Autism Testing

Autism Testing

Why Choose Us?   With nearly two decades of experience, Leonard Educational Evaluations has earned a reputable standing in the community for our expertise, trustworthiness, and genuine concern for our clients. We are dedicated to addressing your concerns, pinpointing problems, and delivering personalized recommendations, interventions, and treatment options!

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents challenges as there is no definitive medical test, like a blood test, for diagnosis. Instead, doctors rely on a comprehensive assessment of the child's developmental history and behavior.

ASD detection can occur as early as 18 months, and by age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional becomes more reliable. However, many children receive their final diagnosis much later, sometimes as adolescents or adults. This delay can hinder timely access to necessary support.

Early diagnosis of ASD is crucial for ensuring children receive the services and support essential for reaching their full potential. This process involves several key steps:

  1. Developmental Monitoring:

    • An ongoing, active process involving regular observations of a child's growth and encouraging discussions between parents and providers about the child's skills and abilities.
    • Involves assessing whether the child meets typical developmental milestones in various areas such as playing, learning, speaking, behaving, and moving.
    • Parents, caregivers, and educators can participate in developmental monitoring, aided by tools like the CDC's Milestone Tracker app.

  2. Developmental Screening:

    • A more formal evaluation than monitoring, conducted as a regular part of some well-child visits, even without known concerns.
    • Recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) at specific ages, including 9 months, 18 months, 30 months, and additional screenings for ASD at 18 and 24 months.
    • Involves questionnaires and checklists comparing the child to others of the same age, covering language, movement, thinking skills, behaviors, and emotions.

  3. Developmental Diagnosis:

    • A screening tool doesn't provide a diagnosis but indicates if a child is on the right developmental track or requires further evaluation.
    • If an area of concern arises, a formal developmental evaluation is recommended, conducted by specialists like developmental pediatricians, child psychologists, speech-language pathologists, or occupational therapists.
    • This in-depth evaluation may include structured tests, observations, and questionnaires to identify the child's strengths and challenges.
    • The diagnosis of ASD encompasses various conditions that were previously diagnosed separately.
    • The results of a formal evaluation can guide the need for early intervention services and, in some cases, suggest genetic counseling and testing.

Navigating the diagnostic process is a collaborative effort between parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers, ensuring a thorough understanding of the child's developmental needs.