Essentials of Autism Spectrum Disorders Evaluation and Assessment

A multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorders, with a focus on best practice guidelines for clinicians, graduate students, and educators Given the rise in prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), clinicians need to be well versed in this unique developmental spectrum. Essentials of Autism Spectrum Disorders Evaluation and Assessment presents a comprehensive developmental model for evaluating autism spectrum disorders. This model is derived from evidence-based standards of practice, along with years of clinical experience, and is presented in easy-to-read terms accessible to a broad audience. Assessing developmental skills in patients with ASD requires a multidisciplinary understanding of the diagnosis, and research emphasizes the need to take a strengths-based approach when recommending treatments and interventions. Updated to reflect the contemporary understanding of ASD and its many exceptional characteristics, this book allows clinicians to assess the strengths and weaknesses of common assessment measures, including: Measures of cognition and intelligence Measures of adaptive behavior Measures of communication Measures of autism symptomatology Additionally, the authors discuss common misdiagnoses, missed symptoms, and co-occurring conditions, enabling readers to effectively identify ASD based on behavioral presentation. Readers will also find guidance on recommending treatments and interventions to newly diagnosed individuals. The result is a clear, comprehensive guide to today's best practices in evaluating ASD.