Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

What is Autism?

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulties with social communication and restricted patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities. They often struggle with social interactions, including verbal communication, such as comfortably being able to have back and forth conversations. Autistic individuals may find it difficult to interpret nonverbal communication, such as  gesturing, making eye contact, and showing facial expressions. They often have sensory sensitivities to stimuli (such as loud noises).

How is Autism Diagnosed?

Autism can be diagnosed through assessment of:

• Cognitive skills (intelligence testing)
• Parent interview in order to learn more about parent concerns and developmental history
• Interview with the child
• Interviews with teachers and other adults who work closely with the student
• Observations made by the examiner, including through the use of the ADOS-2, a semi-structured, standardized assessment instrument that includes interview questions and play-based activities
• Social-emotional functioning rating scales given to  parents and teachers
• Adaptive skills (everyday living skills) rating scales given to parents and teachers
• Review of school records

When is an Autism Assessment Needed?

You may want to pursue an ASD assessment if your child:

• Has social difficulties (including making and maintaining friendships)
• Has difficulties initiating verbal and nonverbal communication
• Has speech irregularities
• Has intense restricted interests
• Doesn’t do well with changes in routine
• Engages in stereotyped behaviors (e.g., twirling, rocking, hand flapping, head banging)
• Hyper- or hyposensitivity to sensory input (e.g., sounds, pain, tastes, touch)