Best Practices
There is no one right way to conduct an autism evaluation. There are no “correct” strategies to use or tests to employ.
Regardless of the setting the professionals who provide the evaluation should be:
- Respectful and kind
- Knowledgeable with a strong background in autism
- Well-trained
Because autism may impact an individual across multiple domains, the information gathered during an autism evaluation for diagnosis or educational identification (eligibility) should include information about strengths and needs in the following areas:
- Sensory
- Social
- Communication
- Motor
- Cognitive/Executive Functioning
- Emotional
- Behavior, Interests, and Activities
- Medical History
Strategies incorporated in the evaluation should be selected to match the needs and characteristics of the individual being tested. Evaluations may include formal tests and questionnaires as well as informal strategies and interactions. It is important for the professionals providing the evaluation to utilize materials that are not racially or culturally discriminatory, and that allow the individuals to communicate in their most effective manner.
For a thorough list of assessment tools, visit: Texas Education Agency: Evaluations