How a typical autism assessment is done?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is characterized by deficit social communication or interaction, repetitive or restricted behavior. This disorder needs to be diagnosed as soon as possible.

If you need more information or you have a question regarding Autism Assessment, you can discuss it with our HearingSol healthcare professionals, just give us a call on +91-9327901950. We are always here to help you.

Autistic assessment may vary for different people. However, there are some common standards and procedures that you should expect to happen. Before the assessment, your child will be screened for autism. It is done to identify children who might have developmental delays. Screening tools may include Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ), Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (CSBS), Parent’s Evaluation of Development Status (PEDS), The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) any many more.

After screening, if its result has shown enough red flag then a child will be referred for a full assessment. Assessment procedure involves-

Family history and Child’s developmental history

The assessor will ask about your family history. This is usually followed by a formal interview about the child’s developmental history. The assessor may also use semi-structured interview like Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communications Disorders (DISCO). Another assessment tool is the play-based assessment tool which is called the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). This can be used for children as young as 12 months.

Communication Assessments

A Speech Pathologist may test your child’s communication skills. This may include both verbal and non-verbal communication. Basically, he will test for how effectively language is used.

Cognitive or Intellectual Assessment

Young children may be tested for IQ for assessing cognitive ability. However, low IQ does not mean low intelligence. Because intelligence depends on many factors.

Autism tests

Various medical assessments test include-
– Physical examination and history
– Genetic testing
– Hearing and vision tests
– Blood tests
– Testing for lead
– EEG (Electroencephalography- to record the electrical activity of the brain).

How to prepare for an assessment?

• Take along any results of previous tests or screening.
• Before arriving, try to complete all the necessary paperwork.
• You must have observed your child’s symptoms and behavior carefully. Make some notes about the different and consistent behavior of your child so you don’t have any difficulty in expressing and you’ll not forget any symptom.
• Be 100% realistic about your child. Tell every problem to the specialist as the way it is.
• Take a few toys with you to keep the child busy as you will be spending a lot of time talking with the professional.
• Try not to go alone as there is too much to tell and one person can’t take in too much.

If you need more information or you have a question regarding Autism Assessment, you can discuss it with our HearingSol healthcare professionals, just give us a call on +91-9327901950. We are always here to help you.