Learn more about Assessments
Understanding evaluation is a good start to gaining more information about what is happening with your youth!
Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale(ADOS-2)
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is a standardized diagnostic tool used to assess and identify autism spectrum disorders (ASD) across a range of age groups and developmental levels. It is designed for individuals who are suspected of having ASD and helps clinicians observe behaviors that are relevant to diagnosing the disorder.
The ADOS-2 consists of various modules that are tailored to different ages and language abilities. It assesses communication, social interaction, play, and imaginative use of materials. Each module includes specific activities and tasks that prompt the individual to demonstrate various social and communicative behaviors, allowing clinicians to gather observations in real-time.
Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS-2)
The CARS-2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition) is a tool designed to assist in the assessment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It provides a structured way for parents and caregivers to report observations about their child's behavior and development. The questionnaire typically includes items that relate to social interaction, communication, and unusual behavior patterns.
Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale(CAFAS)
CAFAS, or the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale, is an assessment tool used to evaluate the functional status of children and adolescents. It is designed to assess various areas of functioning, including:
- Behavioral : Analyzing the child's behavior in various settings, such as home, school, and the community.
- Emotional : Evaluating emotional well-being, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other emotional disturbances.
- Social : Considering how the child interacts with peers and family, as well as their ability to form and maintain relationships.
- Academic : Assessing performance in a school environment, including learning capabilities and engagement.
The CAFAS is typically used by mental health professionals to guide treatment planning, service delivery, and measuring outcomes over time. The scale provides a structured framework for understanding a child’s strengths and weaknesses in different life domains, thus enabling more targeted interventions. It can be utilized in various contexts, such as clinical practice, research, and educational settings.
Language and Hearing Evaluation
Language and hearing evaluations are assessments performed to determine an individual's language comprehension, production, and auditory capabilities. These evaluations are often crucial for diagnosing communication disorders, hearing impairments, or developmental delays. Here’s a breakdown of each component:
Language Evaluation
- Purpose : To assess a person's ability to understand (receptive language) and use (expressive language) language effectively.
- Components :
- Standardized Tests : These are norm-referenced assessments that compare an individual’s performance to a representative sample.
- Informal Assessments : Observations and language samples that allow clinicians to assess language use in real-life situations.
- Interview : Gathering background information from parents or caregivers about the individual's language development and use.
- Areas Assessed :
- Vocabulary and semantics (word meaning)
- Syntax (sentence structure)
- Pragmatics (social use of language)
- Narrative skills (storytelling and sequencing)
Hearing Evaluation
- Purpose : To assess the ability to hear different sounds, pitches, and frequencies, and to determine the nature and degree of hearing loss if present.
- Components :
- Pure Tone Audiometry : A common test that measures hearing sensitivity across various frequencies through headphones.
- Speech Audiometry : Evaluates the ability to hear and understand speech.
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) : Tests the function of the outer hair cells in the cochlea, which are crucial for hearing.
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) : Assesses the brain's response to sound and can help diagnose auditory pathway issues.
- Factors Evaluated :
- Degree of hearing loss (mild, moderate, severe, profound)
- Type of hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural, mixed)
- Auditory processing capabilities, especially in children or individuals with language concerns