DIAGNOSIS

Autism involves three basic elements: social deficits, communication and language deficits, and restricted and repetitive behaviors.   Individuals with two or more symptoms in two of these three categories are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.  Most researchers and clinicians consider the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) the gold standard tests for diagnosing autism.  Despite these established measures, doctors and other service providers frequently use a variety of other less valuable screening tools.  The result is that many families receive conflicting diagnoses from different practitioners, resulting in a misdiagnosis.  To further complicate matters, most of these diagnostic instruments (including the ADOS-2) only recommend (but do not require) formalized training in order to use them.  Many practitioners use one or more of a variety of other instruments, which have little to no empirical data to support their accuracy.   Many of these quicker screens pick up problems that overlap with autism, therefore resulting in a misdiagnosis. 

Our clinicians have been formally trained to administer both the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R).  We are steadfast in our commitment to proper diagnosis, and use only the best instruments supported by empirical evidence.

The result is that your child will receive a diagnosis consistent with the best research and practices currently available.  An accurate diagnosis from the start will enable our team to streamline your child’s goals and treatment plan without the inefficiency or stress of conflicting diagnoses.