Asperger’s Test

Asperger’s Test

Asperger’s Test At Equilibria Kids

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an average of 1 in every 88 children in the United States has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Included in this spectrum of disorders are:

• Autistic Disorder (autism)
• Asperger’s Disorder
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder, not otherwise specified

Psychologists Conducting an Asperger’s Test

DR. GAIL REICHMAN-MANCINI, PSY.D

Dr. Mancini completed her doctorate in clinical psychology from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where her research included a specialty in the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder. She has been conducting comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations as well as overall treatment of children since 1987. In addition to providing school psychology, Dr. Mancini contributed to the standardization of the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scales-III and the Weschler Memory Scales-III.

KAREN TARATUSKI, PSY.D.

Following Dr. Taratuski’s undergraduate work, she began her career as a Music Therapist, which led to her returning to graduate school to pursue her doctorate in clinical psychology. Dr. Taratuksi has always focused primarily on children, adolescent, and families.

Process of an Asperger’s Test

Psychological evaluation or assessment is a process of testing that uses a combination of methods to help arrive at some hypotheses about a person and their behavior, personality and capabilities.

Asperger’s tests usually follow this process:

CLINICAL INTERVIEW

The child’s psychologist will conduct a comprehensive clinical interview (not only with the child but with the caregivers and potentially other important individuals in the child’s life)

ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT

The child’s psychologist have the child/adolescent complete standardized tests, gather information from teachers and other caregivers, and in many cases, observe the child in a natural setting like the classroom or in a therapy session

The psychologist is able to get a better understanding of the child through the combination of these techniques, which then allows for an effective school based and home based recommendations and treatment planning.

In addition to the general psychological testing, our psychologists at Equilibria are trained to administer a specific test called the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). This test is a standardized assessment of communication, social interaction, and play in which the psychologist utilizes materials for individuals suspected of having autism spectrum disorders or ASDs.

Benefits of An Asperger’s Test

Asperger’s testing is an important tool to rule out and or clarify diagnosis while also developing the most effective treatment plan.

When to Undergo an Asperger’s Test?

Asperger’s tests, including the ADOS, are recommended for children or teens presenting symptoms that may be reflective of an autistic spectrum disorder like Asperger’s.