AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a wide range of symptoms. It is important to recognize that one person diagnosed with ASD can appear very different from another person diagnosed with ASD. Some people with ASD are able to independently complete their day-to-day tasks, while others may struggle with completing many basic day-to-day tasks. Early diagnosis and intervention is key to successful integration into adulthood.
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Other mental health disorders are often co-occurring with ASD. In order to provide a complete and accurate ASD diagnosis, intellectual testing should be completed, along with the diagnostic interview, an adaptive functioning measure, an ASD screen/measure, and an ADHD screen/measure. In addition to traditional intellectual measures, Dr. Schuster also uses a shorter, nonverbal intellectual test that can be utilized, if indicated. Nonverbal measures of intellectual abilities are often better for individuals with limited language skills. Since Specific Learning Disorders often co-occur with ASD, it is recommended that testing is also completed to determine if a learning disorder is present.
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ASD Myth vs. Fact
Myth: Individuals with ASD cannot feel empathy towards others.
Fact: Individuals with ASD can experience the same amount, or even more empathy, than those without ASD. Sometimes with ASD, the understanding, experience, and expression of empathy can look different than it would for a neurotypical individual, which can lead to a misperception of being cold and uncaring.
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Myth: Individuals with ASD tend to have lower intellectual abilities.
Fact: Over half of individuals diagnosed with ASD have average to well above average intellectual abilities. It can be difficult to obtain accurate intellectual abilities for individuals with more severe ASD or for those with co-occurring diagnoses, such as ADHD or specific learning disorder. Regardless, the majority of individuals with ASD do not have an intellectual disability, and a higher percentage of individuals diagnosed with ASD score in the gifted range of intellectual functioning than those not diagnosed with ASD.
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Evaluation Process ​
The evaluation process is usually completed in 2-3 sessions. The 1st session is often completed online and takes approximately 45 minutes. It typically involves a clinical interview in which background information is gathered. The 2nd session is in-person at our offices in Winter Park. It takes approximately 2 -3 hours depending on the test(s) administered. It is important to provide all documentation, including any relevant medical records, and a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP), if applicable. If the individual being tested takes psychotropic medication, especially if it is medication for ADHD, it is important to ensure that they take their medication as prescribed on the days prior to and including the days of the sessions, in order to better ensure accuracy of the test results.
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The feedback session occurs a few weeks after testing. The feedback session is usually completed online or by phone. You are provided an electronic copy of the report so that you can then give one to whomever you think needs a copy, such as school or the pediatrician for children, or work, college, or primary care physician for adults. Dr. Schuster will give a diagnosis or diagnoses, if any are present.
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Ideal age for testing
It is possible to complete testing for ASD on children as young as 3. However, it is important for you to know that testing children 5 and under is unlikely to provide clear, stable, and specific results. If your child is too distracted or hyperactive, some testing may be invalid and may not be able to be completed in those situations. There is no upper age limit for an assessment for ASD.
