Essentials Of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Evaluation and Assessment

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. It is characterized by a range of symptoms, including difficulty with social interactions, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. ASD can vary in severity, and people with ASD may have different strengths and challenges.

There is no single test that can diagnose ASD. Instead, a diagnosis is made based on a comprehensive evaluation that includes a review of the person's history, observation of their behavior, and assessment of their skills and abilities. The evaluation process can be time-consuming and may involve multiple professionals, such as a pediatrician, psychologist, and speech-language pathologist.

Essentials of Autism Spectrum Disorders Evaluation and Assessment (Essentials of Psychological Assessment Book 83)

by Celine A. Saulnier

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History and Symptoms of ASD

The concept of autism was first described in 1943 by Leo Kanner, an Austrian-born American child psychiatrist. Kanner described a group of children who had difficulty with social interactions, communication, and imagination. He coined the term "autism" to describe these children, which is derived from the Greek word "autos," meaning "self." ASD was originally thought to be a rare disorder. However, research has shown that ASD is more common than previously thought. It is estimated that 1 in 54 children in the United States has ASD.

The symptoms of ASD can vary widely. However, some of the most common symptoms include:

• Difficulty with social interactions, such as making eye contact, understanding social cues, and interacting with peers
• Repetitive behaviors, such as rocking back and forth, flapping hands, or repeating words or phrases
• Restricted interests, such as being preoccupied with a particular topic or activity
• Sensory sensitivities, such as being over- or under-sensitive to light, sound, or touch
• Speech and language difficulties, such as delayed speech, echolalia (repeating words or phrases),or difficulty understanding language

ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means that the symptoms can vary in severity. Some people with ASD may have only a few mild symptoms, while others may have severe symptoms that require significant support.

Evaluation and Assessment of ASD

The evaluation and assessment of ASD is a complex process that can involve multiple professionals. The evaluation typically begins with a review of the person's history, including their birth history, developmental milestones, and any previous diagnoses. The evaluator will also observe the person's behavior and interact with them to assess their skills and abilities.

The evaluator may use a variety of assessment tools to help them make a diagnosis. These tools may include:

• The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
• The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)
• The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)
• The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS)

The evaluator will use the information from the evaluation to make a diagnosis of ASD. The diagnosis will be based on the person's symptoms, their developmental history, and their performance on the assessment tools.

Treatment for ASD

There is no cure for ASD, but there are a variety of treatments that can help to improve the symptoms and enhance the person's quality of life. Treatment for ASD typically includes a combination of therapies, such as:

• Speech-language therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Behavioral therapy
• Social skills training

The type of treatment that is recommended for a person with ASD will depend on their individual needs and symptoms. Treatment can help to improve the person's communication skills, social skills, and behavior. It can also help to reduce the person's sensory sensitivities and improve their overall quality of life.

ASD is a complex developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. The symptoms of ASD can vary widely, and people with ASD may have different strengths and challenges. The evaluation and assessment of ASD is a complex process that can involve multiple professionals. The evaluation typically begins with a review of the person's history, observation of their behavior, and assessment of their skills and abilities. The evaluator may use a variety of assessment tools to help them make a diagnosis. Treatment for ASD typically includes a combination of therapies, such as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral therapy, and social skills training. The type of treatment that is recommended for a person with ASD will depend on their individual needs and symptoms. Treatment can help to improve the person's communication skills, social skills, and behavior. It can also help to reduce the person's sensory sensitivities and improve their overall quality of life.

Essentials of Autism Spectrum Disorders Evaluation and Assessment (Essentials of Psychological Assessment Book 83)

by Celine A. Saulnier

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4722 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	294 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE