Screening, Diagnosis and Assessment

American Academy of Pediatrics National Center for Medical Home Implementation

Autism ALARM [PDF]: Tool to help primary care physicians diagnose autism early

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS): University of Michigan ADOS overview and links page | Western Psychological Services ADOS FAQ."The ADOS is a semi-structured, standardized assessment of communication, social interaction, and play or imaginative use of materials for individuals who have been referred because of possible autism or an autistic spectrum disorders. The ADOS can be used to evaluate individuals at different developmental levels and chronological ages, from toddlers to adults, from individuals with no speech to those who are verbally fluent." – Autism and Communication Disorders Centre, University of Michigan

Autism Research Center: Autism Research Centre - Current Research. The ARC is situated within the School of Clinical Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge. It brings together scientists working on autism from around the University of Cambridge and the Clinical School.

Autism Research Institute: For more than 40 years, ARI has devoted its work to conducting research, and to disseminating the results of research, on the triggers of autism and on methods of diagnosing and treating autism.

Autism Screening and Diagnostic Evaluation: CAN Consensus Statement By the CAN Consensus Group.

Autism Screening Tools/Asperger Syndrome/HFA Screening Tools.

First Signs, Inc.

Autism Society of Wisconsin: Selected books/publications on Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders Diagnosis and Identification.

Childhood Autism Rating Scale.

Developmental Surveillance and Screening of Infants and Young Children: American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Children With Disabilities Pediatrics, Volume 108, Number 1, July 2001, pp 192 - 196. View revised policy statement.

Diagnostic Rating Scales for Asperger Syndrom Oasis: Online Asperger Syndrome information and support.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition: DSM-IV-TR Library | Descriptions of DSM-IV

A GP's guide to adults with Asperger syndrome, National Autistic Society, UK, 2007: This guide explains what Asperger syndrome is and provides questions to consider when talking with patients.

Merrill-Palmer Scale of Mental Tests available from Buros Institute of Mental Measurements.

Midnight in Chicago Podcasts: Midnight in Chicago is an international culture and tourism initiative that raises awareness of, and funds for, Autism.

Mullen Scales of Early Learning AGS Edition)

PEDS Child Development Screening Test:An online developmental and behavioural screening service for professional and parent use. On the site, parents can take Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) plus, depending on the child's age, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT).

Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc. (PAR)

Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society, P.A. Filipek, et al, 2000.

Research Autism: A list of scientific studies into the identification and diagnosis of people with autism spectrum disorders.

Screening measure for autism in adults: A tool developed through the Greater Manchester Consortium (UK) to develop local services for people with autism and intended for use in any setting or service for adults. The sole purpose of this measure is to screen for the presence of indications of autistic spectrum conditions which may suggest the need for further assessment. It is not a diagnostic tool and The National Autistic Society (and OAARSN) take no responsibility for any misuse of this measure other than its intended purpose.

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Please see Approaches to Treatment and Education: Resources and Links

Autism Demonstration Site: Stratford, Ontario. See classrooms designed for children of varying ages with a range of abilities in both self-contained and regular classroom settings. Autism Demonstration Site Visit Request form – call Principal or Vice-principal, Anne Hathaway Public School (1-519-271-8576).

“Autism Spectrum Disorders: Putting the Pieces Together”. Basic and vital information about teaching and supporting children with ASD provided in a 7 module format. The resource was developed by the Avon-Maitland District School Board, Ontario. To access this resource, email Distance_Ed@fcmail.amdsb.ca

Bridging to Adulthood: A Protocol for Transitioning Students with Exceptional Needs from School to Community is now available from Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth. This document replaces Manitoba Transition Planning Process Support Guidelines for Students with Special Needs Reaching Age 16 (1999). It is intended for transition planning partners, including Manitoba Family Services and Housing, designated agencies, Child and Family Services Authorities and Agencies, Manitoba Health and Healthy Living, regional health authorities and their programs and services, Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth and educators in Manitoba.

CAIRN Review of Evidence-based Diagnosis and Treatment in Autism, Special Issue for Educators. Vol1, no. 3, October 2004.

Defining Spoken Language Benchmarks and Selecting Measures of Expressive Language Development for Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Helen Tager-Flusberg et al, Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research, Vol. 2, June 2009.

Effective Educational Practices for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Ministry of Education, Ontario. This resource guide is designed to support educators in elementary and secondary schools in Ontario in planning and implementing effective educational programs for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. PDF: Chapter 1: Foundations | Chapter 2: Teaching and Learning | Chapter 3: Communication and Behaviour | Chapter 4: Tools and Techniques | Chapter 5: Appendices

Job Success for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, David B. Wiegan. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2009.

The Landscape of Literacy and Disability by Ezra B.W. Zubrow, Marcia H.Rioux, Christina K. Spielman. Mihaela Dinca-Panaitescu, Gail Kunkel and Allyson Marsolais (ISBN 978-0-9737126-3-6). This is a report that definitively shows, using easy-to-read maps, the wide discrepancy of literacy between those with and without disabilities. To purchase the book for $50.00 (shipping included) please send order information and payment to: Canadian Abilities Foundation 340 College Street, Suite 401 Toronto, Ontario M5T 3A9 Fax: (416) 923-9829 Email: able@abilities.ca

The Ontario Association of Education Advocates (OAEA): A not-for-profit organization with a voluntary membership. Believe the key to effective educational programs for students requires collaboration - as equals - by parents and educators. Mission is to act as a united voice to promote and strengthen the professionalism of Education Advocates, thereby advancing the quality of representation for students and parents. Post specific disability offices at universities.

Parent Outreach Toolkit For Early Childhood Educators.

Screening, Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Young Children, Miriam Foundation 2008: Canadian Best Practice Guidelines [PDF] | Parent's Guide [PDF] | Physician Toolkit [PDF] | English Poster [PDF] | Visit Autism Central for more information, and to obtain hard copies of documents.

Supporting Inclusive Schools: A Handbook for Developing and Implementing Programming for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Manitoba Education, CItizenship and Youth, 2005. A planning and programming resource for school teams who support students with ASD. PDF: Acknowledgements and Content | Ch. 1: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | Ch. 2: The Student w/ ASD | Ch. 3: Planning for the Student w/ ASD | Ch. 4: Teaching the Student w/ ASD | Ch. 5: Instructional Strat. for the Student w/ ASD | App. A: DSM-IV-TR Diagnostic Criteria | App. B: Asperger's Syndrome | App. C: Behavioural Support for Student w/ ASD | App. D: ASD Inventory | App. E: Human Sexuality Edu. & Student w/ ASD | App. F: Forms | Bibliography | Suggested Readings

TAAProject Speakers Bureau (Ontario): TAAProject will have autistic adults available to speak in schools throughout the province. Autistics will be available to answer any questions from teachers, students, parents and others. If you are interested in scheduling a talk with a TAAProject autistic representative or to find out more about this program please call TAAProject at (416)-487-3600.  

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Autism Society of Maine: Information on Law Enforcement, First Responders, Public Servants and Autism.

Beyond Guilt or Innocence: K Shriver Center LEND Journal, 2004

Contact With Individuals With Autism [Article] by Debbaudt & Rothman, FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin April 2001, Edited for Sheriff Magazine Issue March-April 2002.

Dennis Debbaudt's website: Dennis is a father of a son with autism and member of the American Society for Law Enforcement Training (ASLET). He provides an excellent Law Enforcement Handout for emergency service responders. He also has information on responding to emergencies available to parents in his Autism Risk & Safety Newsletter.

Interview and Interrogation of people with autism (including Asperger syndrome), Dennis Debaudt: There will be occasions when first-responders refer a case involving a person with autism for further questioning... When stressed, communications skills may diminish or disappear. Answers may seem evasive or unconnected to the question that was asked. Individuals may appear belligerent, argumentative, stubborn, or inattentive - behaviour that may seem indicative of a person with something to hide.

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Autism Jobs: Linking job seekers with vacancies in work related to autism, Aspergers and ASDs.

Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work: Awareness program – “The Disability Awareness Series” (DAS). Cross-disability professional diversity training resource.  Using current Canadian legislative information, original research and international best practices, the DAS provides today’s business with an easy-to-use, modular human resource management tool supporting an increase in the employment of persons with disabilities. Contact Norma Ricker at nricker@ccrw.org

Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA): This site has many well written practical articles, a newsletter, and excellent links.

Job Success for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, David B. Wiegan. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2009.

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Job Postings

Live-in Caregiver (Asperger's autism): Physically fit live-in caregiver and social skills instructor wanted for athletic young lady with Asperger's (autism). 8 km daily hikes. Modern 1 bedroom cottage suitable for couple on site. Start date October 11, 2009. North Saanich near Sidney. Drivers license and criminal record check required. $18.00 per hour plus benefits and mileage, 25 hours per week mainly week days. Andrew Mitchell 959 Tatlow Road, North Saanich BC V8L 5P3 | 250.656.1869 | andrew.mitchell@shaw.ca

Autism Spectrum Disorders Consultant: Autism Services, is looking for three creative professionals who are passionate about working with individuals with ASD as a member of a team in a non-profit environment. View full posting [PDF].

New ASD and Special Needs multi-treatment care facility at Port Credit, ON opening fall 2009, is now recruiting qualified experts to sub-lease space. Currently seeking: Investors, Homeopath, Naturopath, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapist, Nutritionist, DAN experts. View full posting [PDF].

Instructor therapists required to implement Verbal Behavior program for 3 year old ASD boy in Etobicoke West. Truly individualised programming and constant ongoing training. Contact bariah_mkhan@yahoo.com | 416 838 5238.

ABA Therapist - Bilingual (Victoria, BC)
Looking for an experienced ABA Therapist to work with a 6-year old child with Autism in French Immersion. Fluency in French required. Position is available immediately, providing part-time home-based ABA therapy and French tutoring until September, and then full-time school-based therapy (28 hours per week, $23/hour) for the school year. Experience is required however additional training and ongoing support from a Behavioural Consultant will be provided. Please e-mail your resume to burchhl@yahoo.com

Interval House – Residential Program Manager [PDF].
This management position will ensure that all components of the Residential Program are effectively and efficiently planned, managed and evaluated. The incumbent will be held accountable in the following areas: Program Management and Staff Supervision; Accountability and Reporting; Funding and Funders; Public Relations, Outreach and Education.

ABA Post in France – Full-Time Job
We are looking for an ABA therapist verbal behavior for a full time position with room and board, to help our 7 year old TED (low autism) boy. We live in france in paris and in the countryside between Sancerre (Loire Valley) and la Charite-Sur-Loire (UNESCO heritage) 2h from Paris. Thank you for your help –Nathalie de Vernon Phone: 00 33 (0)6 18 53 68 32 email: f.de_vernon@libertysurf.fr

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