Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluation Template EVALUATION RESULTS AND/OR EXISTING DATA: Autism Specialist Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS) Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) Gilliam Asperger Disorder Scale (GADS) Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-2 (GARS-2) Short Sensory Profile The Autism Social Assessment for School Planning School Assessment Rating Scale for Asperger’s Syndrome School Function Assessment Autism Spectrum Structured Student Interview Systematic Classroom Observation Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) The Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) is a checklist of non-adaptive behaviors; capable of providing how an individual “Looks” in comparison to others. This checklist reflects an individual’s challenges to respond appropriately to daily life situation. XXX’s parents and the educational team at XXX School completed the check lists. XXX received a total score of XX from his parents which was indicating that there MAY / may NOT be a presence of autism. XXX received a total score of XX from his educational team which was indicating that there MAY / may NOT be a presence of autism. Differences in behaviors were noted in the following areas: Sensory Behaviors: Poor use of visual discrimination when learning Seems not to hear, so that a hearing loss is suspected Sometimes shows no “startle response” to loud noise” Sometimes painful stimuli such as bruises, cuts, and injections evoke no reaction Often will not blink when bright light is directed toward eyes Covers ears at many sounds Squints, frowns, or covers eyes when in the presence of natural light Frequently has no visual reaction to a “new” person Stares into space for long periods of time Relating Behaviors: Frequently does not attend to social/environmental stimuli Has no social smile Does not reach out when reached for Not responsive to other people’s facial expressions/feelings Actively avoids eye contact Resists being touched or held Is flaccid when held in arms Is stiff and hard to held Does not imitate other children at play Has not developed any friendships Often frightened or very anxious “Looks through” people Body and Object Use Behaviors: Whirls self for long periods of time Does not use toys appropriately Insists on keeping certain objects with him/her Rocks self for long periods of time Does a lot of lunging and darting Flaps hands Walks on toes Hurts self by banging head, biting hand, etc… Twirls, spins, and bangs objects a lot Will feel, smell, and/or taste objects in the environment Gets involved in complicated “rituals” such as lining things up, etc… Is very destructive Language Behaviors: Does not follow simple commands given once Has pronoun reversal Speech is atonal Does not respond to own name when called out among two others Seldom says “yes” or “I” Does not follow simple commands involving prepositions Gets desired objects by gesturing Repeats phrases over and over Cannot point to more than five named objects Uses 0-5 spontaneous words per day to communicate wants and needs Repeats sounds or words over and over Echoes questions or statements made by others Uses at least 15 but less than 30 spontaneous phrases daily to communicate Language Behaviors: Learns a simple task but “forgets” quickly Strong reactions to changes in routine/environment Has “special abilities” in one area of development, which seems to rule out mental retardation Severe temper tantrums and/or frequent minor tantrums Hurts others by biting, hitting, kicking, etc… Does not wait for needs to be met Difficulties with toileting Does not dress self without frequent help Frequently unaware of surroundings, and may be oblivious to dangerous situations Prefers to manipulate and be occupied with inanimate things A developmental delay was identified at or before 30 months of age Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS) The Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS) is a semi-structured, standardized assessment of communication, social interaction, play, and imaginative use of materials for individuals who have been referred because of a possible autism spectrum disorder. Specific tasks were presented because they were likely to induce particular behaviors relevant to autism spectrum disorders. During the session, XXX displayed brief hand and finger mannerisms including The assessment, observation, and scoring was completed by XXX and XXX, a team of XXX from Lakes XXX. The following scores were obtained: Communication Total XX (met criteria - Autism Cut-Off 5) Reciprocal Social Interaction XX (met criteria – Autism Cut-Off 6) Total XX (met criteria – Autism Cut-Off 12) In the area of communication, XXX met/did not meet the cut-off score for Autism Spectrum due to In the area of social interaction, XXX met/did not meet the cut-off score for Autism Disorder due to When the scores are totaled, XXX meets/does not meet eligibility for Autism. He/She displays symptoms and needs in the areas of communication, social interaction, and stereotyped behaviors and restricted interests. Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) is a 15 item behavioral rating scale developed to identify children with autism and to categorize these behaviors from mild to moderate to severe. The total CARS score may range from a low of 15 (obtained when the child¹s behavior is rated as falling within normal limits on all 15 scales) to a high of 60 (obtained when the child¹s behavior is rated as severely abnormal on all 15 scales). The score represents placement on a continuum: the lower the score, the fewer autistic behaviors the child exhibits; the higher the score, the more autistic behaviors the child exhibits. School Rating Completed by XXXX. The results were as follows: Relating to People Emotional Response Imitation Body Use Object Use Adaptation to Change Listening Response Taste, Smell, Touch Visual Response Fear or Nervous Verbal Communication Activity Level Nonverbal Communication Level & Consistency of Intellectual Response General Impression XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX Total Score XX The Childhood Autism Rating Scale was completed utilizing information provided by XXXXX. Based on his/her observations and evaluation, XXXXX received an overall rating score of XX, placing him within the XXXX autistic range. XXXX displays a marked difference in his/her social skills (including), his/her communication skills (including) and his/her repertoire of interests and activities (including) as well as his/her sensory responses (including). Gilliam Asperger’s Disorder Scale (GADS) The Gilliam Asperger’s Disorder Scale (GADS) is used for the assessment of individuals ages 3 through 22 who present unique behavioral problems. It’s purpose is to help professionals identify Asperger’s Disorder characteristics within the school setting. It is used to help educational teams determine whether a child may meet MN State Educational Criteria for receiving special education services under the Autism Spectrum Disorder category. The GADS provides information about four categories of behavior – social interaction, restricted patterns of behavior, cognitive patterns, and pragmatic skills. Even if the person is not diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder, the GADS provides information that is usefully in the diagnosis and treatment of other behavioral disorders. Educational staff at XXXX School and XXXX’s parents completed the GADS. The results were as follows: HOME Rating Rater: XXX Name Stand. Score %ile Social Interaction Restricted Patterns of Behavior Cognitive Patterns Pragmatic Skills XX XX XX XX Sum of Standard Scores XX Rater: XXX Name XX% XX% XX% XX% XX XX XX XX Stand. Score %ile Social Interaction Restricted Patterns of Behavior Cognitive Patterns Pragmatic Skills XX XX XX XX Sum of Standard Scores XX XX% XX% XX% XX% XX Asperger’s Disorder Quotient XX XX% Asperger’s XXXX Probable SCHOOL Rating Rater: XXX Name Standard Score %ile XX XX% Asperger’s XXXX Probable Rater: XXX Name XX% XX% XX% XX% Asperger’s Disorder Quotient XX XX% Asperger’s XXXX Probable Standard Score %ile XX XX XX XX XX% XX% XX% XX% XX XX XX% Asperger’s XXXX Probable The following items were rated frequently observed in each of the following categories: Social Concerns Identified: Is inattentive to social/environmental stimuli Has difficulty cooperating in a group Has difficulty playing with other children Seems unaware of social conventions or codes of conduct Lacks empathy (Understanding how others feel) Needs an excessive amount of reassurance if things are changed or go wrong Lacks subtlety in expression of emotion (shows distress or affection out of proportion to the situation) Requires specific instruction to begin tasks Becomes frustrated quickly when unsure of what is required Restricted Patterns of Behavior Subscale: Stares or looks unhappy or unexcited when praised, humored, or entertained Is unaware of or insensitive to the needs of others Demonstrates eccentric forms of behavior Has preoccupation with specific subjects or objects that is abnormal in intensity or focus Requires extensive directions from others Expresses feelings of empathy inappropriately Displays clumsy or uncoordinated gross motor movements Exhibits unusual, uncoordinated movements when walking or running Cognitive Patterns Subscale: Talks about a single subject excessively Displays superior knowledge or skill in specific subjects or activities Uses exceptionally precise or pedantic speech Attaches very concrete meanings to words Has difficulty understanding jokes or humor Shows excellent memory Shows an intense, obsessive interest in certain intellectual subjects Pragmatic Skills Subscale: Has difficulty understanding slang expressions Has difficulty identifying when someone is teasing Has difficulty understanding when he or she is being ridiculed, put down, or made fun of Has difficulty understanding what causes people to dislike him or her Fails to predict probable consequences in social events Has difficulty making believe or pretending When confused, doesn’t ask for clarification but switches to a familiar topic Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS-2) The Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-2 (GARS-2) is a 42 item norm referenced screening instrument used for the assessment of individuals ages 3-22 who have severe behavioral problems that may be indicative of autism. Its purpose is to help professionals identify Autism Spectrum Disorders, but in a school setting, it is used to help educational teams determine whether a child may meet MN State Educational Criteria for receiving special education services under the Autism Spectrum Disorder category. It is important to clarify that this is not a medical diagnosis, but rather a category to receive special education services. The GARS-2 gathers information about specific characteristics typically noted in children with autism spectrum disorders in three areas (Stereotyped Behaviors, Communication, and Social Interaction) and it contains a developmental history. The GARS-2 was normed entirely of individuals diagnosed as autistic. Standard scores and percentiles are provided and the likelihood of autism can be determined. Educational staff at XXXX School and XXXX’s parents completed the GARS-2. The results were as follows: HOME Rating Rater: XXX Name Stereotyped Behaviors Communication Social Interaction Sum of Standard Scores Autism Index Standard Score XX XX XX XX XX %ile XX% XX% XX% XX% Standard Score XX XX XX XX XX %ile XX% XX% XX% XX% Probability of Autism is Unlikely, Possibly, Very Likely. SCHOOL Rating Rater: XXX Name Stereotyped Behaviors Communication Social Interaction Standard Score XX XX XX %ile XX% XX% XX% Standard Score XX XX XX %ile XX% XX% XX% Sum of Standard Scores Autism Index XX XX XX% XX XX XX% Probability of Autism is Unlikely, Possibly, Very Likely. Note: On this tool, if the subject’s Autism Index is 85 or above, the person is very likely autistic, and if the Autism Index is 7084, the person is possibly autistic. Autism Indexes of 69 or less indicate that the person is unlikely to be autistic. The following items were rated frequently observed in each of the following categories: Stereotyped Behaviors Identified: Avoids establishing eye contact, looks away when eye contact is made Stares at hands, objects, or items in the environment for at least 5 seconds Rapidly flicks fingers or hands in front of eyes for periods of 5 seconds or more Eats specific foods and refuses to eat what most people will usually eat Licks, tastes or attempts to eat inedible objects Smells or sniffs objects Whirls, turns in circles Spins objects not designed for spinning Rocks back and forth while seated or standing Makes rapid lunging, darting movement when moving from place to place Prances (walks on tiptoes) Flaps hand or fingers in front of face or at sides Makes high-pitched sounds or other vocalizations for self-stimulation Slaps, hits, or bites self or attempts to injure self in other ways Communication Behaviors Identified: Repeats (echoes) words verbally or with signs Repeats words out of context Repeats words or phrases over and over Speaks or signs with flat tone or with dysrhythmic patterns Responds inappropriately to simple commands Looks away or avoids looking at speaker when name is called Does not ask for things he or she wants Does not initiate conversations with peers or adults Uses “yes” and “no” inappropriately Uses pronouns inappropriately Uses the word “I” inappropriately Repeats unintelligible sounds over and over Uses gestures instead of speech or signs to obtain objects Inappropriately answers questions about a statement or brief story Social Interaction Behaviors Identified: Avoids eye contact; looks away when someone looks at him or her Stares or looks unhappy or unexcited when praised, humored, or entertained Resists physical contact from others Does not imitate other people when imitation is required or desirable, such as in games or learning activities Withdraws, remains aloof, or acts standoffish in group situations Behaves in an unreasonably fearful, frightened manner Is unaffectionate; doesn’t give affectionate responses Shows no recognition that a person is present (ie: looks through people) Laughs, giggles, cries inappropriately Uses toys or objects inappropriately Does certain things repetitively, ritualistically Becomes upset when routines are changed Responds negatively or with temper tantrums when given commands, requests, or directions Lines up objects in precise, orderly fashion and becomes upset when the order is disturbed The following delays in development during the first three years of life were reported on the parent interview: Social Interaction: Didn’t reach out or prepare to be picked up when the parent attempted to lift the child Didn’t cry or become upset when left unattended in his or her crib, playpen, or other area Didn’t cry or become upset when picked up or held Didn’t cry or become upset when handed from one adult to another Didn’t attempt to join family members in group activities Language Used in Social Communication: Didn’t use single words by 16 months of age Didn’t use meaningful, communicative phrases by age 2 Didn’t develop normally in terms of language (i.e:cooing, babbling, and speaking without any interruption or regression) Didn’t follow directions Didn’t appear to have normal hearing The following observations of abnormal functioning during the first three years of life were reported on the parent interview: Social Interaction: Didn’t smile at parents or siblings when smile at or played with Didn’t cry when approached by unfamiliar persons during the first year Didn’t engaged in imitative play before age 3 Seemed to tune people out and be in his/her own world Spent a great deal of time alone when he/she could have been with others Language used in Social Communication: Didn’t respond to his/her name when called Didn’t ask for things or use gestures to communicate what was wanted Didn’t follow simple directions Didn’t appear to understand what to do when told to do something Didn’t indicate (show facial concern) when a parent or sibling cried or was distressed Symbolic or Imaginative Play: Didn’t engage in pretend play Didn’t pretend he or she was someone else Didn’t pretend that an object was something else Didn’t pretend that he or she had an imaginary friend or animal Didn’t play with dolls pretending that they were real persons In summary, according to the results of the GARS-2, XXXX is in the unlikely, possibly, very likely probability of having an autism spectrum disorder. Short Sensory Profile The Short Sensory Profile was completed by parent on and interpreted by in order to gather further information related to his sensory processing and modulation in the school setting. The Short Sensory Profile was designed as a screening tool. Children who exhibit difficulties in any of the areas are very likely to have sensory processing issues that affect performance and should have further assessment of sensory processing by an occupational therapist. XXXX shows a definite difference (-2SD) in the following categories: Tactile Sensitivity Taste/Smell Sensitivity Movement Sensitivity Underresponsive/Seeks Sensation Auditory Filtering Low Energy/Weak Visual/Auditory Sensitivity Total XXXX exhibits a probable difference (-1SD) in the following categories: Tactile Sensitivity Taste/Smell Sensitivity Movement Sensitivity Underresponsive/Seeks Sensation Auditory Filtering Low Energy/Weak Visual/Auditory Sensitivity Total Due to the above results on the Short Sensory Profile screening, further assessment of sensory processing was indicated. The results of that assessment are as follows: XXXX’s results on the Short Sensory Profile screening indicate typical performance and no further evaluation of sensory processing appears necessary. The Autism Social Assessment for School Planning The Autism Social Assessment for School Planning highlights areas of social dysfunction for purposes of assessing educational need. Individuals completing the scale rate the student from 0 (does not apply) to 3 (observed often and impacts progress) regarding 25 separate items. No standardized score is obtained, rather it is use to describe a students pattern of skills. Mr./Mrs. XXX a teacher at XXX School completed the Autism Social Assessment for School Planning in order to gather information, which would be beneficial when planning for XXX’s education. Based on this scale the team reported the following characteristics often described (rated 3): Does not imitate others at play or during leisure Laughs, giggles or cries inappropriately or to an unreasonable degree Behaves in a highly anxious or fearful way Becomes upset when routines are changed Responds negatively to commands, requests or directions In a group, at lunch or in a social situation, student remains aloof Will watch others play or interact, but resists joining without prompts An absences of facial responsiveness or reciprocal eye contact Lack of friendships Has problems initiating or maintaining social interaction Exhibits explosive behavior Seems to lack fear or understanding of real danger Engages in rituals Gets stuck in negative interactive patterns with particular people or in specific situations Exhibits self-aggressive behavior Behaves aggressively towards others Engages in odd play behavior for long periods of time Unreasonable dependence on a particular object Seems to be dependent on staff cues or prompts Spinning, flipping or twirling self or objects Has high levels of stress associated with obsessive activities or talking about obsessive interests Spends an unreasonable amount of time engaging in obsessive thinking Misinterprets other’s words or actions as threatening Makes rude comments to others Seems to expect others to know his/her thoughts and feelings without explanation School Assessment Rating Scale for Asperger’s Syndrome Mr./Mrs. XXX, XXX’s teacher at XXX School completed the School Assessment Rating Scale for Asperger’s Syndrome in order to gather information, which would be beneficial when planning for the student’s education. This scale measures abilities in four areas including social-emotional, communication, cognitive, and movement abilities. Individuals completing the scale rate the student from 1 (rarely) to 6 (frequently) regarding 24 separate items. No standardized score is obtained, rather it is use to describe a students pattern of skills. Based on this scale the team reported the following characteristics frequently described (rated 4, 5 or 6): Social Emotional Skills: Lacks understanding of how to play or interact with other students Appears unaware of social conventions or codes of conduct and makes inappropriate comments Misinterpret other peoples actions or words as threatening Lacks an intuitive understanding of another person’s feelings Seems to expect other people to know their thoughts, experiences and opinions Needs an excessive amount of reassurance, especially if things are changes or go wrong Lacks subtlety in their expression of emotion Is not interested in participating in sports, games or team activities Indifferent to peer pressure Takes comments literally Has an unusual tone of voice When talking to the student he appears to be uninterested in your side of the conversation When in conversation, the student tends to use less eye contact than you would expect Overly precise or pedantic speech Have trouble asking for clarification when confused Cognitive Skills: Primarily reads books for information rather than fiction Has an exceptional long term memory for events or facts Lacks social imaginative play Preoccupied or fascinated by a particular topic and/or avidly collects information Becomes unreasonably upset by changes in routine or expectations Develops elaborate routines or rituals that must be completed Movement Skills: Has poor motor coordination Has an odd gait when running Other indicators: Unusual fear or anxiety due to: XXX A tendency to flap his arms or rock body when excited or upset A lack of sensitivity to low levels of pain Late in acquiring speech Unusual facial grimaces or tics Autism Spectrum Structured Student Interview The Autism Spectrum Structured Interview is a non standardized measure developed by Kari Dunn Buron to help understand the students' understanding of the social world. The questionnaire includes eighteen questions regarding social understanding. The following information was obtained during this interview conducted by XXXX, a XXXX for XXXX. XXX accompanied the examiner to a quiet setting. XXX appeared comfortable with the examiner. He/She easily engaged in conversation. XXX was asked questions about friends, rules, and others’ behavior. School Function Assessment The School Function Assessment (SFA) was completed by ,case manager, classroom teacher, pupil support assistant, SLP, and , OTR/L in order to accurately record XXXX’s current level of independent functioning in numerous areas in the school environment. The SFA is a criterion referenced test which is used to measure a student’s performance in functional tasks that support their participation in the academic and social aspects of an elementary school program. It is a judgment-based assessment whose items have been written in measurable, behavioral terms that can be used directly in the development of a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). The SFA is composed of three parts: 1. Participation-examines the student’s level of participation in six major school activity settings including the classroom, playground/recess, transportation, bathroom/toileting skills and meals/snacks. 2. Task supports-examines the supports that are currently provided to the student when the functional tasks are being performed. Two types of tasks support are examined separately: assistance (adult help) and adaptations (modifications to the environment/program). 3. Activity Performance-is used to examine the student’s performance in specific school-related functional activities. Each set of activities is used to examine in detail one of the functional tasks addressed globally in Part. 2. Summary and Interpretation of XXXX’s SFA scores: Part 1-Participation-XXXX’s was rated in the regular classroom/special education setting. Part 2-Task Supports The Physical Tasks supports that are in place include: The Cognitive/Behavioral Tasks supports that are in place include: Part 3-Activity Performance includes 292 common school tasks in the following categories: Physical Tasks: Travel Maintaining and Changing Positions Recreational Movement Manipulation with Movement Using Materials Setup and Cleanup Up/Down Stairs Written Work Computer and Equipment Use Cognitive/Behavioral Tasks: Functional Communication Memory and Understanding Following Social Conventions Compliance with Adult Directives and School Rules Task Behavior/Completion Positive Interaction Behavior Regulation Personal Care Awareness Safety In summary, XXXX’s scores on the School Function Assessment are recorded on the attached SFA summary score form. They demonstrate that XXXX has clear strengths in Physical Tasks of: Travel Maintaining and Changing Positions Recreational Movement Manipulation with Movement Using Materials Setup and Cleanup Up/Down Stairs Written Work Computer and Equipment Use Cognitive/Behavioral Tasks of: Functional Communication Memory and Understanding Following Social Conventions Compliance with Adult Directives and School Rules Task Behavior/Completion Positive Interaction Behavior Regulation Personal Care Awareness Safety Additionally, they document areas of concern in: Physical Tasks of: Travel Maintaining and Changing Positions Recreational Movement Manipulation with Movement Using Materials Setup and Cleanup Up/Down Stairs Written Work Computer and Equipment Use Cognitive/Behavioral Tasks of: Functional Communication Memory and Understanding Following Social Conventions Compliance with Adult Directives and School Rules Task Behavior/Completion Positive Interaction Behavior Regulation Personal Care Awareness Safety Systematic Classroom Observation XXX, an Autism Specialist for XXX, observed XXX on two occasions at XXX School during As the first observation began XXX was Autism Spectrum Criteria The multidisciplinary team shall determine that a pupil is eligible and in need of special education, instruction and related services if the pupil demonstrates patterns of behavior consistent with those in item A and fulfills the requirements in item B. In order to qualify for services, students must fulfill requirements in both A and B. A. An educational evaluation must address all three-core features listed below. For eligibility purposes, a student must meet criteria in Core Feature 1 and either Core Feature 2 or 3. They may meet criteria in all three Core Features. Core Feature 1: Qualitative Impairment of Reciprocal Social Interactions as documented by 2 or more behavioral indicators such as: Limited joint attention and limited use of facial expressions directed toward others Does not show or bring things to others to indicate an interest in the activity Difficulty relating to people, objects, and events Gross impairment in the ability to make and keep friends Significant vulnerability and safety issues due to social naiveté Appears to prefer isolated or solitary activities Misinterprets others’ behaviors and social cues Other Core Feature 2: Qualitative Impairment in Communication as documented by 1 or more behavioral indicators such as: Not using finger to point or request Using others’ hand or body as a tool Showing lack of spontaneous imitation or lack of varied imaginative play Absence or delay of spoken language Limited understanding & use of nonverbal communication skills such as gestures, facial expressions, or voice tone Odd production of speech, including intonation, volume, rhythm or rate Repetitive or idiosyncratic language or inability to initiate Inability to initiate or maintain a conversation Other Core Feature 3: Restricted, Repetitive or Stereotyped Patterns of Behavior, Interests, and Activities as documented by 1 or more behavioral indicators such as: Insistence on following routines or rituals Demonstrating distress or resistance to change Repetitive hand or finger mannerisms Lack of true imaginative play versus reenactment Over-reaction or under-reaction to sensory stimuli Rigid or rule-bound thinking An intense, focused preoccupation with a limited range of play, interests, or conversation topics Other AND B. Verification that Autism Spectrum Disorders adversely affects the pupil’s present level of performance. 1. Identification of the student’s present level of performance and educational needs in each core feature. CORE FEATURE 1: Social Interaction Present Level of Performance: XXX Current Educational Needs: XXX CORE FEATURE 2: Communication Present Level of Performance: XXX Current Educational Needs: XXX CORE FEATURE 3: Behavior, Interests and Activities Present Level of Performance: XXX Current Educational Needs: XXX And 2. Observation in two different settings on two different days. An observation was completed by XXX, ASD Specialist, and XXX, Education Psychologist. (see in report) And 3. A developmental history is included which summarizes developmental information and behavior patterns. XXX’s difficulties and subsequent disability identification are not primarily caused by a lack of instruction in reading or math or by limited English proficiency. EDUCATIONAL EVALUATION METHODS Documentation of Behavioral Indicators for the identification of Autism Spectrum Disorders must include the use of at least two of the following: Parent Input Collected Communication and Developmental Rating Scales Functional Behavior Assessments Informal and Standardized Evaluation Instruments Intellectual testing Autism Rating Scales or Checklist(s) Application of DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria Intellectual Testing XXX DOES / DOES NOT qualify for Autism Spectrum services.