Quantifiable and Practical Ways to Assess for High-Functioning Forms of Autism: Part Two of Two

 Recently I was asked to comment on the following question:

 “Is there a common framework for assessing students with milder forms of autism that is quantifiable as well as practical?”

 When a systematic approach is used to gather a detailed behavioral profile, it becomes possible to arrive at a diagnosis that is both quantifiable and practical.

 To obtain a qualitative sample of behavior that is systematic and observable a diagnostic student interview should be completed.

 The MIGDAS* interview process provides guidelines in how to structure a “neuro-atypical” conversation with a student and how to gain detailed background information from parents and teachers. The MIGDAS process helps evaluators coax out nuanced patterns of neuro-atypical development that can be clearly documented and match the experience of parents and teachers.

 To further support the individual behavioral profile gathered through the MIGDAS process, I use the CARS2-HF rating scale**. The CARS2-HF provides quantitatively specific and reliable information to support the qualitative sample of behavior obtained through the MIGDAS interview process. It is completed by the autism evaluation team and the ratings take into account direct interaction with the individual as well as parent and teacher input.

 I also use the SRS*** parent and teacher forms to target social factors and to compare how the individual is viewed socially by parents and teachers.

 The BRIEF**** inventory provides useful information regarding key executive functioning skills.

 Finally, the BASC-2***** provides additional quantifiable information. Many times the Atypicality scale is elevated for individuals with mild, high-functioning forms of autism.

 *MIGDAS: Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing Asperger’s Syndrome: A Team-Based Approach (www.wpspublish.com)

**CARS2-HF: Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition-High-Functioning Version (www.wpspublish.com)

***SRS: Social Responsiveness Scale (www.wps.publish.com)

****BRIEF: Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (www.mhs.com)

*****BASC-2: Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (www.pearsonassessments.com)

 What autism behavior checklists do you like to use? Visit me on facebook at “Autism Conversations” and join the conversation!