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.

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