Autism Diagnosis Tools
Direct ABA Intervention
Direct ABA intervention includes skill teaching and implementation of strategies to reduce inappropriate behavior. Behavior Interventionists are trained in behavior management, skill teaching, DTT, NET, and many other methodologies to ensure quality of services
Parent Consultation
Parent consultation provides parents with the tools and skills to implement the techniques and strategies of ABA on their own. Our parent training curriculum is adaptable for parents/caregivers at any level.
Supervision
Supervision is provided by a BCBA, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, who is trained in the supervision of cases. Supervision includes modeling, teaching, feedback, and data analysis. Supervisors at Acuity Behavior Solutions provide individualized programs for each client and modify programs/skills being taught in order to maximize skill teaching.
Assessment
Assessment guides our intervention. Our comprehensive assessments cover a wide range of areas with a specific focus on areas of autism in children and difficulty for individuals with autism. Communication, social, and behavioral skills are a common focus. Assessment of behaviors at Acuity Behavior Solutions includes a functional behavior assessment.
Autism Evaluation and Diagnosis Tools
There are many autism assessment tools for children with autism or other related disorders. There are assessment tools that aim to show whether a child has autism – which are typically used for diagnostic purposes. There is not currently a medical test that can show if a child has autism.
There are assessment tools that aim to show how the child scores compared to peers – which are typically used for determining services needed. There are also assessment tools that aim to show specific skills mastered – which are typically used for demonstrating progress from one assessment period to the next. Acuity Behavior Solutions uses the Vineland and the VB-MAPP to assist in goal development. We may also use other assessment tools to develop goals. The diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder using an assessment tool, will usually be done by a doctor, psychologist, neurologist, or pediatric neurologist.
There are many assessment tools for diagnosing autism. Some well-known assessment tools for autism spectrum disorders include:
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
- Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R)
- Social Communication Questionnaire- which is the short version of ADI-R (SCQ)
- Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (ASRS)
- Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)
- Psychoeducational Profile – Third Edition
- Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS)
Other well-known assessment tools for autism spectrum disorders include:
- Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ)
- Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (CSBS)
- Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS)
- Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (MCHAT)
- Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT)
Some assessment tools for “high functioning autism” or “Asperger Syndrome” include:
- Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ)
- Australian Scale for Asperger’s Syndrome
- Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test (CAST)
Assessment tools should be administered by a trained and licensed professional, often a doctor or psychologist. It is also important to keep in mind that the diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of autism has changed over time, and continues to change.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your Autism Evaluation or Autism Assessment for life-changing ABA therapy.
Find out how we can help you or your child with ABA therapy to increase your child’s skills and decrease problem behaviors. ABA has been shown to be highly effective in numerous studies, and our quality ABA program has helped hundreds of children to meet goals, improve skills, and increase overall independence. Call us to set up an appointment!
