Our NeurAbilities team will tailor evaluations and testing recommendations based upon an individual’s specific needs. To assess for autism or ASD, we may use any of the following gold standard screening tools including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R), Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), or an evaluation by a developmental pediatrician. We administer a fixed battery of tests and additional procedures based on the underlying question, clinical information from parents, teachers, and other service providers, in order to address areas of concern that are identified once testing is underway.

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder typically showing signs and symptoms at an early age. Presently, there are no biomedical tests to diagnose autism, instead, autism is characterized by a series of behavioral patterns and skill deficits. Due to the broad range of differences in the presentation of symptoms, autism is considered a spectrum disorder. Individuals with autism typically have difficulty with communication (verbal and non-verbal), repetitive behavior patterns, social skills and executive functioning. It is a neurobiological disorder involving impairment of early brain development. While there is no specific medical test, healthcare providers look at known behavioral and neurodevelopmental issues affecting individuals, in order to diagnose autism or ASD.  

How and when autism presents itself is unique to each child, although autism can be diagnosed as early as 14 months but typically around three years of age. Some of the signs that may initially surface for your child are typically in the areas of communication skills and social interactions. If you or your family’s pediatrician/ physician observe any of the following, consider evaluation as soon as possible by a specialist skilled in providing an autism diagnosis: