Essentials of Autism Spectrum Disorders Evaluation and Assessment

Gain an understanding of the most important autism spectrum assessments and evaluation techniques.

Essentials of Autism Spectrum Disorders Evaluation and Assessment, 2nd Edition, helps professionals learn how to identify, assess, and diagnose autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In a time when detection and awareness of ASD are on the rise, this book addresses the primary domains of assessment, discusses the purpose of assessment, suggests test instruments, and identifies the unique clinical applications of each instrument to the diagnosis of ASD. As with all volumes in the Essentials of Psychological Assessment series, this book consists of concise chapters featuring callout boxes highlighting key concepts, easy-to-learn bullet points, and extensive illustrative material, as well as test questions that help you gauge and reinforce your grasp of the information covered. • Understand the issues in identification and assessment of autism spectrum disorders

• Get expert advice on avoiding common pitfalls and misinterpretations
• Quickly and easily locate pertinent information, thanks to the convenient, rapid-reference format
• Access resources and tools to aid in performing professional duties. This straightforward manual includes samples of integrated reports from diagnostic evaluations and prepares clinical and school psychologists, and clinicians from allied disciplines, to effectively evaluate and assess ASD.

Table of Contents

Series Preface Acknowledgments 1. Overview • Diagnostic Criteria • Severity Levels • Clinical Specifiers • Symptom Expression across the Spectrum • References 2. Assessment of Developmental and Cognitive Skills • Selecting Instruments • Developmental and Early Cognitive Measures • Measures of Cognition and Intelligence in School-age Individuals and Adults • Measures of Nonverbal Intelligence • Neuropsychological Assessments • Qualitative Observations • Summary • References • Test Yourself • Answers 3. Speech, Language, and Communication Assessment • Receptive Language

• Expressive Language
• Pragmatic Language/Social Communication
• Stages of Language Development
• Formulation of Findings
• Summary
• References
• Test Yourself
• Answers

4. Assessment of Adaptive Behavior, Executive Functioning, and Behavioral Regulation Skills

• Assessment of Adaptive Behavior
• Assessment of Executive Functioning
• Assessment of Behavioral Regulation Skills
• Summary
• References
• Test Yourself
• Answers

5. Developmental History and Record Review

• Clinical Interview
• Methods of Collecting Information on Current and Historical Presentation
• Summary
• References
• Test Yourself
• Answers

6. Direct Diagnostic Assessment

• Screening Measures for Risk of ASD
• Diagnostic Rating Scales
• Direct Diagnostic Assessment
• Consideration for First-time Diagnostic Evaluations with Adolescents and Adults
• Direct Measures of Autism Symptomatology
• Options for Remote/Telehealth Diagnostic Assessments for ASD
• Summary
• References
• Test Yourself
• Answers

7. Diagnostic Differentials and Co-occurring Conditions

• Intellectual Disability
• Communication Disorders
• Learning Disabilities
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression & Mood Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Tic Disorders and Tourette's Disorder
• Psychiatric Conditions in Adulthood
• Summary
• References
• Test Yourself
• Answers

8. Catching the Misdiagnosed, Late Diagnosed, and Missed for Diagnosis

• Factors Related to Racial, Ethnic, Socioeconomic, and Geographical Disparities
• Factors Related to Sex Differences in ASD Symptomatology
• Factors Related to Gender and Sexual Identity Development
• Factors Related to Subtle or Complex Symptom Expression
• Summary
• References
• Test Yourself
• Answers

9. Preparing for Transition to Adulthood

• IDEA and Transition Planning
• Assessments Supporting the Transition Process
• Needs to Consider for Adulthood
• Job Coaching and Vocational Training
• Academic Accommodations and Modifications
• Life Skills and Life Coaching/Mentoring
• Transitional and College-Preparation Programs
• References
• Test Yourself
• Answers

10. Diagnostic Formulations & Case Conceptualizations

• Providing Feedback of Results
• The Written Report
• Case Samples
• Case Sample 1: Initial Diagnosis—Toddler
• Case Sample 2: Re-Evaluation : School-Aged Child WithComplex Presentation
• Case Sample 3: Initial Diagnosis: Adult Female
• Chapter Summary

About the Authors

Author Index

Subject Index