What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (or ASD or Autism) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the brain as it develops. Children as young as 3 months old can display signs of autism, such as a lack of eye contact, little or no babbling, and muted emotional responses. However, Autism (especially if mild in severity) is often undiagnosed until later in life.

There are 2 main features of Autism:

• Communication: You or your child has differences in how they communicate and interact with other people (social communication) compared with other people/children their age. This may include both verbal and non-verbal communication.

• Behavior: You or your child may have narrow or specific interests, repetitive motions (tapping, rocking), difficulty with changes in routines, sensory interests, or sensory sensitivities. 

Autism can look very different from one person to another. For example, a person with severe autism symptoms (i.e., level 2 or 3) may not be able to attend traditional school or work a regular job and could require support 24 hours a day. If self-harming behaviors are present, they may need a higher level of care than a family can handle. 

On the other end of the Autism spectrum, children may be functioning well at school and home, but they require minor accommodations and supports to ensure their development remains on pace with their peers. Autistic individuals who are in the moderate range may require higher support needs in school, one-on-one behavioral therapy, and ongoing support going into adulthood. Similarly, there are often older adolescents and adults who are undiagnosed with autism but may have often felt that they are “different” from other people around them in the way they interact with others and process information.

What Causes Autism?

Autism is a complex disorder that is heavily influenced by your genetic makeup. Autism is highly heritable (over 80% of cases). Family history is important to review with our neuropsychologist during testing. Other factors that contribute to an Autism diagnosis include neurobiology, maternal health, and early exposure to certain environmental factors (e.g., pollution, toxins in water). 

Professionals That Can Diagnose Autism

The list of licensed professionals who are able to assess for and diagnose ASD includes:

Psychiatrist (MD), Neurologist (MD), Developmental Pediatrician (MD), or a Psychologist/Neuropsychologist (PhD or PsyD). These are the only professionals who can provide a valid diagnosis of Autism, which is often necessary to receive school and state-funded support programs, as well as receive treatment and admission to specialized programs and schools.

What to Expect During Testing

At Mind Grove Psychology, our neuropsychologist, Dr. Choi, has extensive experience in assessing for and diagnosing Autism. A typical Autism evaluation process follows a similar structure: 

1. Initial Clinical Interview

   a. If relevant medical, school, or mental health records are available, please send them to me prior to the appointment. 

   b. To get to know your or your child, we'll ask questions regarding family history, past medical and mental health treatment, history of developmental milestones, educational and academic background, and current concerns.

2. Testing Process 

   a. Depending on your needs, a battery of validated tests (e.g., ADOS-2) and questionnaires is chosen to assess the core symptoms of Autism.

3. Report and Feedback 

   a. Testing data is scored and interpreted by the psychologist, and a written report provides a comprehensive picture of how you or your child functions. Included will be relevant background information, testing results, a detailed analysis of the findings, as well as diagnoses and recommendations for support. 

   b. The feedback session is a great time to ask questions and discuss next steps. Any referrals for treatment or services will be provided.

How to Schedule an Autism Evaluation

At Mind Grove Psychology your time and concerns are taken seriously and evaluations will always be tailored to meet your needs. Contact Mind Grove Psychology today for a free 15 minute consultation or to schedule your appointment. Mind Grove Psychology can be reached by phone at (201) 477-8279. 

Dr. Choi is an experienced neuropsychologist who is licensed in New York, Connecticut, and is authorized by PSYPACT to provide psychological services remotely through the use of technology to clients residing in the following states and territories: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, & Wyoming.