The Autism Spectrum Disorder Service Guideline.pdf - CTE - Online ...

Components of a Medical Diagnostic AssessmentMedical assessment for ASD should confirm the diagnosis as well as provide informationabout the strengths and learning challenges of the child. It can be helpful in planning forintervention. The components of an evaluation for ASD should include:1. Developmental, medical (see Appendix Five), and three generation familyhistory2. Careful physical and neurological examination3. Developmental evaluation4. Assessment of social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, andrepertoire of activities and interests and play behavior against the DSM IV TRcriteria for autism5. Audiological evaluation6. Assessment of family functioning including strengths, resources, stressors andsupport needs, both emotional and financial.7. If there is global developmental delay, the child should have chromosomeanalysis and DNA testing for Fragile X.8. Additional targeted medical assessment is based on clinical presentation. Thisincludes additional laboratory studies, EEG, MRI, etc.A specific autism assessment tool is highly recommended but not required to make thediagnosis. Examples of some assessment tools are included in Appendix Four. Foryoung children identified with ASD, timelines for a re-evaluation should be determined. Achild who is assessed at 16-24 months should be reassessed in one year.Decisions about additional medical evaluations or referrals for medical follow-up mustoriginate from the child’s primary health care provider. Appendix Five lists the types ofBirth to Three System encourages families to work with their health care provider toobtain medical diagnostic services (See Appendix Five). Medical follow-up is not aservice covered by Birth to Three. When a child is identified as meeting the educationalclassification of autism, Birth to Three will seek parent permission to share thisinformation with the child’s medical provider because medical follow up is very importantfor children with autism.Additional information on early indicators of ASD is found in Early Indicators forScreening - Appendix Two. Additional assessment tools for ASD are listed in AppendixFour.CT Birth to Three System • Service Guideline #1 • Revised July, 2002 and January, 20089