Our team is highly trained in the use of gold standard diagnostic instruments including the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) that provide the highest level of sensitivity and specificity in determining a diagnosis of autism and related conditions. The diagnostic assessment team has unique expertise in using assessment tools to answer very complex diagnostic questions including differential diagnostic issues.
Comprehensive Assessment
Individuals with autism and developmental disabilities experience impairments across a range of developmental areas, all of which must be addressed in order to develop a successful treatment plan. Social, emotional, communication, cognitive, adaptive, affective and behavioral lines of development must be carefully assessed. The Center’s multidisciplinary assessment team meets prior to each assessment to review each individual’s history and to plan an individualized, effective assessment strategy:
Diagnostic Testing
Adult Asperger Assessments
Our multidisciplinary team of specialists utilizes the latest research and state-of-the-art assessment tools to provide individualized evaluations to adults. Evaluations may include diagnostic testing, cognitive (IQ) testing, assessment of executive functioning, and assessment of semantic-pragmatic language abilities.
Psychoeducational/Neuropsychological/Eligibility Testing
State of the art assessment tools are used to assess cognitive abilities (IQ), academic achievement and behavioral, executive and adaptive functioning.
Speech and Language Assessment
Differential diagnosis of speech and language disorders is accomplished through the use of standardized testing and assessment of informal language and conversation samples. A general assessment targets core areas of language including grammar, syntax, vocabulary knowledge, pragmatic language and articulation. A specialized semantic-pragmatic language evaluation targets higher level language abilities, including social thinking, inference, pragmatic language, humor, sarcasm, figurative language and social problem solving.
Specialized Assessments of Related Conditions
Assessments such as tic and movement disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Functional Behavior Assessments
Our behavior specialists provide comprehensive and individualized strategies to identify the purpose or function of a child or adolescent's problem behavior(s), develop and implement a plan to modify variables that maintain problem behavior, and teach appropriate replacement behaviors in a positive manner.
Assessment of Educational Programming
This assessment typically includes an observation of the individual in the classroom setting and interviews with educational team members. In addition, ongoing clinical team meetings and a parent/caregiver session are held to discuss findings, solicit feedback, and outline treatment recommendations customized to meet the individual's and family's needs. Comprehensive written reports are also provided following the conclusion of the evaluation.
