What are Autism Spectrum Disorders?
Autism is a developmental disorder that occurs on a spectrum, or continuum. There are shared characteristics among individuals who are "on the spectrum," which includes deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication, social relatedness, and repetitive behaviors or interests. However, it is often said that "if you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism," meaning that autism manifests differently for each person. It may be more accurate to call autism a collection of distinct disorders with multiple etiologies that include genetic and environmental factors. In other words, there are many reasons why an individual might have an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and researchers are still figuring out all the different ways that autism might develop. Autism is a life-long disorder and there is currently no cure. However, there are treatments that can effectively improve a child's communication, ability to learn, independent living skills, and social relationships.
I think my family member might have autism. Where do we start?
Dr. Ferguson conducts evaluations for ASD's beginning at approximately age 2 years old up to adults. We know that the earlier we begin intervention, the better your child's chances are for learning important skills. It is also never too late to begin, even for adults seeking a diagnosis for the first time. The first step is to have a diagnostic evaluation with a licensed psychologist or neurologist who specializes in diagnostic assessment of autism spectrum disorders. It is important to distinguish autism from related conditions, such as communication disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD, mental retardation, social phobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, among other issues. Sometimes individuals have autism as well as other conditions, and it is important to understand the "whole person" so that we can develop an effective treatment plan.
How can I have my family member evaluated?
There are three main ways to have your family member evaluated for autism spectrum disorders: 1) Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC) conducts evaluations for all ages that will assess for autism spectrum disorders, communication disorders, mental retardation, and some other conditions. These evaluations are free, and you start with an Intake to determine eligibility for this evaluation; 2) Your school-aged child can be evaluated for autism-like behavior, learning disabilities, and some other issues through school at no cost. However, schools are unable to formally diagnose autism. The school-based evaluation will be used to determine appropriate interventions in the school setting, such as eligibility for special education services. Contact your school for assistance with beginning the process; 3) you may choose to have your family member evaluated privately by a psychologist or neurologist who specializes in diagnosing autism and related conditions.
What are the benefits of a diagnostic evaluation with Dr. Ferguson?
1) Dr. Ferguson uses only standardized assessment tools that are widely accepted as the "gold standard" for diagnostic evaluations, including the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised), CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), among others. Dr. Ferguson completes all aspects of the assessment process herself to ensure quality at every level.
2) Evaluations can be more in-depth (depending on your family's needs), covering a wide variety of related conditions, including learning disabilities, ADHD, mental retardation, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, social phobia, thought disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, stress, sleep disorders, mood disorders and other issues. Some children with autism have concurrent conditions, and it is important to look at the "whole child" so that we can develop an appropriate treatment strategy. Some children who do not have autism are found to have other conditions that deserve attention, and we want to be sure we are approaching your child's treatment appropriately.
3) Dr. Ferguson's reports contain detailed recommendations and resources, and can be utilized to apply for TCRC and school-based services (final determination of services is up to the child's school and TCRC; evaluation by Dr. Ferguson or any party is no guarantee of service eligibility).
4) Turn-around time on evaluations with Dr. Ferguson is often considerably faster than a school-based or TCRC evaluation.
What does the evaluation process involve?
The first meeting with Dr. Ferguson is a two-hour interview with parent(s) where we discuss your child's development, health, diet and sleep, school history, family history, treatments or therapies, likes and dislikes, and his or her unique characteristics. In this first appointment, we formulate an assessment plan, that may include assessment of cognitive and academic achievement, adaptive living skills, autism spectrum characteristics, and mental health issues. Some of this assessment is completed by parents at home using checklists. Most of the testing involves direct assessment of your child by Dr. Ferguson in her office, including a 1-2 hour observation in the child's "natural" environment (school or home) with peers. Direct assessment appointments in the office are usually conducted in two-hour blocks of time, and we take breaks to optimize the child's participation. If you are coming from out of town, we can complete the assessment in longer blocks of time to fit with your schedule. The report is usally completed two to three weeks following the last assesment session. We will have a parent feedback session to go over all results in understandable language and answer any questions.
How do I start the evaluation process?
Call Dr. Ferguson's office to set up a time to speak directly with Dr. Ferguson for a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation. Together you can discuss your child's needs, proposed fees, and the best way to structure the evaluation process.
What are the fees for diagnostic assessments?
Fees will vary, depending on the scope of the assessment and the referral question(s). Fees and insurance issues can be discussed in a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation. Click here to review fees, payment policies, and insurance questions.
Can Dr. Ferguson help adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Adults with an ASD, such as autism or Asperger's, have the same needs as all adults: independence, friendships, romantic relationships, and a fulfilling job. Succeeding in some or all of these areas is more challenging if you have an ASD. You may need additional support that goes beyond what agencies can provide. If you choose, Dr. Ferguson can help coordinate her treatment with the services you might already receive. Dr. Ferguson communicates in a straightforward, honest, respectful, solution-focused manner to help you achieve your goals. Individual, couples, and family therapy can be provided, depending on your needs.
