parents or a significant other.  Although there are no tests to diagnose autistic spectrum disorders, a learning disability evaluation may be recommended for children as a high percentage of these individuals have some type of learning difficulty or disability.

The evaluation results in a written report that documents all of the information from the evaluation including a diagnosis if appropriate.  Recommendations for various appropriate treatments, interventions, educational accommodations, and community resources are provided. Evaluations are accepted in both public and private schools.