Early Diagnosis of Autism Leads to Appropriate Intervention
Last week the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 1 in 88 children born in 2008 were diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The findings also reflected that the average child with autism is diagnosed with the condition at 4 years of age.
(For more information from the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/CountingAutism/).
While the reason for the significant increase in autism continues to be debated, there is no doubt that the children being seen for this diagnosis need early intervention and their families need support. We frequently hear families say that they did not know where to turn for an evaluation and diagnosis when they had concerns regarding their young child.
CRG/Children’s Resource Group has long provided evaluations for children from birth through young adulthood, including Developmental Evaluations for children under age five. Our Developmental Assessments are designed to:
- Provide an assessment of the child’s current developmental levels
- Determine the nature and extent of the child’s difficulties
- Educate the parents regarding the child’s difficulties and needs
- Provide recommendations for treatment and intervention.
The Developmental Assessment process at CRG starts with an initial interview and observation of the child by one of our child psychologists or child and adolescent psychiatrists. Following this interview the child and at least one parent are seen for developmental testing, which is conducted by one of our speech and language pathologists or educational specialists. This information is integrated by the clinicians into a report and shared with the family at a separate appointment.
By Julie Steck, Ph.D., HSPP
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