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Autistic Spectrum Evaluation
Should your child be screened for Autistic Spectrum Disorders?
If you see any of these signs, we can help determine the precise nature of the problem and help you find appropriate early interventions.
- does not play “pretend” games (pretend to “feed” a doll)
- does not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over)
- not look at objects when another person points at them
- have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all
- avoid eye contact and want to be alone
- have trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings
- prefer not to be held or cuddled or might cuddle only when they want to
- appear to be unaware when other people talk to them, but respond to other sounds
- be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them
- repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language (echolalia) have trouble expressing their needs using typical words
or motions
- repeat actions over and over again
- have trouble adapting when a routine changes
- have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste,look, feel, or sound
- lose skills they once had (for instance, stop saying words they were using)
Here is an outline of what we can do.
Autism Spectrum-Pervasive Developmental Evaluation
- Comprehensive interview with family
- Administer and score various scales-Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Behavior etc.
- Possible direct behavioral observation in the child's natural environment
- Extensive battery of direct testing with the child to evaluate functioning. Testing usually includes: IQ, neuro-developmental, school readiness, receptive and expressive language etc. Other possible testing includes social-emotional functioning, memory and learning, visual-motor integration and attention.
- Extensive easy to read and use evaluation report is presented at feedback meeting.
- Referrals to additional professionals and agencies made at this time. Copy of report to parents and pediatrician. Results shared with Dr. Bauman for appropriate behavioral and cognitive treatment including ongoing parent coaching and consultation.
A message from Dr. Bauman
My gratitude to our Director of Assessment Services Cila Nudelman, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist-Specializing in Neuro-Developmental Evaluation.
I am so proud that Dr. Cila Nudelman has been with this practice for more than 6 years. She has been an amazing asset to me and to the families we serve. Pediatricians should be aware that when they refer to us for “full psycho-educational evaluation” or “neuropsychological testing”, these services are provided by Dr. Nudelman.
She has the unusual ability to keep the attention of children with various attentional challenges, thru the arduous task of direct testing.
Dr. Nudelman then produces a clear and very useful report filled with easy to understand recommendations. Her reports are NOT produced by canned software templates and are not filled with psycho-babble.
At the end of the testing process, she meets with the family to explain the results. A copy of the testing report is routinely provided for the pediatrician. Dr. Nudelman is then available to directly answer the pediatrician or parent's questions. A report and consultation is also available for school personal upon HIPAA release.
To consult with Dr. Nudelman about a possible Autistic Spectrum evaluation, please call our office at 954-659-0059.