Autism Evaluation and Diagnosis

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

  • Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that is complex in nature and encompasses a broad range of symptoms that affects a person’s verbal and non-verbal communication, and social interaction. Signs and symptoms of ASD are often present before the age of 3. ASD is considered a spectrum disorder because individuals with ASD can exhibit varying combinations, and degrees of severity, of these symptoms that may change as a person ages and matures.

Symptoms of ASD may include (but are not limited to):

  • Difficulty communicating ideas and feelings
  • Difficulty using imagination and creativity
  • Difficulty with self-regulation
  • Difficulty establishing relationships with others
  • Intense focus on one item
  • Difficulty understanding social cues (i.e. tone of voice, body language)
  • Engaging in repetitive movements
  • Self-injurious behaviors (i.e. head banging)
  • Late to develop speaking skills
  • Difficulty playing interactively with others
  • Avoidance of inconsistent use of eye contact
  • Lack of empathy
  • Social withdrawal

Individuals with ASD often experience:

  • Differences in their cognitive abilities
  • Differences in sensory perception
  • Motor skill and coordination difficulties
  • Difficulty focusing on non-preferred tasks
  • Sleep Disorders

Additional information on the Symptoms of ASD can be found at www.autismspeaks.org/signs-autism . Standardized criteria from The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is currently used to help diagnose ASD. In 2013, the DSM-5 merged Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder with the overarching diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Additionally, Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder was added.

What does an ASD evaluation include? Due to the nature of ASD, each individual person with ASD behaves, interacts, and communicates differently than every other person with ASD. At TAAAG, we strive to obtain a complete understanding of the patient’s strengths and weaknesses in order to make the most appropriate diagnosis, as well as, recommendations and support. A variety of assessment methods and tools may be used based on each individual patient’s needs. In general, an assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder may include but is not limited to the following:

  • Developmental History
  • Academic History (if appropriate)
  • Social and Emotional History
  • Parent/Teacher Interviews (if appropriate)
  • Patient Interview
  • Behavioral Observations at school or daycare
  • Intellectual/Cognitive Testing
  • Evaluation of Adaptive Behavior
  • Evaluation of Social and Emotional Functioning
  • Evaluation of Executive Functioning
  • Speech and Language Evaluation: Articulation, Language, Pragmatics, etc.
  • Gold Standard Autism Assessment Instruments

1340 N White Chapel Blvd, Suite 130
Southlake, TX 76092
817.381.5268

Serving the Southlake, Keller, Colleyville, Grapevine, and surrounding areas.

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