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Lesson 1: Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders

image of a doctor talking with child and mom.

"I am different, not less." – Temple Grandin

Making an accurate diagnosis of ASD can be challenging. Often, many individuals are involved in the diagnostic process, including physicians, psychologists, teachers, parents, and sometimes the individual with ASD him- or herself. A variety of instruments can be used to aid in diagnosis. Typically, instruments called screeners are used initially to see if an issue does indeed exist. Screeners are often given to parents and teachers to begin the diagnostic process. If the child does show characteristics of ASD, a formal diagnosis can begin. The physician or parent can contact a psychologist (privately or in the school in which the child is enrolled) and make a formal request for an evaluation. Whoever conducts the evaluation will likely use the DSM-V to make a diagnosis. Once a formal diagnosis of ASD is given, the child can begin to receive services.

"We need to embrace those who are different, and the bullies need to be the ones who get off the bus.” – Caren Zucker, co-author of In a Different Key

Self-Check Activity

Match the instrument to the correct description.
  • A. Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale
  • B. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (Generic)
  • C. The Autism Diagnostic Interview (Revised)
  • D. The Social Communication Questionnaire
  • E. The Social Responsiveness Scale

 

Solution
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale
assesses a child’s ability to care for him/herself
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (Generic)
a semi-structured assessment that assesses the three areas of impairment from the DSM-IV
The Autism Diagnostic Interview (Revised)
a comprehensive interview with a parent or caregiver that is designed to assess the extent of autistic symptoms in an individual with a mental age of two and above
The Social Communication Questionnaire
presented in a yes/no format and intended to either investigate a child’s behavior over the past three months or assess ASD symptoms across an individual’s lifetime
The Social Responsiveness Scale
a rating scale completed by a parent or teacher that measures the severity of autism symptoms

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