WHAT IS AN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are defined by developmental delays characterized by difficulty with social interactions, verbal and non-verbal communication, and repetitive or restricted play.
With the DSM 5 changes, Autism Spectrum Disorders will have 3 levels that differentiate a child on the spectrum according to his/her needs for care and support. Each child on the Spectrum is different.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I SHOULD GET MY CHILD AN EVALUATION?
- Avoiding eye contact
- Delayed speech and communication
- Repetitive behavior (rocking or spinning)
- Restricted interests
- Limited non-verbal gestures (pointing)
- Repetitive speech
- A lack of pretend play
- No interactive play
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE EVALUATION PROCESS?
Parents will attend a 1 hour intake session which is typically conducted via telehealth. The purpose of the intake session is to review consent forms, to discuss history and presenting concerns, to determine the type of evaluation that is recommended, and to schedule the evaluation. During the evaluation, you will fill out parent-report measures and participate in a structured interview to provide more information regarding your child’s development and presenting concerns. These interviews are generally conducted via telehealth, and your child does not need to be present. Your child will have one or two in-office testing appointment to assess for Autism Spectrum Disorder. During the evaluation, your child will be given a cognitive test which is determined by their age. The cognitive measures administered by Legacy Center include:
- Bayley Scales of Infant Development Fourth Edition (Bayley -4)
- Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV)
- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fifth Edition (WISC-V)
Your child will also be administered the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Second Edition (ADOS-2) which is play and interaction based assessment used to assess for the presence of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Please bring snacks and water for your child. Once all appointments (in-office and telehealth) have been completed, and once all report measures have been submitted, a telehealth feedback session will scheduled. Typically feedback sessions are completed 2-weeks following the last date of testing, as long as all report measures are completed. During the feedback session, the provider will review your child’s results, diagnoses, and recommendations for treatment. Following the feedback session, you have the choice to pick-up your child’s report or have it mailed to you.