Gain an understanding of the most important autism spectrum assessments and evaluation techniques
Essentials of Autism Spectrum Disorders Evaluation and Assessment, 2nd Edition, helps professionals learn how to identify, assess, and diagnose autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In a time when detection and awareness of ASD are on the rise, this book addresses the primary domains of assessment, discusses the purpose of assessment, suggests test instruments, and identifies the unique clinical applications of each instrument to the diagnosis of ASD. As with all volumes in the Essentials of Psychological Assessment series, this book consists of concise chapters featuring callout boxes highlighting key concepts, easy-to-learn bullet points, and extensive illustrative material, as well as test questions that help you gauge and reinforce your grasp of the information covered.
- Understand the issues in identification and assessment of autism spectrum disorders
- Get expert advice on avoiding common pitfalls and misinterpretations
- Quickly and easily locate pertinent information, thanks to the convenient, rapid-reference format
- Access resources and tools to aid in performing professional duties.
This straightforward manual includes samples of integrated reports from diagnostic evaluations and prepares clinical and school psychologists, and clinicians from allied disciplines, to effectively evaluate and assess ASD.
Table of Contents:
About the Authors x
Series Preface xi
Preface xiii
Acknowledgments xiv
One Overview 1
Diagnostic Criteria 1
References 7
Two Assessment of Developmental and Cognitive Skills 9
Selecting Instruments 10
Developmental and Early Cognitive Measures 12
Measures of Cognition and Intelligence in School-Age
Individuals and Adults 16
Measures of Nonverbal Intelligence 19
Neuropsychological Assessments 20
Qualitative Observations 22
Summary 23
References 24
Test Yourself 26
Answers 27
Three Speech, Language, and Communication Assessment 28
Receptive Language 31
Expressive Language 32
Pragmatic Language/Social Communication 34
Stages of Language Development 36
Formulation of Findings 38
Summary 38
References 42
Test Yourself 43
Answers 43
Four Assessment of Adaptive Behavior, Executive Functioning, and
Behavioral Regulation Skills 45
Assessment of Adaptive Behavior 45
Assessment of Executive Functioning 52
Assessment of Behavioral Regulation Skills 53
Summary 56
References 56
Test Yourself 58
Answers 59
Five Developmental History and Record Review 60
Clinical Interview 61
Methods of Collecting Information on Current and
Historical Presentation 70
Summary 74
References 75
Test Yourself 75
Answers 76
Six Direct Diagnostic Assessment 77
Screening Measures for Risk of ASD 77
Diagnostic Rating Scales 79
Direct Diagnostic Assessment 81
Considerations for First-Time Diagnostic Evaluations with Adolescents and Adults 94
Direct Measures of Autism Symptomatology 96
Options for Remote/Telehealth Diagnostic Assessments for ASD 99
Summary 100
References 101
Test Yourself 103
Answers 104
Seven Diagnostic Differentials and Co-Occurring Conditions 105
Intellectual Disability 106
Communication Disorders 110
Learning Disabilities 111
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 114
Anxiety Disorders 115
Depression and Mood Disorders 116
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 118
TIC Disorders and Tourette’s Disorder 119
Psychiatric Conditions in Adulthood 120
Summary 122
References 123
Test Yourself 125
Answers 127
Eight Catching the Misdiagnosed, Late Diagnosed, and Missed for Diagnosis 128
Factors Related to Racial, Ethnic, Socioeconomic, and Geographical Disparities 129
Factors Related to Sex Differences in ASD Symptomatology 130
Factors Related to Gender and Sexual Identity Development 133
Factors Related to Subtle or Complex Symptom Expression 134
References 136
Test Yourself 137
Answers 138
Nine Preparing for Transition to Adulthood 139
Idea and Transition Planning 139
Assessments Supporting the Transition Plan Process 140
Needs to Consider for Adulthood 146
Job Coaching and Vocational Training 148
Academic Accommodations and Modifications 149
Life Skills and Life Coaching/Mentoring 151
Transitional and College-Preparation Programs 153
References 156
Test Yourself 159
Answers 160
Ten Diagnostic Formulations and Case Conceptualizations 161
Providing Feedback of Results 161
The Written Report 162
Case Samples 163
Case Sample 1: Initial Diagnosis—Toddler 164
Case Sample 2: Re-Evaluation—School-Aged Child with Complex Presentation 175
Case Sample 3: Initial Diagnosis: Adult Female 191
Chapter Summary 205
Author Index 206
Subject Index 000
About the Author :
CELINE A. SAULNIER, PhD, worked in the Yale Child Study Center’s Autism Program for nearly a decade. Then, she joined the faculty at Emory University’s School of Medicine and the Marcus Autism Center. Currently, she owns her own company, Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Services.
PAMELA E. VENTOLA, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Yale Child Study Center and leads the Rare Disease and Pediatric Center of Excellence at Cogstate, supporting industry-sponsored clinical trials. She also has extensive clinical and research experience with diagnostic, developmental, and neuropsychological assessments with individuals with ASD across the life span.
