Assessment Across the Lifespan

Abstract

Autism assessment across the lifespan requires expertise in the unique way autism symptoms present in individuals of various ages. The assessment and feedback process look distinctly different when the evaluation is of a very young child as compared to an adult. Clinicians diagnosing children under the age of 2 should be prepared to manage toddler behaviors, engage with very young children, and obtain and analyze developmental data. Evaluating adults requires careful consideration of the quality of the interaction and the ease in developing rapport as well as the individual’s own insights about why this assessment is necessary. During the feedback process, families may have different reactions to their child’s diagnosis, depending on the age of the individual. Families with young to elementary-aged children ask about college and independent living after their children reach adulthood. Questions about employment, job satisfaction, marriage, and starting a family are often raised with older children and adults. The uncovering of a referral concern and eventual diagnosis may validate concerns in one parent, overwhelm another parent, or may trigger a cycle of grief in one or both parents as they consider hopes and plans for their child and are faced with modifying some of their expectations. This chapter will provide clinical guidance regarding the assessment, diagnosis, and feedback process across the lifespan, considering the distinctly different challenges faced by families depending on the age of diagnosis.