Welcome
Marilyn J. Monteiro, Ph.D., has developed a new, innovative approach for evaluating children who may have an autism spectrum disorder. Her conversation-based model is a child and family-focused method for evaluating, diagnosing, and talking about a child who may have autism.
This qualitative assessment process, described in the book Autism Conversations: Evaluating Children on the Autism Spectrum through Authentic Conversations, goes beyond standardized tests typically used to diagnose children with autism spectrum disorders in several key areas.
It gives evaluators a set of tools which help a child relax and express his or her worldview in an enjoyable way that conforms both to the child’s agenda and to the needs of the evaluators.
It allows the evaluation team to assess and discuss the unique characteristics and personality of the child instead of focusing exclusively on the child’s disabilities.
It uses a visual framework that provides a straightforward, non-clinical way to discuss a child’s diagnosis with parents.
The book, Autism Conversations, was written for autism evaluators, the parents of children who might be on the autism spectrum, and members of the general public interested in autism.
“I know that Autism Conversations will be read for advice, before and during a diagnostic assessment, when writing the report and when discussing the results and implications. I recommend that each clinician has his or her own copy, because if this book is shared, whoever has Autism Conversations will be reluctant to part with it.”
– Tony Attwood, PhD, author of Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals
“This book will spark many sensory-driven conversations between therapists and children on the autism spectrum, and it will light the way not only to effective treatment, but also to meaningful connections with families and teachers.”
– Carol Kranowitz, M.A., Author, The Out-of-Sync Child
About this website
For parents: This section provides information about autism. It is written in a conversational style to answer questions frequently asked by parents. Learn about the book, Autism Conversations, find a glossary of terms, and download information about helpful books and resources.
For professionals: This section provides information for professionals who work in the area of autism. Learn about the book, Autism Conversations, and the test, Monteiro Guidelines for Diagnosing Asperger’s Syndrome (MIGDAS).
Please note that Dr. Monteiro provides evaluations for children and adolescents through school districts only.
In her office practice, she provides therapy services for individuals and families, specializing in treating families who have a member on the autism spectrum. Dr. Monteiro also evaluates and provides counseling services for adults with autism spectrum differences and their families through her office practice.
Media
Click the player below to listen to the latest Tellecall interview with Dr. Marilyn Moneiro.
download link (mp3)
The book, Autism Conversations is for all individuals interested in autism. The book is available for order through the publisher, Western Psychological Services and Amazon.com.
The test, Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome: A Team-Based Approach (MIGDAS), is a qualitative interview protocol for clinicians who evaluate verbal children and adolescents with suspected high-functioning forms of autism, including Asperger's Syndrome. The MIGDAS is sold to professional evaluators. To purchase the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome: A Team-Based Approach visit the Western Psychological Services' website.