How School Psychologists Can Help Identify Students with Autism

TL;DR:

Autism can be diagnosed at any age, but early identification in school is crucial for helping children reach their potential.
School psychologists conduct developmental screenings to flag children who may be at risk for autism or other developmental delays.
They use behavioral assessments to look at social, emotional, and classroom behavior that might suggest autism-related challenges.
Cognitive assessments help rule out other issues, such as intellectual disability or specific learning problems, so concerns are not misattributed.
School psychologists collaborate with pediatricians, speech therapists, and other specialists to support a thorough diagnosis and create treatment and support plans.
Parents who are concerned about their child’s development are encouraged to contact the school psychologist early to discuss screening, referrals, and next steps.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. While ASD can be diagnosed at any age, early identification and intervention are essential for helping children with ASD reach their full potential.

School psychologists play an important role in identifying students with ASD. They have the training and expertise to assess children’s development and behavior, and they can work with other professionals, such as pediatricians and speech therapists, to make an accurate diagnosis.

Here are some of the ways that school psychologists can help identify students with ASD:

Conduct developmental screenings.
- Developmental screenings are brief assessments that can be used to identify children who may be at risk for developmental delays. School psychologists can use developmental screenings to identify children showing signs of ASD.
Conduct behavioral assessments.
- Behavioral assessments can be used to identify children who are struggling with social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. School psychologists can use behavioral assessments to identify children who may have ASD.
Conduct cognitive assessments.
- Cognitive assessments can be used to measure children’s intellectual abilities. School psychologists can use cognitive assessments to rule out other possible explanations for a child’s challenges, such as a learning disability.
Collaborate with other professionals.
- School psychologists can work with other professionals, such as pediatricians and speech therapists, to make an accurate diagnosis of ASD. They can also provide recommendations for treatment and support.

If you are concerned that your child may have ASD, talk to your child’s school psychologist. They can help you assess your child’s development and behavior and make a referral to a specialist if necessary. Early identification and intervention are essential for helping children with ASD reach their full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a school psychologist diagnose autism?

School psychologists cannot usually provide a formal medical diagnosis of autism on their own, but they can complete assessments, identify red flags, and refer students to medical or clinical specialists for a full diagnostic evaluation.[web:1]

How do school psychologists help identify students with autism?

School psychologists use developmental screenings, behavioral observations, and cognitive testing to understand a student’s social, communication, and learning profile, then share their findings with families and other professionals.[web:1]

What is a developmental screening at school?

A developmental screening is a short check of a child’s skills in areas like language, social interaction, and motor abilities to see if there are signs of developmental delays or possible autism that need further evaluation.[web:1]

Why are behavioral assessments important for autism?

Behavioral assessments help the school psychologist understand how a student behaves in class, with peers, and during learning tasks, which can highlight social and emotional difficulties often seen in autistic students.[web:1]

How do cognitive assessments support autism identification?

Cognitive assessments measure thinking and learning skills so the school team can see whether a child’s challenges are linked to intellectual disability, a specific learning disorder, or may be part of an autism profile.[web:1]

Who else works with the school psychologist in autism assessment?

School psychologists often collaborate with pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and special educators to build a complete picture of the child’s strengths and needs.[web:1]

What should parents do if they suspect autism?

Parents who are concerned about their child’s development should contact the school psychologist or special education team to request a meeting, share concerns, and ask about screenings or referrals for an autism evaluation.[web:1]

Why is early identification of autism at school important?

Early identification allows schools to provide targeted supports, accommodations, and interventions sooner, which can improve communication, learning, and social outcomes over time.[web:1]

In addition to the above, here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

Understanding the Process of Autism Assessment
The Autism Society of America: https://www.autism-society.org/
The National Autism Association: https://www.nationalautismassociation.org/
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html

DrorAr101

My name is Adi, and I am the proud parent of Saar, a lively 17-year-old who happens to have autism. I have created a blog, 101Autism.com, with the aim to share our family's journey and offer guidance to those who may be going through similar experiences. Saar, much like any other teenager, has a passion for football, cycling, and music. He is also a budding pianist and enjoys painting. However, his world is somewhat distinct. Loud sounds can be overwhelming, sudden changes can be unsettling, and understanding emotions can be challenging. Nevertheless, Saar is constantly learning and growing, and his unwavering resilience is truly remarkable.