In the US, licensed mental health professional, preferably with specialization with young children with developmental difficulties. A clinical psychologist would be fine. Good luck.
Thanks for the info. Do you know who is ment to carry out these tests? Would it be a phycologist?
Several standardized tests and checklists have been developed to help assess the behavior of children with possible autism. These tests are also intended to further evaluate children in whom autism is considered possible (due to parent concerns, clinical clues, and/or positive screening test results). These assessment instruments can be used in various ways in assessing children with possible autism. Sometimes these instruments can be used to determine if autism is likely, so that a decision can be made to seek a specific diagnosis. At other times, some of these assessment instruments may be used as part of the formal diagnostic process. Finally, in certain instances some of these instruments may be used to rate the severity of symptoms, which may be useful in assessing interventions, periodic monitoring of the child's progress, and assessing outcomes.
* Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC): a behavior checklist completed by a parent.
* Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R): a structured interview.
* Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS): a test combining parent reports and direct observation by the professional.
Good luck!
As I live in Ireland and our health system is not the greatest, especially when concerning assesment and diagnosis of children with autism or related disorders. I'm finding I have to push for a lot of tests to be done. Also as I'm not a doctor I don't really know what tests to be asking for.
Due to education laws here he must start school in September and without a diagnosis he will not get any kind of help.
All children in Ireland are intitled to what is called an assesment of needs. I have applied for this for Ross and met with a lady yesterday. She is going to organise a phycology assesment.
Do you know if there is a specific assesment for PDD-NOS?
Thanks for your help.
There is a condition called PDD- NOS - Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified. This condition applies to children who have some autism-spectrum symptoms, but not a clear pattern that allows them to be placed into a known catgory. My understanding is that the therapeutic approach is the same as with all autism spectrum disorders. Are you seeing specialists for his therapy?