What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and processes sensory information. Because autism presents differently from one individual to the next, signs and behaviors can vary widely. Some individuals may have difficulty understanding social cues or expressing themselves with language, while others may engage in repetitive actions, focus deeply on specific interests, or respond strongly to things like noise, texture, or light.
The evaluation process looks at patterns of behavior alongside developmental history and current functioning. The goal is not only to determine whether someone meets criteria for Autism, but also to better understand their unique learning style, communication, and support needs. Each assessment is tailored to the individual’s age and developmental level, with insights that guide support at home, in school, and in the community.
Common Areas Assessed:
Detailed Parent Interview
Parents or caregivers participate in a thorough interview to share insights about their child’s development, daily functioning, communication, and social behavior. This step helps determine whether a formal, standardized Autism-specific assessment is appropriate and ensures the evaluation reflects the individual’s unique experiences and needs.
Cognitive and IQ Assessment
This part of the evaluation examines how an individual processes information. Understanding cognitive strengths and challenges helps highlight learning patterns that are often relevant in Autism evaluations, such as uneven skill development or differences between verbal and nonverbal abilities. These insights can guide personalized supports at home, in school, and in therapy settings.Adaptive Functioning
Assesses practical, everyday skills in areas such as communication, self-care, and social interaction. These results offer insight into how well an individual functions in daily life, both independently and in social settings.Behavior Rating Scales
Parents, teachers, or other caregivers complete questionnaires that provide insight into the individual’s social interactions, emotional regulation, and behavioral patterns. This helps us understand how the person functions in everyday settings like home and school. The information gathered through these forms supports the overall evaluation and helps guide meaningful recommendations.Standardized Autism Assessment
If appropriate, a structured Autism-specific assessment will be conducted to help confirm or rule out a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. This process helps identify both strengths and challenges, guiding the development of personalized, meaningful recommendations. Depending on the individual's age and developmental level, the assessment may involve a combination of play-based tasks, structured activities, and/or conversational interaction.
Please Note: Every evaluation is individually tailored. The specific tools and procedures used may vary depending on the unique needs of the individual being assessed.