A multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorders, with a focus on best practice guidelines for clinicians, graduate students, and educators

Given the rise in prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), clinicians need to be well versed in this unique developmental spectrum. Essentials of Autism Spectrum Disorders Evaluation and Assessment presents a comprehensive developmental model for evaluating autism spectrum disorders. This model is derived from evidence-based standards of practice, along with years of clinical experience, and is presented in easy-to-read terms accessible to a broad audience.

Assessing developmental skills in patients with ASD requires a multidisciplinary understanding of the diagnosis, and research emphasizes the need to take a strengths-based approach when recommending treatments and interventions. Updated to reflect the contemporary understanding of ASD and its many exceptional characteristics, this book allows clinicians to assess the strengths and weaknesses of common assessment measures, including:

• Measures of cognition and intelligence
• Measures of adaptive behavior
• Measures of communication
• Measures of autism symptomatology

Additionally, the authors discuss common misdiagnoses, missed symptoms, and co-occurring conditions, enabling readers to effectively identify ASD based on behavioral presentation. Readers will also find guidance on recommending treatments and interventions to newly diagnosed individuals. The result is a clear, comprehensive guide to today's best practices in evaluating ASD.

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.

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