Across cultures, individuals often focus on their personal weaknesses. At Meadowlark Center, we truly believe each person needs to understand and appreciate where their strengths lie. We approach our work from a strengths-based approach, making sure each person and child walks away feeling empowered, understanding where they excel and where they need help. Afterall, confidence and insight is at the crux for personal growth and success.
Autism Spectrum Disorder & Developmental Disorders
While every child has a slightly different developmental progression, some children may experience challenges in specific areas of development, which may warrant further attention. A developmental delay occurs when a child does not gain the necessary age-appropriate developmental skills. Delays can occur within the areas of motor functioning, speech and language, cognitive/intellectual abilities, social skills, or other broad developmental areas. Potential diagnoses can include: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Global Developmental Delay, and Language/Communication delays, amongst others.
What is a Developmental Evaluation?
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One of the most common types of developmental disorders is Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interactions, verbal and nonverbal communication, and restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests.
Autism exists on a spectrum, and no two people diagnosed are exactly alike. In fact, research shows Autism symptoms can present differently depending on severity, age, culture, and sex. Early intervention is shown to improve symptoms and help with social and behavioral skill development.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Awkward social interactions
Abnormal eye contact (e.g., limited or prolonged)
Trouble with developing and maintaining friendships/relationships
Lack of social motivation
Restricted or fixated interests
Common symptoms of Autism may include:
Difficulty reading social cues
Resistant to change
Challenge with transitions
Rigid thinking patterns/behaviors
Sensory seeking/avoidant behaviors
Not all people with difficulties in these areas have Autism. Comprehensive testing is the best way to establish a diagnosis.
Once the evaluation is complete, results and recommendations will be shared during the feedback appointment. A comprehensive report will follow.
Diagnostic interviews
Developmental interviews and assessments
Behavioral observations
Cognitive/Intellectual tests
Collaboration with teachers and other service providers
The Meadowlark Center specializes in Autism evaluations for children and adults. We focus on providing comprehensive evaluations tailored to individuals based on their needs and unique strengths and weaknesses.
How Do We Evaluate for Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Social and behavioral assessments (e.g., ADOS-2)
Adaptive skills assessment
Review of records
Questionnaires/rating scales
Components of an evaluation may include:
