At Cerebral Psychology, we have an interest in comprehensive assessment and testing for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), helping individuals better understand their unique learning needs. Our expert team utilizes evidence-based approaches to diagnose and manage SLD, including Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia. We provide personalized recommendations and strategies to support educational success and overall well-being. If you or a loved one is struggling with learning difficulties, our tailored assessments offer insights that pave the way for effective intervention and support.
Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a comprehensive assessment process that considers various aspects of the child's behavior, affect regulation, communication skills, social interactions, and developmental history.
The diagnostic process is typically conducted by a team of professionals, which may include:
(1) psychologists,
(2) Developmental pediatricians,
(3) Neurologists,
(4) Speech-language pathologists, and
(5) other specialists
Key steps involved in diagnosing ASD;
Comprehensive Developmental Evaluation: Obtaining a developmental history. This involves a thorough assessment of the child's developmental history, communication skills, social interactions, play, and behavior. Observations of the child in different settings are often included.
Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R): A structured interview conducted with the parents or caregivers to gather detailed information about the child's social interactions, communication skills, and repetitive behaviors.
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Second Edition (ADOS - 2): While insufficient on its own for a diagnosis, the ADOS-2 is considered the field’s “gold-standard” for collecting standardized and objective information about social communication skills, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. It is often used to provide additional information for the diagnosis.
Diagnostic Criteria: The diagnostic criteria for ASD are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. To receive a diagnosis of ASD, an individual must meet specific criteria related to social communication and behavior.
Intelligence Testing: The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) is not specifically designed to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The WISC is a standardized intelligence test used to assess cognitive abilities of children and adolescents. It provides measures of a child's general cognitive functioning across the domains of;
(1) Verbal comprehension,
(2) Perceptual reasoning,
(3) Working memory,
(4) Processing speed,
(5) Visual spatial
While the WISC is not a diagnostic tool for ASD, it can be a valuable component of a comprehensive assessment when evaluating a child for developmental concerns, including ASD. The test results can provide information about a child's cognitive strengths and weaknesses, which may be useful in understanding their overall cognitive profile and assisting with their ongoing learning and development.
It's important to note that a diagnosis of ASD should be made by qualified healthcare professionals, such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist with expertise in autism. The evaluation process typically involves collaboration among various professionals to gather a comprehensive understanding of the child's strengths and challenges.
