Multidisciplinary Assessment

The diagnostic clinic involves an arena-style assessment of the child’s overall development with a focus on communication, adaptive behaviors, and social-interaction skills. These areas allow for an understanding of the domains involved with a differential diagnosis of ASD.

The assessment team will be comprised of the following professionals:

• Developmental Pediatrician or Child Psychiatrist
• Nurse
• Speech-Language Pathologist
• Occupational Therapist
• Social Worker
• Behavior Analyst
• Psychologist

Whenever possible, a psychologist from the child’s school district will be a part of the team. Each professional will take part in the assessment and the team will make collaborative decision about the diagnosis and fundamental treatment recommendations.

The Evaluation

The evaluation will involve:

1. parent interview and case history
2. standardized measure of autism, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)
3. a hands-on criterion-based assessment of broad developmental areas (motor, self-help, language, social, and cognitive skills).

Based on the outcome of the evaluation, the diagnostic team will make diagnoses, referrals for additional testing, and fundamental treatment recommendations. These results will be presented to the parents on the day of the diagnostic.

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