AUTISM TESTING

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, behavior, and sensory processing. It is called a "spectrum disorder" because it encompasses a wide range of symptoms and severity levels, with each individual with autism presenting differently. Autism is diagnosed through a comprehensive assessment assessing an individual's behavior, communication, and development. Here are some key aspects to Autism in teens and adults:

Diverse Presentation: Autism presents differently in each individual, and the symptoms and challenges can vary widely. Some adults with autism may have mild symptoms and function independently, while others may require more significant support in their daily lives.

Social and Communication Challenges: Individuals with autism often experience ongoing difficulties with social interactions and communication. They may struggle with understanding non-verbal cues, maintaining eye contact, engaging in small talk, or grasping social nuances.

Co-occurring Conditions: It is common for teens and adults with autism to have co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or epilepsy. These conditions may require separate treatment and support.

Executive Functioning Challenges: Many teens and adults with autism struggle with executive functioning skills, which include tasks like organization, planning, time management, and problem-solving. These challenges can affect schoolwork, daily tasks, and future planning.

Ellen uses a combination of standardized assessment tools to arrive at a diagnosis. The most commonly used assessment tools are: ADOS, CARS, and ADI-R. Additional methods used in the diagnostic process for autism include: social communication questionnaires, parent and caregiver interview, and a psychological assessment to help identify any co-occurring conditions or executive functioning challenges.

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