Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Tucson Neuropsychology Institute | RESOURCE
AUTHOR
Tamara Zoch, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
What are early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Parents or caregivers who have a child with ASD often notice early differences in their child’s development:
Language development: Delayed speech or limited use of language is a common sign. Some children may have difficulty expressing their needs or might repeat words or phrases without understanding their meaning.
Nonverbal communication: Children with ASD might have difficulty making eye contact, using gestures, or engaging in simple social interactions like smiling or sharing facial expressions.
Social challenges: Children with ASD might struggle to respond to their name, show minimal interest in playing with other children, and not show an interest in make-believe play. They may also prefer solitary play or have difficulty understanding social cues.
Repetitive behaviors: Parents may observe repetitive motor mannerisms, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning.
Routine and rituals: A strong preference for routines and resistance to change are common. Children with ASD may become upset when routines are disrupted, or they may insist on specific rituals.
Unusual fixations: Children with ASD may develop intense interests in specific topics, objects, or activities, often to the exclusion of other interests.
Sensory differences: Some children with ASD are hypersensitive to sensory stimuli like lights, sounds, textures, or smells. They may react strongly to certain sensory experiences or appear indifferent to pain or discomfort.
It's important to note that these signs can vary widely among children, and some children may exhibit only a few of these characteristics. If you suspect that your child may have ASD or are concerned about his/her development, it's essential to consult with professional for a thorough evaluation and guidance on appropriate interventions and support.
What if my child is older?
Some individuals with ASD may not show clear deficits until the social demands of their school and home life exceed their abilities. For example, older individuals with ASD may have difficulty with their conversational abilities or within their peer relationships. If you have concerns about your child’s or teen’s social abilities, an evaluation can help to answer your questions and connect you with critical resources and support.
When should I seek assessment?
If you, your child’s pediatrician, or others involved in your child’s care (e.g., teachers, therapists) have concerns about your child’s development, it is important not to ignore these concerns or take a “wait and see” approach. Your pediatrician should be regularly screening your child for developmental delays and ASD during your child’s well-child doctor visits. In some children, ASD can be identified as young as 18 months. By 2 years of age, a diagnosis given by an experienced trained professional can be considered quite reliable. Remember, the earlier ASD is identified and diagnosed, the sooner your child’s interventions and services can begin.
Why should I seek assessment?
There are many reasons why assessing an individual for ASD is critical:
Early intervention: Early diagnosis and assessment of ASD can lead to early intervention, which is often more effective in helping children with ASD develop essential skills and overcome challenges. Early support can improve outcomes in communication, social interaction, and behavior.
Individualized treatment and support: Accurate assessment allows for the development of individualized treatment and support plans tailored to the specific needs of the child. Not all individuals with ASD have the same strengths and challenges, so a personalized approach is crucial.
Access to services: A formal diagnosis of ASD is often necessary to access specialized services, therapies, and educational programs designed to address the unique needs of individuals with ASD. These services can make a significant difference in a person's life.
Understanding and acceptance: An ASD diagnosis can help parents, caregivers, and educators better understand the child's behavior and needs. This understanding fosters empathy and acceptance, which are vital for creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
Parental guidance and education: Parents and caregivers of children with ASD can benefit from guidance and resources tailored to their child's diagnosis. Knowing that a child has ASD can empower parents to seek out information, support groups, and training to help them navigate the challenges they may face.
Preventing misdiagnosis: ASD assessment can help rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms, preventing misdiagnosis and ensuring that the child receives appropriate interventions and support.
Long-term planning: An early diagnosis allows families to plan for the future, considering the educational, social, and healthcare needs of their child as they grow into adolescence and adulthood.
My child already receives special education services as a child with Autism at school – why do I need an outside evaluation?
If you have a child who has received a school-based assessment of ASD, you may wonder why additional assessment is necessary. You should know that a school-based assessment is used to determine the child’s educational eligibility for services at his/her school (requirements may vary by state). However, even if your child meets criteria for special education services under the disability eligibility category of Autism, this does not equate to a medical diagnosis of ASD. A medical diagnosis of ASD (typically given by a psychologist or a developmental pediatrician) is based on diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This medical diagnosis will help to qualify your child for services, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.
How is Autism Spectrum Disorder assessed?
An experienced professional, such as a psychologist, should gather information from multiple sources. A good psychological assessment should include:
A parent/caregiver interview,
Parent/caregiver and (if applicable) teacher questionnaires, including behavioral rating forms and a measure of your child’s adaptive behavior,
A review of any relevant paperwork, and
Direct testing with the child, including a measure of your child’s cognitive abilities (often known as IQ testing), and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2). The ADOS-2 is considered the “gold standard” for the assessment of ASD.
What should I do to prepare for an assessment?
A critical component of the assessment process includes an interview with the family. For young children, the psychologist speaks with the parent(s) or caregiver(s). Older children may be included in the interview process. The psychologist will want to know about your child’s early milestones. A lot of families report that it is helpful to bring in or review their child’s baby book to refresh their memories.
If your child has received any previous evaluations or has a history of services (e.g., therapies or school services, such as an Individualized Education Program or 504 Plan), your psychologist will want to review this information. Bring in relevant copies on the day of your assessment.
The psychologist will want to do direct testing with your child. Make sure your child is prepared for the day. Try to make sure they get a good night’s sleep beforehand, and do not bring them in hungry. You may want to bring in other items to keep them comfortable throughout the appointment (e.g., snacks, drinks, preferred toy(s), a jacket in case the office gets too cold).
You will have a follow-up appointment with the psychologist. During this appointment, results of the evaluation will be discussed in detail. This will include a description of the tests used, testing results, a discussion about diagnoses, and recommendations. Remember, the psychologist is there to answer any questions you have, so you are encouraged to ask questions.
Resources for families
Families can access a variety of resources to support their child’s growth and development. While the following resources are offered, remember that each child with ASD is unique, and what works best for one may not work for another. It's crucial to work closely with professionals and adapt strategies based on your child's individual needs and strengths.
Educate yourself: Start by learning as much as you can about ASD. Understanding the condition, its characteristics, and how it may affect your child can empower you to make informed decisions.
Seek professional guidance: Consult with healthcare professionals, such as child psychologists, pediatricians, or developmental pediatricians, who specialize in ASD. They can provide guidance on treatment options and help create an individualized plan for your child.
Early intervention services: Early intervention services are crucial. These can include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and behavioral therapy. The sooner these services are initiated, the better the outcomes can be for your child.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy: ABA therapy is one of the most widely used and evidence-based approaches for children with ASD. It focuses on teaching specific skills and reducing problem behaviors using behavioral strategies.
Support groups: Joining a support group for parents of children with ASD can provide emotional support, share experiences, and offer practical advice. Connecting with other parents who understand your journey can be invaluable. Some organizations also offer support groups specifically designed for siblings of individuals with ASD.
Advocacy: Be an advocate for your child. Understand your child's rights, including educational and therapeutic services available through your local school district, and ensure that your child receives the appropriate support.
Long-term planning: Consider long-term planning for your child's future, such as financial planning, guardianship arrangements, and transition planning for adulthood.
Websites that may be helpful on your journey
We are here to help
Seeking evaluations can feel like a daunting process for many families. We understand and try to make it as easy as possible for you and your child. We provide SLD evaluations for children and adolescents in Tucson, Arizona. Our child psychologist has extensive experience in the assessment and diagnosis of SLD. Reach out today. We keep our waitlist short, and we do not require referrals.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a person thinks, communicates, and interacts with others and the world around them. It is referred to as a “spectrum” because it can manifest in a wide range of ways and with varying degrees of severity. While no two individuals with ASD are exactly alike, common characteristics include difficulties with social interactions and communication. They may also exhibit repetitive behaviors, sensory differences, or have intense interests in specific subjects. It is important to remember that individuals with ASD have unique strengths and challenges, and the way it impacts their lives can be very different from person to person.