Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviours. The clinical practitioner will derive a diagnosis of ASD based on the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 5th Edition, also known as the DSM-5.
The autism evaluation may include the following:
- Talking with the child, parents or/and teachers to get a family health and behaviour history
- Clinical assessment using standardized behaviour rating scales or questionnaires (ex: IQ assessment & CARS-2)
- Review of the child’s academic, social, and emotional functioning and developmental level