Examining How an Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluation Is Conducted (ASD Diagnosis)

The topic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become more prominent in recent decades, leading to increased concerns from parents of children displaying characteristics of the disorder. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reports that one in every thirty-one children in the United States is on the autism spectrum. This fact, in turn, highlights the importance for combined systematic periodic screening and in-depth evaluations to be performed in pediatric health care facilities. The clarity of complex evaluations demystifies the disorder and makes clear the child’s social, communicative, and behavioral assets and challenges. Each of these domains affects clinical trajectories, even though they are assessed separately.

With this in mind, Scottsdale Pediatric Behavioral Services has mobilized a response to the current needs of the state of Arizona and provides an integrated, family-centered autism assessment for children in Arizona. We assess each child as a unique individual, with the objective to create a more clear and effective, targeted profile, which improves the results of subsequent interventional programs.

Understanding the Purpose of the Evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

It is important to answer the following questions during the course of a diagnostic assessment:

• Are the child’s symptoms consistent with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
• Is there any other developmental, emotional, or behavioral condition present?
• What interventions, therapies, or school supports would best serve the child?
• How do the child’s strengths contribute to their growth and daily functioning?

These questions can be used as a guide to assist families in making informed decisions regarding the treatment and education of their children. The outcome of the autism evaluation is not just a label. Instead, it is a roadmap for help with treatment and education decisions.

Taking a Look at Developmental History

There are many approaches to giving children with autism spectrum disorders a diagnostic assessment, but most evaluations begin with a conversation between the parents or the primary caregivers surrounding the child. First words and other developmental milestones are important to understand, and the clinician will ask various questions to try to identify current behavioral idiosyncrasies. Some questions you can expect during the first step will cover when it comes to developmental screening are:

• The child’s speaking abilities and their form of communicating, if any.
• Peer and adult social interactions, and their sociability.
• Self-directed, particularly imaginative and pretend play.
• Behavioral routines or interests that are more restrictive and monotonous.
• Hypersensitivities to light, sound, and other more tactile forms of sensory stimulation.

Autism is a developmental disorder, so understanding when behaviors first appeared and how they changed over time is crucial for understanding the disorder. A contextual approach ensures professionals don’t simply observe what they see in a single appointment without considering the context.

Gathering Records and Seeing The Big Picture of the Diagnostic Process

The best evaluations are those that incorporate perspectives from different environments. Clinicians may request the following:

• Report cards from teachers, school records, and progress notes tracking student performance.
• An evaluation by an occupational therapist or speech therapist.
• Documents related to pediatric care.

A teacher’s perspective is particularly helpful since children frequently behave differently at school than at home, and educators are able to provide insight into both what is happening at school and at home.

Combining Direct Observation and Structured Interaction

There is a large part of the evaluation process that entails direct observation of the child when clinicians are assessing autism spectrum disorders. They engage children in structured activities that look like play, but are carefully designed to reveal children’s social and communication skills.

For example, the evaluator may:

• Provide the child with a toy that encourages them to ask for assistance.
• See how a child responds when you introduce imaginative play.
• Assess the child’s reaction to unexpected changes in activities.

The observations reveal much about how the child interacts, communicates, and copes with new situations. They are often complemented by standardized tools, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), which provides a consistent framework for assessing autism.

Evaluating The Role of Standardized Testing in the Diagnostic Assessment

In order to produce a comprehensive profile, the assessment team often conducts standardized tests. These observational screening tools can measure:

• Problem-solving skills and cognitive abilities.
• Language skills, including both expressive and receptive communication.
• A child’s ability to perform various daily tasks, such as dressing or eating, according to their adaptive functioning.
• Attentiveness and emotional regulation.

A child’s age and abilities are taken into consideration when choosing testing. The aim is not to rank or compare, but to understand developmental strengths and challenges through measurable methods.

Taking Co-Occurring Conditions Into Account

There is a high likelihood that children with autism also have other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, anxiety, and sensory processing differences. A skilled evaluation entails more than just determining whether autism is present. A co-occurring condition can influence treatment planning and support requirements, so it is important to consider other diagnoses.

Assimilation of All Findings for Your Child’s Diagnosis

After a comprehensive review of history, records, observations, and tests has been completed, a report is generated. The report contains:

• If the child meets diagnostic criteria for an autism spectrum disorder, a clear explanation is provided.
• An assessment of any co-occurring conditions identified or indicated.
• A description of the strengths that may be developed and built upon in the future.
• Therapies, support, and educational accommodations with specific, actionable recommendations.

After the report is completed, families receive a feedback session in which the evaluator discusses findings, answers questions, and suggests next steps on the right diagnosis.

Why This Process Is Important

Below are some of the benefits that can be derived from a comprehensive autism spectrum disorder evaluation:

• Rather than relying solely on one observation or report, evaluators collect information from multiple sources.
• There is clarity. Families leave the clinic with a well-rounded picture, not just a diagnosis.
• A significant difference in long-term outcomes can be made by early intervention. If autism is identified in children early on, it is possible to begin therapies that will have a real impact.
• Individualized intervention. No two children with autism are exactly the same. Evaluations highlight individual needs so that interventions can be tailored to each child.
• There is peace of mind in having clear answers. For many families, getting clear answers is a source of relief from uncertainties and worry.

What Scottsdale PBS Has to Offer Families

At Scottsdale PBS, we don’t rush through the evaluation process. We take the time to consider every evaluation with the utmost care. We analyze each child with empathy, putting the family first and prioritizing the comfort and best interests of everyone involved. We strive to provide as much clarity as possible about how we reached our conclusions and what options families have. The goal of each evaluation is to uncover the full developmental profile of the child and a specific as well as nuanced set of strengths and challenges that can be built on and addressed moving forward. Evaluating a child’s developmental profile gathers history, observation, testing, and a framework of collaborative insights.

From a clinical perspective, evaluations enable us to answer burning questions, give us a guiding framework, and most importantly, give us hope: hope is the driver for change and the fuel for continued growth. We understand evaluations give families structure and a clear framework to work with.

Schedule a consultation with us today!