Screening
Many people ask about the early signs of autism. While it’s easy to google a list, it’s much more difficult to accurately observe those behaviors without years of practice. It’s especially difficult with our own children!
I will evaluate your little one’s actions from repetitive behaviors to eye gaze and social gestures. It takes an expert’s eye to distinguish between quality and quantity of certain observable behaviors. I can perform this screening efficiently and effectively whether in person or virtually.
Teaching
I have created my own curriculum for the young child who displays behaviors consistent with autism. I call these “people detective” skills. Do you want your child to talk and play with others? Let’s begin with them noticing others! Would you like to extend your child’s rigid play skills? Let’s flip the script and teach faces instead of the ABCs! My expertise lies in identifying exactly who your child is, lessening their challenges, and increasing their gifts!
What's ADOS-2?
The ADOS-2 is a semi structured, standardized assessment of communication, social interaction, play, and restricted repetitive behaviors.
Toddler Module
The toddler module is specifically for children between 12 and 30 months of age.
Score
Observations during the assessment are coded (scored) and then converted to algorithm score Algorithms provide "ranges of concern" rather than cutoff scores.
High Accuracy
The ADOS-2 demonstrates strong predictive validity and provides a highly accurate picture of current behaviors unaffected by language.
Solutions
By observing and coding these behaviors in real time, information can be obtained that informs intervention, treatment planning, and educational placement.
Results
The assessment usually take 45 minutes The score on the ADOS-2 indicates whether or not the child's presentation is consistent with autism.
Assessing
Using the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2nd Edition), I will interact with your child using the designated toys and questions. Your child and I will be "playing" while I am observing behaviors. I am specifically looking for behaviors that are unusual because of their intensity, frequency, absence, or presence. This is a chance for your child to interact with a stranger, not to measure what the child does at home or school. In this way I have created a little "social world." Parents will be present for the entire time, but sitting off to the side and participating when asked. Be reassured that this is a comfortable fun playtime with everything from bubbles to snacks.
