Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

School district personnel are faced with an increasing number of requests for evaluations to rule out Autism in students aged 3-21.  This training will provide experienced assessment personnel and those who are entering the field with a process for establishing comprehensive team-based evaluations of Autism Spectrum Disorder following standards of best practice.  An overview of ASD as described in the DSM-5 and a comparison with educational eligibility criteria under TEA guidelines will be explored.  Different models for forming school teams will be discussed as well as how to plan for the evaluation including how select instruments, conduct observations, interviews and when to use Autism specific instruments during the evaluation process will be covered.  How to write a written report-integrating finding from multiple sources that links recommendations to evidenced-based interventions and that have support for use with students with Autism will be shared.