Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessments

Who is involved in an assessment for ASD?

The diagnosis of ASD involves several professionals, known as a multidisciplinary assessment.  Other involved professionals could include a paediatrician, a speech pathologist and/ or occupational therapist.  

What is involved?

1. Initially an intake session will occur with parents for 1 -2 hours, to gather a developmental history of your child, other general information and your current concerns.  At our clinic we also use additional tools, such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview- Revised (ADI-R) or the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, 2nd edition (CARS-2) to gather a developmental history of your child.
2. A cognitive assessment will also be completed in a 1-2 hour session with your child.
3. A play assessment with your child will occur over 1 hour.  At our clinic we will often use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scheduele, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2) however assessment tools selected can vary on an individual case by case basis.  This is a fun and engaging process that involves playing with a variety of puzzles, and toy activities.
4. A variety of online screening questionnaires will also be emailed to parents and teachers to further understand your child's social, emotional , attentional and learning needs.  
5. A feedback session will occur with parents, which is an opportunity to have your child's written report explained and discuss recommendations in the report.

It is sometimes recommended that a childcare, kindergarten or school observation occur as part of the assessment process.  This is an additional charge and will be discussed with parents if required. 

What is ASD?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior.  The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), is used to diagnose ASD.  To meet the criteria for ASD as listed in the DSM-5 an individual must have: 

• Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people
• Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
• Symptoms that impair the individuals ability to function efficiently in school, work, and other areas of life.

 Below is a list of difficulties with social communication and interaction, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors that can commonly be seen in individuals with ASD.  Not all individuals with ASD will show all of these behaviours however they my show several.  

• Making little or inconsistent eye contact
• Tending not to look at or listen to people
• Rarely sharing enjoyment of objects or activities by pointing or showing things to others
• Failing to, or being slow to, respond to someone calling their name or to other verbal attempts to gain attention
• Having difficulties with the back and forth of conversation
• Often talking at length about a favorite subject without noticing that others are not interested or without giving others a chance to respond
• Having facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said
• Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound sing-song or flat and robot-like
• Having trouble understanding another person’s point of view or being unable to predict or understand other people’s actions

• Repeating certain behaviors or having unusual behaviors. For example, repeating words or phrases, a behavior called echolalia
• Having a lasting intense interest in certain topics, such as numbers, details, or facts
• Having overly focused interests, such as with moving objects or parts of objects
• Getting upset by slight changes in a routine
• Being more or less sensitive than other people to sensory input, such as light, noise, clothing, or temperature

People with ASD may also experience sleep problems and irritability. Although people with ASD experience many challenges, they may also have many strengths, including:

• Being able to learn things in detail and remember information for long periods of time
• Being strong visual and auditory learners
• Excelling in math, science, music, or art

Source:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/