Early Screening:
The importance of early screening for autism and other developmental disorders is paramount. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends autism screening at the ages of 18 months and 24 months at the child's regular doctor's office. In addition, the AAP also recommends developmental screening at the ages of 9 months, 18 months, and 24 or 30 months.
If the child screens positive, they should be receive more detailed developmental assessment and be referred for Early Intervention services. The test we offer, the Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (ASRS), represents a more extensive test than the initial developmental and autism screening test (MCHAT) that is commonly used in Pediatrician's offices.
Critical Importance of Early Diagnosis and Testing:
Once the child has been tested, and even before they are seen by an autism specialist, they are recommended to receive Early Intervention Services (EIS) as soon as a diagnosis of ASD is seriously considered or determined. EIS may consist of special education, speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy, behavior therapy and other therapies as necessary based on the child's needs.
There are long waiting periods to see an autism specialist here in the United States and in other countries across the world, too. it is of critical importance that Early Intervention Services (EIS) as soon as possible, even before a formal diagnosis is made by the autism specialist.
The earlier a child is screened, tested, and diagnosed, the better the short and long term outcomes will be.
Critical Importance of Early Intervention Services and Treatment:
Research studies have repeatedly proved that the initiation of early intervention services, particularly in the youngest children produce significantly improved developmental outcomes.
According to an article in the journal Pediatrics by Zwaigenbaum et al, 2015, in line with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the working group recommended initiating interventions as soon as a diagnosis of ASD is seriously considered or determined.
Data available since 2001 support the fact that early intensive education and therapies can yield significantly improved developmental outcomes. In addition, it has been suggested that interventions initiated before 3 years of age may have a greater positive impact than those begun after the age of 5 years (Zwaigenbaum et al, 2015). (Click here for the full article).
Early Intervention Services in the U.S.:
You do not have to wait for a formal diagnosis to call the Early Intervention Services program near you (in the United States). Here is an overview of the process from the Center for Parent Information and Resources, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education. The site walks you through the process.
http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/ei-overview/
Please see the U.S. resources for Early Intervention below (from the CDC):
For children 0-3 Years Old:
If your child is younger than 3 years old, contact your local early intervention system.
For children 3 Years Old or Older
If your child is 3 years old or older, contact your local public school system.
Even if your child is not old enough for kindergarten or enrolled in a public school, call your local elementary school or board of education and ask to speak with someone who can help you have your child evaluated.
Learn more about this process »
The Autism Spectrum Rating Scale test:
We currently offer this test for ages 2-5 years and 6-18 years through our app. This test is a validated, norm referenced autism screening test that is more advanced than the initial screening tests such as the MCHAT that are commonly used in doctor's office. It is conveniently available in the online format.
After payment in our app, you will receive a link to complete the test (the link will look like this: http://s.mhs.com/a1B2CdE (not a valid link). Once you click on the link, the test will open up. The test length is either 70 or 71 questions depending on the age group of the child.
You can take this test on any device (mobile, tablet) or any computer wherever you live in the world. You will take approximately 20 minutes to finish the test. If you are interrupted, you can return to the same question within 24 hours.
After you have completed the test , we will securely email you a report that looks like this Sample report.
This report, although not a full diagnosis, will give you the information you need to help you make a decision along with your child's doctor about the need for further evaluation or the need to start the child on early intervention services as soon as possible.
The importance of early screening for autism and other developmental disorders is paramount. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends autism screening at the ages of 18 months and 24 months at the child's regular doctor's office. In addition, the AAP also recommends developmental screening at the ages of 9 months, 18 months, and 24 or 30 months.
If the child screens positive, they should be receive more detailed developmental assessment and be referred for Early Intervention services. The test we offer, the Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (ASRS), represents a more extensive test than the initial developmental and autism screening test (MCHAT) that is commonly used in Pediatrician's offices.
Critical Importance of Early Diagnosis and Testing:
Once the child has been tested, and even before they are seen by an autism specialist, they are recommended to receive Early Intervention Services (EIS) as soon as a diagnosis of ASD is seriously considered or determined. EIS may consist of special education, speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy, behavior therapy and other therapies as necessary based on the child's needs.
There are long waiting periods to see an autism specialist here in the United States and in other countries across the world, too. it is of critical importance that Early Intervention Services (EIS) as soon as possible, even before a formal diagnosis is made by the autism specialist.
The earlier a child is screened, tested, and diagnosed, the better the short and long term outcomes will be.
Critical Importance of Early Intervention Services and Treatment:
Research studies have repeatedly proved that the initiation of early intervention services, particularly in the youngest children produce significantly improved developmental outcomes.
According to an article in the journal Pediatrics by Zwaigenbaum et al, 2015, in line with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the working group recommended initiating interventions as soon as a diagnosis of ASD is seriously considered or determined.
Data available since 2001 support the fact that early intensive education and therapies can yield significantly improved developmental outcomes. In addition, it has been suggested that interventions initiated before 3 years of age may have a greater positive impact than those begun after the age of 5 years (Zwaigenbaum et al, 2015). (Click here for the full article).
Early Intervention Services in the U.S.:
You do not have to wait for a formal diagnosis to call the Early Intervention Services program near you (in the United States). Here is an overview of the process from the Center for Parent Information and Resources, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education. The site walks you through the process.
http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/ei-overview/
Please see the U.S. resources for Early Intervention below (from the CDC):
For children 0-3 Years Old:
If your child is younger than 3 years old, contact your local early intervention system.
For children 3 Years Old or Older
If your child is 3 years old or older, contact your local public school system.
Even if your child is not old enough for kindergarten or enrolled in a public school, call your local elementary school or board of education and ask to speak with someone who can help you have your child evaluated.
Learn more about this process »
The Autism Spectrum Rating Scale test:
We currently offer this test for ages 2-5 years and 6-18 years through our app. This test is a validated, norm referenced autism screening test that is more advanced than the initial screening tests such as the MCHAT that are commonly used in doctor's office. It is conveniently available in the online format.
After payment in our app, you will receive a link to complete the test (the link will look like this: http://s.mhs.com/a1B2CdE (not a valid link). Once you click on the link, the test will open up. The test length is either 70 or 71 questions depending on the age group of the child.
You can take this test on any device (mobile, tablet) or any computer wherever you live in the world. You will take approximately 20 minutes to finish the test. If you are interrupted, you can return to the same question within 24 hours.
After you have completed the test , we will securely email you a report that looks like this Sample report.
This report, although not a full diagnosis, will give you the information you need to help you make a decision along with your child's doctor about the need for further evaluation or the need to start the child on early intervention services as soon as possible.