Autism Evaluation

An Autism evaluation can assist in obtaining a formal Autism diagnosis. It can also be used to differentiate between Autism and other developmental disabilities. 

The evaluation will begin with a detailed social history, clinical interview, and review of medical records. The clinical interview may include The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), which is a structured interview conducted with the parents. The ADI-R focuses on behaviors in three content areas: quality of social interaction (e.g., sharing, offering and seeking comfort, responding to other children); communication and language (e.g., pronoun reversal, social usage of language); and repetitive, restricted and stereotyped interests and behavior (e.g., unusual preoccupations, hand and finger mannerisms, unusual sensory interests).

The next step in the evaluation process is a diagnostic instrument, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and/or Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). 

The ADOS-2 is a test with different modules to accommodate a range of children. There is a version for toddlers that is play-based. For children older than thirty months and adults, there are modules that include more conversation, according to the individual's language level.

The purpose of the ADOS-2 is to evaluate the individual's communication skills, social skills, and repetitive behaviors. This means the evaluator is paying attention to things like if the child engages in reciprocal play, asks for help when he needs it, and gives other people a chance to speak.

The CARS is a rating scale that helps to identify children with autism and to distinguish between mid-to-moderate to severe Autism. The CARS assesses the frequency, intensity, and duration of a behavior.

After a formal diagnosis of Autism is made, assessments can be administered to help guide intervention (ABA therapy) or instruction.

The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills - Revised (The ABLLS-R), is an assessment tool, curriculum guide, and skills-tracking system used to help guide intervention for individuals with Autism. The ABLLS-R assesses 25 skill areas including language, social interaction, self-help, academic and motor skills. The ABLLS-R can help to determine specific skills that should be targeted in instruction or treatment.