Assessment Guidelines for Families

Family members are often the first to identify differences in their children. Understanding the key components of a comprehensive evaluation not only informs family members but also empowers them to make the most appropriate decisions for their child. However, the assessment process can be an overwhelming and sometimes frightening experience. This section provides a wealth of information for families as they navigate to understand the assessment process.

Links

Virginia Commonwealth University Online Course
My Child was just Identified with an Autism Spectrum Disorder: Now What do I do?
A self-paced online course designed to introduce families to the characteristics, needs and supports, interventions and services for young children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
http://www.vcuautismcenter.org/training/parents.cfm

Wrightslaw
A website that provides parents and professionals with information regarding special education law, education law, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
http://www.wrightslaw.com

Autism Society
Hosted by the nation's leading grassroots autism organization, this website provides content related to the day-to-day issues with which individuals with autism spectrum disorders are faced, resources and services across the lifespan, and information regarding treatment, education, research, and advocacy.
http://www.autism-society.org

First Signs
A website that provides parents with a basic introduction of the who, what, when, where, why, and how of autism.
http://www.firstsigns.org/

Learn the Signs. Act Early
A website that provides information about childhood developmental milestones and delays.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/actearly

Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder Video Tutorial from the Kennedy Krieger Institute
A video series focused on early indicators of autism spectrum disorder and early developmental signs of children with and without ASD.
http://www.kennedykrieger.org/patient-care/patient-care-centers/center-autism-and-related-disorders/outreach-training/early-signs-of-autism-video-tutorial

Autism Speaks
A website that provides parents and professionals with information about autism spectrum disorder, including assessment and early intervention.
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/learn-signs

Documents

A Parent's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder by the National Institute of Mental Health
A guide intended to help parents understand autism spectrum disorders, recognize signs and symptoms, and locate needed resources.
Download Document (PDF)

Life Journey Through Autism: A Parent's Guide to Assessment
A resource guide that empowers families with the tools necessary to navigate the world of assessments. The guide provides practical understanding of the assessment process and how to use assessment results to improve services for children with an autism spectrum disorder.
Download Document (PDF)

Early Childhood Milestones Map
A map that provides parents with information to help them follow their child's developmental path and gives suggestions on where to turn if they need further information.
Download Document (PDF)

What Is Autism?
A resource document that provides information about autism characteristics, symptoms, and risk factors.
Download Document (PDF)