Assessing Current Developmental Levels and Making a Diagnostic Decision

Abstract

We will look at ways for you to assess development in the office and make a diagnostic decision. Simple ways to elicit language and social skills from children are provided. The use of bubbles and a game of Squiggles can engage a socially reluctant child. For children 3–8 years old, you learn how to use the drawing of a person to help your estimate of skills. Are a child’s social skills delayed or different from other developmental areas? Making the diagnostic decision is discussed. The reasons for medical evaluation and referrals to subspecialists are reviewed. Children with ASD and developmental delays are more likely to have an identifiable reason for their developmental diagnoses compared to children with ASD and no language or cognitive delays.