Autism Symptoms
& Testing

Early screening for autism can make a tremendous difference in social development and early school success. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening all children for autism at 9, 18 and 30 months. Autism West employs age-appropriate tools and play-based methods for thorough testing. Scenarios include everyday activities like going to a birthday party or bath time.

3-Session Testing Model

• Background meeting with parents

• Independent play & ADOS-2 assessment

• Parent debrief

• Intervention Recommendations

As children enter school, autism symptoms can be obstacles to success and social connections. Teachers and school psychologists play a key role in identifying potential signs of autism. The ADOS-2 is the primary tool used in play-based testing.

 

Testing includes a background session with parents, independent play with the child, a parent review of findings, and recommended next steps.

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Learn more about our approach to ABA Therapy.

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Autism testing for teenagers considers the teenager’s unique developmental stage, school environment, family dynamics, and future goals. Teens often focus on success in social settings like school, sports, and work. Adaptive behaviors or masking can make autism harder to spot.

 

Our three-phase assessment with parent interviews, individual observation, and parent debrief assess
• Social interactions and behaviors
• Cognitive and language skills
• Adaptive functioning

For teens and adults, autism and ADHD frequently occur together. Check out ADHD Signs & Symptoms.

For adults, potential autism symptoms may interfere with work, relationships, or parenting.

 

In fact, many adults seek autism testing after becoming a parent or seeking testing for a child. Testing includes input and observations from family or friends close to the individual, as well as an interview and observation.

 

Adults diagnosed before 20 ½ years old may be eligible for additional benefits including EPSD services and behavioral health assistance. Diagnosis can open counseling, job placement, and other community services to support success.