Characteristics of ASD and Assessment

The following assessments suggested for each characteristic have strong reliability and validity for assessing individuals on the spectrum and therefore are considered to be Evidence Based Practices.

Behavioral

Repetitive habits, preference for certain routines, and heightened sensitivity to sensory experiences are common in individuals with autism. Stereotyped body movements such as rocking, flapping spinning, or running back and forth.are some of the unique symptoms of autism. Children may repeat the movement of objects by spinning wheels, shaking sticks, flipping levers, or staring at spinning objects. They may insist on the same schedule, meals, or clothing.

If problem behaviors affect their education, students may be assessed using a method called Functional Behavior Assessment. Educators collect data by observing student behavior can lead to an understanding of the function of the behavior. Problem behavior often helps a student to obtain or avoid something. Once the function or purpose is identified, then educators can develop a plan for appropriate responses to behaviors that interfere with their learning. This process helps the student to participate in classroom activities and develop better relationships with his or her peers and teachers

Communication, Speech, and Language

Most children with ASD need support with expressive language skills and in interpreting non-verbal communication. Understanding hand gestures, making eye contact, and deciphering facial expressions are components of the receptive communication difficulties they often face. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ list of early signs of autism states that, along with other behaviors, if a young child regresses in their language skills and is not speaking single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by 24 months, parents should request a professional evaluation.

A Speech and Language Pathologist evaluates students' communication needs. They may use the Social Language Development Test (SLDT) for individuals with high functioning autism. The Comprehensive Assessment of Spoken Language (CASL) is very relevant and uses pictures to test problem-solving skills.

Social

The literal definition of autism from its Greek origin autos mean self. It refers to the self-focus that characterizes children with ASD. They may appear to be reluctant to interact with others, or they may desire interaction, but are unsuccessful due to their language difficulties.

The Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) includes both parent and teacher forms. The parent form assesses social skills and problem behaviors at home. Additionally, the teacher form includes academic competence.

For more information on Social and Emotional Learning, here are some Parent SEL Resources from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL).

Sensory

Resistance to change can be attributed to the sensory issues that individuals with ASD experience in everyday life. Daily routines help them predict what will happen next and ease the anxiety they may experience with change. Unusual behaviors seen in children with autism can be a stress response or a coping strategy. They may be unable to verbally express physical pain in response to taste, smell, touch, vision, or auditory experiences. Repetitive movements such as hand-flapping are indicators of a neurological process that helps them make meaning of what they see, hear, smell, taste, or feel.

The Occupational Therapist , the general education teacher, and parents can all assess sensory needs with the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM). This tool uses a Likert-type scale to describe behaviors related to sensory triggers in different environments - home, classroom, and school environments. It includes sensations related to tactile, olfactory-gustatory, visual, auditory, vestibular, and proprioception. The parents can assess using the home environment version, the OT will use the school environment version, and the general education teacher uses the classroom version.

Watch this video interview with Lindsey Biel on Sensory Processing !

Doctors recommend screening for ASD at 18 and 24 months. A diagnostic evaluation with systematic testing measures a child’s communication skills in understanding directions as well as expressing wants and needs. An evaluation for language delay should include checking for hearing loss as well.

The Organization for Autism Research offers a series of free Autism guidebooks .