Case Examples from Referral to Recommendation

Abstract

This chapter follows three case examples of individuals referred for evaluation with Autism Spectrum Disorder as a referral question. These cases fol- low from the referral through assessment to recommendations for treatment mov- ing forward. Examples include brief and more comprehensive assessments of individuals of different ages and with different diagnostic outcomes. These case examples are a compilation of data from various clients evaluated over the past 7 years and identifying information has been changed. The individuals are intro- duced below with information provided that was obtained during initial consulta- tion and completion of parent/individual screening measures and rating scales. “Scott,” the fi rst case example, was developed to provide insight into an assess- ment with a child under 2 years of age. Early diagnosis leads to early intervention and optimal treatment outcomes. The ADOS-2 Toddler Module is designed to evaluate children as young as 12 months old. Provided is an example of an assess- ment with a 22-month-old. “Sarah,” the second case example, is provided to demonstrate what an adult evaluation battery could look like. It also provides helpful insight into a battery that includes assessment for mood, as often it is necessary to differentiate between mood and ASD. This provides an example of what that differential diag- nosis looks like at very young ages. “Sam,” the third example, is a socially motivated 10-year-old who is very bright and very rigid behaviorally. This example provides a look at comorbidity as often individuals not diagnosed until late childhood have developed other mood and behavior disorders secondary to ASD.