Region 4 Autism/ AU research - An Integrated Approach to Staff Development for Autism Teams
This workshop provides an overview of the Autism Spectrum Disorders Evaluation Project (ASDE) sponsored by the Region 4 Education Service Center. This multi-year, multi-phase project utilizes a best-practices approach to train and support multi-disciplinary teams in assessment and intervention for autism spectrum disorders. Upon completion of this workshop, participants will have a better understanding of how to (a) use a best practices approach to establish a multidisciplinary evaluation process, (b) train and support team members in the evaluation process, and (c) increase the local education agency’s capacity to implement a team approach to autism spectrum disorder evaluation. Participants at all skill levels are invited to attend.
Autism Measures - Sensitivity and Specificity
This presentation will discuss the sensitivity and specificity of measures that are frequently used in the evaluation of individuals suspected of having autism spectrum disorders. Data from the Clinic for Autism Research Evaluation and Support (CARES) at Texas State University-San Marcos will be presented on the following measures: Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), Children’s Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Gillian Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition (GARS-2). Implications for use of these instruments in school based evaluations for autism will be discussed.
The College of Education has established the Clinic for Autism Research, Evaluation and Support (CARES) to provide early autism diagnoses through a team assessment process, including bilingual assessment. A related mission of CARES is to prepare school psychology, educational diagnostician, and special education graduate students to conduct comprehensive autism evaluations and to make referrals for treatment and support. Related to the service and training components of CARES is an exciting research agenda consisting of studies to determine concurrent validity of various autism diagnostic instruments; determine the role of motor development in autism diagnosis; delineate the most effective and efficient diagnostic protocol for children; analyze the role of diagnostic information for speech intervention planning; enhance practices for differential diagnosis; and determine the effectiveness of currently recommended diagnostic instruments.
