Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD affects people of all socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicities, and races. Being 5 times more common in boys than in girls, it is estimated that today about 1 in every 54 children in the USA have ASD. By facilitating necessary measures to have your child evaluated for this neurological condition, you will be gifting him or her a life with fewer difficulties.
At CASE, we are engaged in providing solutions, throughout the life cycle and across the spectrum, for all children with ASD.
Appearing for an ASD assessment may turn out to be quite an unnerving experience both for you and your child. However, it is imperative for a minor to undergo the screening examination as it can provide parents clarity and proper guidance. ASD diagnosis should be considered as a critical step in ensuring an appropriate course of treatment for children on the spectrum.
The developmental evaluation will be performed after reviewing medical data about the child sourced from parents or guardians. It will also be based on a direct clinical examination of the child. A clinical psychologist or a medical practitioner generally carries out the primary diagnostic assessment, which may include:
The consultant physician will ask you to recall information about your child. Families may use a baby book for reference, however you are free to devise anything that suits you best. For instance, preparing an event timeline, including behavioral changes, key developments, and the onset of any concerns may be useful. It is equally important for you to have an in-depth knowledge of family medical history.
A vast majority of professionals rely on particular tools for ASD diagnosis, including the most trusted and frequently utilized Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 or ADOS-2. Nevertheless, all diagnostic tool outcomes are considered in conjunction with other data for confirming the condition.
Several specialists further advise a multi-faceted screening approach for a better understanding of how the child is functioning to recommend the best remedial measures. Note that you may also be asked to visit different specialists. You should not hesitate to inquire about the requirement for any or all diagnostic procedures mentioned below.
Based on the screening outcomes, the physician may advocate the application of numerous interventions. These could include counseling, applied behavior analysis or behavioral intervention, physical and occupational therapy, educational interventions, language and speech therapy, and related supports. You will be allowed to clarify your doubts and it may help if you write a few questions beforehand on a sheet of paper. You should make a point to attend the follow-up sessions as well with your practitioner for any future concerns.
At CASE, we are passionately committed to empowering every child with ASD with our resources, timely interventions, support, care, and services.
Request a call-back today or schedule a consult now to learn more.
