While there are distinct signs of autism, they can present differently with each individual. Therefore, professionals must conduct a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD). During this evaluation, they employ a number of assessment tools to accurately identify the traits associated with the diagnostic criteria for autism. This article aims to provide insight into the various assessment tools professionals utilize to diagnose ASD.
Understanding Autism Assessments
Autism assessments serve various functions. Autism screenings help to identify potential developmental delays. While these cannot diagnose autism, they are important for pinpointing babies and children who may be at risk. For children showing signs of autism, a diagnostician will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, utilizing multiple assessments.
Autism assessments are necessary to identify ASD symptoms or traits. Evidence-based diagnostic assessments are also beneficial for determining the level of support the learner needs based on the unique presentation of their symptoms. An accurate diagnosis is the first step in developing an understanding of the learner’s needs to best support them.
Many medical professionals take a multidisciplinary approach to assessing autism. This can include collaboration among psychologists, psychiatrists, behavior analysts, speech-language pathologists, developmental pediatricians, and other professionals. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosticians utilize behavioral observations, developmental history, parent and caregiver interviews, and standardized assessments before making a diagnosis.
Exploring ABLLS
After a diagnosis is made, many families seek Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), special education services, and other therapies for their child. Before starting therapies, additional assessments are necessary. A diagnosis is a vital first step. However, it doesn’t offer a whole picture of the child’s unique needs and abilities. As such, clinicians conduct skill assessments to better understand the learner’s needs and develop individualized goals.
The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised (ABLLS-R) is one routine skill assessment. It’s a criterion-based assessment that evaluates learners on 544 skills across 25 domains.
The ABLLS-R evaluates learners across domains in four main categories:
ABLLS allows educators and clinicians to understand a learner’s strengths and areas needing intervention. The assessment pinpoints specific skill deficits, guiding the development of goals and interventions to teach and support lagging skills.
Investigating AFLS
The Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS) is another criterion-referenced assessment tool. The AFLS is beneficial for assessing functional and adaptive behaviors across various domains of living for individuals with autism.
AFLS has six protocols, each encompassing different areas of functioning. In total, AFLS assesses 1,900 functional skills.
The six AFLS protocols include:
- Basic Living Skills
- Home Skills
- Community Participation Skills
- Social Skills
- Vocational Skills
- Independent Living Skills
The AFLS plays an important role in guiding educators and therapists in identifying areas for skill development and independence in individuals with autism. With a comprehensive set of protocols, educators can target the domains that apply to the individual learner. For example, educators working with high school students on transition plans will likely find the community, vocational, and independent living skill protocols beneficial. Tailoring goals and interventions to the learner’s specific needs and interests is critical for elevating the best possible outcomes.
Discovering Standardized Autism Assessments
The AFLS and ABLLS are essential assessments that support individualized goals and intervention planning. However, they cannot be used to diagnose autism. Instead, diagnosticians use standardized assessment tools to identify whether an individual qualifies for an autism diagnosis. Trained diagnosticians use standardized assessments with clinical judgment to reach a comprehensive diagnosis of autism.
The following tools are some of the most commonly used standardized autism assessments.
The ADOS-2 evaluates an individual’s communication, social, play, and restricted and repetitive behaviors to identify traits consistent with autism. With different modules based on age and functioning, the ADOS-2 can be used for toddlers through adults. It is semi-structured, with the examiner evaluating the individual during structured activities and less structured play and interactions.
At the end of the evaluation, the examiner uses their data and clinical judgment to make overall ratings for each skill or domain (e.g., functional play, response to name) based on whether delays or differences were observed. Each module has a different scoring system, requiring a highly trained examiner to interpret and score the results. Many replicated, peer-reviewed studies have verified the ADOS-2’s high diagnostic accuracy.
Posted in Education, Special Education
Comprehensive ABA Assessments for Autism: ABLLS-R® & AFLS®
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