Discussion
For assignment I am focusing on assessment and testing for autism. There are three tests I am researching. The tests include Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorder (CASD), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS-2) and Autism Spectrum Rating Scales (ASRS). The first diagnostic instrument, CASD is "the only diagnostic instrument designed to evaluate a single spectrum" (Mayes, 2012). It is an assessment that "aids in distinguishing diagnosis on the autism spectrum.
It includes psychoeducation of parents and also aids in developing educational strategies" (Mayes, 2012). One of the many benefits of this test is that "it is quick and effective" (Mayes, 2012). CARS-2 is the next test I am researching. Overall, it is a "questionnaire designed for individuals with behaviors that need explanations" for those behaviors (Schopler, Van Bourgondien, Wellman & Love, 2010).
The last test, called ASRS is mainly for "mental health professionals assessing individuals with symptoms of autism spectrum disorder with children from 2-18 years old" (Goldstein &Naglieri, 2010).
It is an important test with benefits such as easy and simple to administer and take, guides professionals with the appropriate treatment plan to use, as well as examining the treatment outcome (Goldstein &Naglieri, 2010). The most impressive piece of this assessment is that it "contains sufficient evidence of reliability and validity to explain cognitive functioning" (Goldstein &Naglieri, 2010).
I am still in the midst of doing more research from peer reviewed journals; however, it appears that ASRS is going to be my preference for my course project. ASRS is a great assessment to be familiar with because my coordinators at work use it with our clients. This test does a great job assessing individuals, identifying individual's symptoms and behaviors.
By identifying symptoms and behaviors, the test then directs professionals in the right direction to improve skills such as peer and adult socialization, sensory regulation, emotional/social reciprocity, behavior and self regulation. As I research, I am going to continue to take in the simplicity of the assessments, the scale for scoring and the areas the assessments are focusing on. The most difficult part is researching all the tests, but I am almost done with that and I am excited to put it into words.
References
Goldstein, S., &Naglieri, J. (2010). Autism Spectrum Rating Scales.
Mayes, S. D. (2012). Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Schopler, E., Van Bourgondien, M. E., Wellman, G. J., & Love, S. R. (2010). Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition.