Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes significant deficits in social communication and social interaction demonstrated by difficulties with social-emotional reciprocity (i.e., social “give-and-take”), difficulties with the use of non-linguistic methods of communication (e.g., eye contact, body language, etc.), and difficulties developing, maintaining, and understanding social relationships. ASD also includes exhibiting restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities such as hyper/hyporeactivity to sensory input; highly restricted/fixated interests; inflexibility and rigidity related to routines or behaviors; and stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, speech, or use of objects. These symptoms significantly and adversely affect one’s performance in social settings, school, or the workplace.

Evaluations include assessment of several areas:

  • Social communication skills

  • General intellectual ability

  • Language (receptive and expressive)

  • Non-linguistic skills and behaviors

  • Sensitivities to sensory information

  • Cognitive rigidity and adherence to routines

  • Repetitive and/or restrictive behaviors and interests

  • Understanding and use of figurative language

  • Client history covering the areas above - especially early childhood information that may need to be learned from the client’s parents

The evaluation includes the use of standardized tests, informal tasks, interviews, and of rating scales to be completed by the client and their significant others.