Gain an understanding of the most important autism spectrum assessments and evaluation techniques Essentials of Autism Spectrum Disorders Evaluation and Assessment, 2nd Edition, helps professionals learn how to identify, assess, and diagnose autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In a time when detection and awareness of ASD are on the rise, this book addresses the primary domains of assessment, discusses the purpose of assessment, suggests test instruments, and identifies the unique clinical applications of each instrument to the diagnosis of ASD. As with all volumes in the Essentials of Psychological Assessment series, this book consists of concise chapters featuring callout boxes highlighting key concepts, easy-to-learn bullet points, and extensive illustrative material, as well as test questions that help you gauge and reinforce your grasp of the information covered. Understand the issues in identification and assessment of autism spectrum disorders Get expert advice on avoiding common pitfalls and misinterpretations Quickly and easily locate pertinent information, thanks to the convenient, rapid-reference format Access resources and tools to aid in performing professional duties. This straightforward manual includes samples of integrated reports from diagnostic evaluations and prepares clinical and school psychologists, and clinicians from allied disciplines, to effectively evaluate and assess ASD.

Table of Contents:
About the Authors x Series Preface xi Preface xiii Acknowledgments xiv One Overview 1 Diagnostic Criteria 1 References 7 Two Assessment of Developmental and Cognitive Skills 9 Selecting Instruments 10 Developmental and Early Cognitive Measures 12 Measures of Cognition and Intelligence in School-Age Individuals and Adults 16 Measures of Nonverbal Intelligence 19 Neuropsychological Assessments 20 Qualitative Observations 22 Summary 23 References 24 Test Yourself 26 Answers 27 Three Speech, Language, and Communication Assessment 28 Receptive Language 31 Expressive Language 32 Pragmatic Language/Social Communication 34 Stages of Language Development 36 Formulation of Findings 38 Summary 38 References 42 Test Yourself 43 Answers 43 Four Assessment of Adaptive Behavior, Executive Functioning, and Behavioral Regulation Skills 45 Assessment of Adaptive Behavior 45 Assessment of Executive Functioning 52 Assessment of Behavioral Regulation Skills 53 Summary 56 References 56 Test Yourself 58 Answers 59 Five Developmental History and Record Review 60 Clinical Interview 61 Methods of Collecting Information on Current and Historical Presentation 70 Summary 74 References 75 Test Yourself 75 Answers 76 Six Direct Diagnostic Assessment 77 Screening Measures for Risk of ASD 77 Diagnostic Rating Scales 79 Direct Diagnostic Assessment 81 Considerations for First-Time Diagnostic Evaluations with Adolescents and Adults 94 Direct Measures of Autism Symptomatology 96 Options for Remote/Telehealth Diagnostic Assessments for ASD 99 Summary 100 References 101 Test Yourself 103 Answers 104 Seven Diagnostic Differentials and Co-Occurring Conditions 105 Intellectual Disability 106 Communication Disorders 110 Learning Disabilities 111 Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 114 Anxiety Disorders 115 Depression and Mood Disorders 116 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 118 TIC Disorders and Tourette’s Disorder 119 Psychiatric Conditions in Adulthood 120 Summary 122 References 123 Test Yourself 125 Answers 127 Eight Catching the Misdiagnosed, Late Diagnosed, and Missed for Diagnosis 128 Factors Related to Racial, Ethnic, Socioeconomic, and Geographical Disparities 129 Factors Related to Sex Differences in ASD Symptomatology 130 Factors Related to Gender and Sexual Identity Development 133 Factors Related to Subtle or Complex Symptom Expression 134 References 136 Test Yourself 137 Answers 138 Nine Preparing for Transition to Adulthood 139 Idea and Transition Planning 139 Assessments Supporting the Transition Plan Process 140 Needs to Consider for Adulthood 146 Job Coaching and Vocational Training 148 Academic Accommodations and Modifications 149 Life Skills and Life Coaching/Mentoring 151 Transitional and College-Preparation Programs 153 References 156 Test Yourself 159 Answers 160 Ten Diagnostic Formulations and Case Conceptualizations 161 Providing Feedback of Results 161 The Written Report 162 Case Samples 163 Case Sample 1: Initial Diagnosis—Toddler 164 Case Sample 2: Re-Evaluation—School-Aged Child with Complex Presentation 175 Case Sample 3: Initial Diagnosis: Adult Female 191 Chapter Summary 205 Author Index 206 Subject Index 000