Autism Screening and Diagnosis
ASD Screenings
The process of diagnosis at the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder (CASD) includes two steps. The first step is the screening appointment. The screening appointment is currently conducted through telehealth via a HIPAA-compliant, videoconference software called Teams. The appointment lasts about one hour and includes two parts within the same scheduled appointment, an interview with the parent/caregiver and a direct observation of the client. For younger children, direct observation includes a 10- to 15-minute observation of the child playing with toys. For older children, adolescents, or young adults, direct observation typically entails an interview with the clinician directly. These appointments are conducted by graduate student clinicians under the supervision of a licensed professional. These screenings are intended to provide recommendations for seeking an ASD diagnostic evaluation if indicated and for potential treatment options. These appointments do not provide an ASD diagnosis.
ASD Diagnostics
The second step of the process is the diagnostic evaluation, which is an in-person appointment. The evaluation is a one-day process and is overseen by a combination of the director of the CASD (licensed speech-language pathologist), school-psychologists, and a pediatrician. Graduate students who are working toward their PhD in Clinical Psychology are also trained to administer diagnostic testing, including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale-2nd Edition (ADOS-2). As the diagnostic evaluations are administered, our pediatrician/physician is observing through the observation room. Once testing is completed, the team (consisting of either licensed speech-language pathologist and clinical psychology PhD student or licensed school psychologists) score the assessments and discuss with the pediatrician. The pediatrician reviews and can confirm the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder if indicated. It is only when this final step with our diagnostic team, including the medical provider, is completed, can the medical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder be diagnosed. Diagnostic evaluation appointments are limited and are selected based upon specific criteria assessed through the ASD Screening (step 1).
We are currently scheduling appointments for ASD screenings. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please call 618-453-7130 or email autism@siu.edu*
We do not accept walk-in appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ASD?
ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a complex neurobehavioral disorder characterized by impairment in reciprocal social interaction, impairment in communication, and the presence of repetitive and stereotypic patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities. The onset of symptoms is typically before the age of 3 years. The severity of impairment in the given domains as well as the pattern of impairments varies from individual to individual; that is why diagnosticians refer to a “ spectrum ” of disability.
Impairment in social interaction may include difficulty initiating and maintaining interaction, impaired ability to recognize and experience emotions, and difficulty processing and appreciating the thoughts and feelings of others. Communication deficits range from no useful form of communication to advanced language abilities in some areas but still limited ability to use language in a social manner. Repetitive and stereotypic behaviors may include perseverative behaviors such as complex rituals, extreme difficulty adapting to change and transition, unusual movements such as hand flapping or whirling, and/or a narrow range of interests.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a single disorder described in the recently released fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The diagnostic category no longer includes separate diagnoses for Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified. The DSM-5 also includes a related, but distinct, diagnostic category of Social Communication Disorder.
Once thought to be very rare, ASD's are estimated to occur in as many as 1: 68 (one in every 68 people).
[from https://www.asatonline.org/for-parents/what-is-autism/]
Is there a cost for services?
The Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder at SIU is funded by the TAP grant and delivered by faculty and students which allows us to provide our services at no cost in most cases.
How long is the waitlist?
Each service center has different lengths of waistlists based on the current levels of services, providers, and availability. If you have been referred to a wait-listed service, you can check occasionally on the projected length of wait.
I think my child may have ASD. What should I do?
You are welcome to reach out and schedule your child for a complimentary ASD screener with our team.
I think I may have ASD, what should I do?
What do I do now that I have a diagnosis?
Autism Speaks has a number of resources just for you:
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/from-first-concern-to-action/access-services
The Association for Science in Autism Treatment also has resources.
Is there a cure for ASD?
Autism Speaks has provided a detailed description of what ASD treatment can look like and what might result from it: