Children with autism span the spectrum with some on the milder end, which make them more functional and independent. On the other end are children with more severe forms who have little ability to communicate and depend on a continuous caregiver. Regardless of the child’s level of severity, an autism evaluation is needed to assess the child thoroughly to improve a child’s future success and well-being.
When to a Get Child Evaluated
While some parents may suspect that their child has autism, there’s a no substitute for getting an evaluation to determine a proper diagnosis. Children who exhibit any of the following should be evaluated by a professional: significant delays in non-verbal skills like facial expressions, difficulty forming relationships with peers, lack of empathy, delays in speech, repetitive use of language and more. There are a number of signs to look for, so parents and educators should be alert and contact a professional as soon as they think there’s an issue.
What the Evaluation Entails
The autism evaluation is expansive and includes a variety of steps. First, there is a formal evaluation, which can include a variety of questionnaires and gathering information from the child (if possible), along with parents, educators, physicians and others close to the child. There are also various checklists that professionals can utilize to gauge a child’s condition and development.
Diagnostic tests are given to children based on their ages, which can take on several forms to interpret their behaviors and skill levels. From all evaluations, testing, screenings, interviews and more, a professional can arrive at a diagnosis, which can be used to determine proper treatment, for the benefit of the child and his or her family.
For more information about an evaluation, visit the website of Dr. Joshua Shifrin or call 1-860-966-1000. You can also connect them on Facebook for more updates.
