Assessment and Evaluations in the Tampa Bay Area
Autism Testing
q&a
How do I know when to get my child tested for Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a child interacts with others and perceives the world around them. Identifying the symptoms of autism in children is crucial for early intervention and support. If you feel that your child demonstrates some of the symptoms below, an autism screening may help you determine if you want to pursue a full evaluation.
How do I know if my child has Autism?
Social Challenges
Children with autism may struggle with social interaction and communication. They may have difficulty making eye contact, initiating or maintaining conversations, understanding social cues, or expressing emotions appropriately.
Repetitive Behaviors
Repetitive behaviors and restricted interests are common symptoms of autism. Children may engage in repetitive actions like rocking, hand-flapping, or toe-walking. They may also display a fixation on specific topics or objects, becoming intensely interested in them.
Delayed or Limited Language Development
Many children with autism experience delays in speech and language development. They may have difficulty with expressive language, such as using words and forming sentences, as well as receptive language, including understanding instructions or answering questions.
Lack of Social Play Skills
Children with autism may struggle to engage in imaginative play or participate in social games with their peers. They may exhibit limited pretend play skills or show a preference for solitary activities, withdrawing from social interactions.
Sensory Sensitivities
Sensory sensitivities are common among autistic children. They may have heightened or diminished sensitivity to sensory stimuli like noise, touch, or light. Certain sounds, textures, or smells may be overwhelming or intolerable for them.
Difficulty with Transitions and Changes
Children with autism often find it challenging to cope with changes in routine or transitions between activities. They may exhibit resistance or become visibly upset when faced with unexpected changes, needing structure and predictability to feel secure.
Repetitive Speech or Echolalia
Some children with autism may repeat words, phrases, or entire conversations verbatim. This behavior, known as echolalia, can be immediate or delayed and may serve as a way for them to communicate or self-regulate.
Motor Coordination Challenges
Difficulties with motor coordination, known as dyspraxia, are commonly observed in children with autism. They may struggle with fine motor skills such as tying shoelaces or holding a pencil and gross motor skills such as hopping, jumping, or throwing a ball.
Intense Focus and Attention
Many children with autism demonstrate intense focus and attention on specific activities, sometimes to the exclusion of other tasks or responsibilities. They may become engrossed in repetitive play or exhibit intricate knowledge in specific areas of interest.
Difficulty Understanding Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, body language, and eye contact, play an essential role in social interactions. Children with autism may have difficulty understanding subtle facial expressions or body language gestures, making it challenging to interpret others' emotions or intentions accurately.
Lack of Empathy or Understanding of Others' Emotions
Children with ASD may find it difficult to recognize or understand the emotions and perspectives of others. They may struggle with empathy or responding appropriately in social situations.
What is involved in autism testing?
Our autism testing involves a thorough and multi-dimensional evaluation to determine the presence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We start by completing a comprehensive review of your child’s developmental history and medical records. This information provides valuable insights into any developmental delays, social challenges, or atypical behaviors. The next step usually includes a series of standardized assessments such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) or Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum (MIGDAS), which involves direct observation of a child’s social communication skills and interactions. Additionally, other tests like the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) may be administered to gather information from parents or caregivers. We also consider other factors such as mental health evaluations, language assessments, and cognitive testing to provide a comprehensive understanding of your child’s condition.
Early Identification of Autism
Early identification is crucial for the overall wellbeing and development of children with autism. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of autism at an early age enables prompt intervention and support, leading to improved outcomes. Further, early identification empowers families with crucial knowledge and resources, enabling them to better understand and support their child with autism. As part of our autism evaluation, we help our patients access specialized services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral interventions, which can positively impact a child's communication skills, social interactions, and cognitive abilities.
Our autism evaluations typically begin with an initial parent interview, during which we gather relevant background information to get a better understanding of the specific concerns or areas of difficulty. Next, a battery of standardized tests is administered to measure the student’s intellectual functioning, memory, attention, executive functioning, social skills, behaviors, and academic performance. These assessments also include behavior rating scales completed by parents, teachers, or the student themselves.
What is the
process to get an autism evaluation?
We then carefully analyze and interpret the data collected, consider the student’s strengths and weaknesses, and formulate a comprehensive report that includes diagnostic impressions, recommendations for interventions and accommodations, and educational planning strategies. Throughout the process, collaboration with parents, teachers, and other professionals plays a crucial role in understanding the student’s unique needs and designing appropriate interventions to support their overall development and academic success. Read more about our autism evaluation process here.
Ready to schedule an appointment for testing?
We know how difficult it can be to see your child struggling. Reach out to our office by completing the contact form below. A brief consultation will be arranged to discuss your concerns, review your child's background information, and answer any questions you may have.