Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment

Have you or a loved one been recommended or referred for testing for autism spectrum disorder or any other neurodevelopmental issue? Are you concerned about your child’s develop and feel they may benefit from being assessed for Autism Spectrum Disorder? Have you recently found yourself wondering if you should pursue an adult ASD diagnosis? At ThoughtWise in Tallahassee, we specialize in the assessment and management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) alongside many other presenting cognitive and developmental concerns.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Scientists have been studying Autism Spectrum Disorder since the 1940’s and our understanding of the cause, presentation, and management of ASD has continued to grow and change over the years. Many scientists now believe that there are multiple causes for the presentation of ASD. The American Center for Disease Control defines ASD as a development disability that may cause an individual to behave, communicate, socialize, and learn in ways that a different from what is considered standard for most people in a shared age group.

Those with ASD can present a wide variety of cognitive and social ability across the spectrum of the disorder. Some people with ASD may be extroverted and effective communicators while others may be fully nonverbal and may benefit from the aid of communication devices. Many people with ASD may struggle with interpreting social queues or maintaining eye contact during conversation. People who are higher function on the autism spectrum may be diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The implications of ASD sometimes are based on or include a person’s:

• Noticeable mastery, abilities, or giftedness in specific areas (called “splinter skills”).
• Difficulties with language.
• Issues with nonverbal communication.
• Struggling to establish mutual relationships.
• Lack of interest in social interaction.
• Repetitive behaviors or need for repetitive routines.
• Habits or insistence on using “blunt” language, or an inability to understand metaphors or analogies.
• Exaggerated “footing” or mannerisms.

While these criteria are common among people with ASD, not everyone with ASD has difficulty in these areas and ASD is recognized on a “spectrum,” where the person presents within a range of ability, ranging from low functioning to higher functioning.

ASD in Children

ASD is often recognized in children by around two years of age. Children with ASD may struggle with peer interaction and prefer to play alone, prefer to avoid physical touch, be sensitive to certain foods and textures or be a ‘picky eater’, and struggle to cope with changes in routine.

In the past few years ASD has been recognized more and more throughout the U.S. The United States rates of children diagnosed with ASD increased from 1 in 150 in the year 2000 (less than 1% of children), to 1 in 54 children, (around 2% of children in the U.S.) in the year 2016.

Early intervention starts with the assessment, diagnosis, and identification of this type of disorder; at Thoughtwise, we recommend that you first contact us for a consultation with a specialist in this area.

What is early intervention?

At ThoughtWise, our specialists can help you with through your autism assessment and help determine which types of support may be needed. For children, this may mean starting early intervention, such as mental health treatment or visiting a speech language pathologist, for the child suspected of showing the signs of ASD or any other psychological or mental health condition. For adult diagnosises of ASD where early intervention is not an option, this may include guiding you in better understanding your ASD diagnosis, information on how to find the right support in your school or workplace, and therapy services to help navigate any of the common mental health comorbidities of ASD, such as depression or anxiety disorders.

There are modern types of services and interventions that are available if you or one of your loved ones has been diagnosed with ASD. Modern-day interventions focus on managing and reducing symptoms that impact day-to-day life along; this includes additional support and practice of coping skills that can help manage overstimulation. Proper assessment and diagnosis for ASD is important, so that you or your loved one can start receiving the additional support they may need to thrive.

Some modern-day interventions for persons with ASD that we recognize here at Thoughtwise are:

• Family therapy.
• Narrative therapy.
• Positive psychology.
• Behavioral therapy.
• PECS (exchange of picture exchange communication systems).
• Behavioral trainings, neurofeedback, or biofeedback.

At Thoughtwise, we readily recognize the need that you and your family have for a provider that specializes in testing, diagnosing, and treating ASD in children and adults in the local Tallahassee area. We specialize in the assessment and treatment interventions for those who are or may be dealing with the effects of a psychological, neurological, or neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD.

How do I request an Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment?

Please contact us at ThoughtWise about beginning testing for you or your loved one for ASD. We offer many services for persons with ASD that are recognized among doctors and providers abroad.