A pre-diagnostic screening for autism helps to assess whether a child is showing any initial markers or signs of autism, developmental delays, or other disorders. Depending on the concerns of the parent or behaviors a child is demonstrating, a pediatrician may recommend one or more developmental screenings before referring families to full neuropsychological testing (or a diagnostic evaluation). Children who …
What is a standardized assessment?
Standardized assessments are frequently used in the process of neuropsychological testing and diagnostic evaluations. A standardized assessment is a test consisting of a set of questions pulled from a common bank. All test takers are required to answer the same questions so the test can be scored in a consistent manner. Utilizing a set of questions allows the opportunity to …
Who provides a diagnostic evaluation?
A range of clinicians and professionals can administer a diagnostic evaluation. These professionals have experience and may specialize in different areas of the diagnostic evaluation process, such as early developmental screenings, child observation, and administering standardized tests like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2). The following is a list of some professionals who provide diagnostic evaluations and screenings. Developmental …
The role of a pediatric psychologist in a diagnostic evaluation
Pediatric neuropsychologists often conduct the most significant portions of the diagnostic evaluation, including the initial intake meeting with the parent and child, test administration, and feedback meeting (to discuss the results of the evaluation). Why consult a clinical psychologist? Clinical psychologists are clinicians who have PhDs (doctoral degrees) and can specialize in a number of different areas of interest within …
The role of an occupational therapist in a diagnostic evaluation
Diagnostic evaluations often incorporate a multidisciplinary team of professionals in order to look at the “whole child” from various clinical perspectives. This holistic approach might include an occupational therapist who specializes in sensory processing, fine motor skills, and other key areas of development. Why consult an Occupational Therapist? Occupational therapists (or OTs) work with children in all areas of their …
Why Might a Psychologist Recommend a Therapeutic Preschool?
Following a neuropsychological evaluation, a psychologist might make a variety of recommendations depending on the needs of the child. One potential recommendation could be a therapeutic preschool program. What is a Therapeutic Preschool? A therapeutic preschool is a learning environment that provides educational and therapeutic support to children of all ability levels. A therapeutic learning environment incorporates individual therapy goals …
What Services Might Be Recommended After a Diagnostic Evaluation?
There are a variety of services that a clinician could recommend following a diagnostic evaluation. All of these recommendations are based on the outcome of the evaluation and where the clinician believes a child would benefit from therapeutic intervention or support. Parent involvement is essential in this process, since parents know their children best and will have preferences Below is …
Benefits of a multidisciplinary approach to autism testing
As research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) advances, many clinicians are incorporating a multidisciplinary approach to evaluations and treatment. A multidisciplinary approach can both ease and expedite the evaluation process, as well as provide families with a helpful range of resources that they can pursue during treatment. Multidisciplinary approach: A multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary approach to diagnostic evaluation uses information collected …
What services could be recommended following the evaluation?
There are a variety of services that clinicians may recommend following a diagnostic evaluation. All of these recommendations will be based on the outcome of the evaluation and where the clinician believes a child would benefit from therapeutic intervention or support. Below is a list of some services that could be recommended after a diagnostic evaluation. Speech Therapy: Speech therapy …
What are repetitive and restrictive behaviors?
Restrictive and repetitive behaviors are common in individuals who experience autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many children with ASD present with some restrictive and repetitive behaviors throughout their development. Repetitive and restrictive behaviors can present in different forms, and some of the most common categories of these behaviors include: Restrictive interests: Restrictive interests refers to when a child becomes hyper-focused on …