Assessment and diagnosis ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that can begin in early childhood and persist throughout life. Our private clinic in Montreal, Laval and Brossard offers a complete evaluation and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in children, adolescents and adults.
What is ASD?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD ) affects brain development, especially social communication and interaction. ASD is present from birth and persists throughout life. According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), symptoms must be present from the earliest stages of development. It is estimated that around 2.3% of the population is affected.
First signs of autism, when to seek help?
For the autistic child or adult, social difficulties are marked. The person may have difficulty considering or understanding what the other is experiencing during a social interaction. These difficulties frequently include :
- Difficulty decoding non-verbal communication and emotions (non-verbal communication)
- Tendency to ignore another person's turn to speak
- Marked stress when routine changes
- Sensory sensitivities: noise, light, texture
- Use hurtful words in a clumsy but not unkind way, without realizing the impact of their words on the other person.
- Ignoring another person's signs of impatience or desire to leave the discussion, for example
- Difficulty reading and empathizing with the emotional reactions of people around them
- Have difficulty supporting their message with facial expressions or gestures appropriate to communication
- Less spontaneous interest in others or in shared play
- Preference for solitary activities
- Difficulty showing interest in others
- Difficulty adjusting their behavior to the context
- A keen interest in twinkling lights and moving water
Inadolescents andadults, the following may be observed:
- Social fatigue after interactions
- Rigid need for routines
- Discomfort in certain social relationships or contexts
A wide variety of autistic profiles
ASD profiles can vary greatly from one child to the next. Some will never develop language (or very little), while others may have a very elaborate language, marked by beautiful formulations and a rich vocabulary. This is particularly true of what used to be called "Asperger's".
However, the latter often give the impression of tacking on ready-made phrases, with intonations in the voice that seem incompatible with the words being expressed. In this way, they leave an impression of "weirdness" in the eyes of the non-autistic people with whom they interact.
Repetitive or stereotyped behaviour
People with ASD also exhibit what are known as repetitive or stereotyped behaviors. For example, children may tend to line up toys rather than play with them, or try to turn the wheels of toy cars with their finger rather than play with the toy car.
Rigid and excessive interests
Their interests can be rigid and excessive. Like the child who becomes interested in airplanes, but knows: the number of seats in each type of commercial aircraft, the strength and make of the engines, and the model of plane that connects each major city.
Inflexible routines
People with autism often attach great importance to routines. Even a minor change can lead to severe anxiety or crisis. These ASD symptoms are often fully manifest before social demands exceed the person's limited capacities.
How is ASD assessed and diagnosed ?
A simple neuropsychological evaluation is not enough to assess autism spectrum disorder. An accurate diagnosis requires a structured process and validated tools: behavioral approaches, standardized questionnaires, DSM-5 criteria.
At CERC, the ASD assessment is carried out by a neuropsychologist and another observing professional (neuropsychologist, psychologist or psychoeducator) and includes three components:
- An assessment of autistic behaviours as observed by parents throughout the child's development (via the ADI-R developmental interview). When assessing an adult for ASD, we refer either to the parents, or to close relatives, in order to assess the behaviours observed by those around them in their daily lives.
- Structured clinical observation: in-office setting where autistic behaviours may appear. Two clinicians accredited as neuropsychologists and psychologists or psychoeducators observe and code behaviors using rigorous, recognized grids for detecting and scoring these behaviors. Our professionals are certified to administer the ADOS-2 battery, the most widely recognized diagnostic tool for ASD. This certification, which not all professionals in other clinics necessarily possess, makes for a much more credible and solid diagnosis.
- Cognitive assessment: if necessary, an autism spectrum test of intellectual potential to complete the picture.
Feedback meeting
After the assessment, an additional session is organized with the parents or the adult being assessed. The neuropsychologist presents the results clearly. The neuropsychologist can then confirm or refute the diagnosis of ASD and suggest appropriate recommendations.
Is it true that vaccines can cause Autism Spectrum Disorders in children?
You may have heard the rumor that vaccines (e.g. flu or COVID) have triggered autism spectrum disorder in children previously free of such symptoms.
Fortunately, this association between vaccines and ASD is no more than a myth or a sad conspiracy theory. Hundreds of scientific articles have studied the question and concluded that there is no causal link between vaccination and ASD.
In particular, a meta-analysis by Taylor and colleagues*, involving over a million children, concluded that there was no association between vaccination and the onset of autistic symptoms.
*Taylor, L.E., Swerdfeger, A.L. & Eslick, G.D (2014). Vaccines are not associated with autism: an evidence-based meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies. Vaccine, 32 (29), 3623-3629.
Interventions following a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
What interventions work for children with ASD?
Behavioral interventions at an early age often significantly reduce the symptoms of autism.
These interventions aim to teach social relationships more explicitly, equip children for social communication, develop the ability to read other people's emotions and learn expected behaviors in different contexts.
These interventions do not treat or cure ASD, but they do help to mitigate its impact and promote better social adjustment and peer group integration. ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy is one of the most established.
It is used worldwide and its beneficial effects have been well documented.
What kind of follow-up is right for teenagers and adults?
For teens and adults, follow-up is aimed at :
- A better understanding of social interactions;
- Managing anxiety;
- Reinforce autonomy and organization;
- Develop self-esteem and interpersonal skills.
These follow-ups are offered by psychologists, psychoeducators or other professionals specialized in autism, depending on the person's profile.
When should an Autism Spectrum Disorder be detected?
Some children show signs of ASD or developmental delays from their earliest years, drawing the attention of parents and early childhood professionals. For others, with no apparent delays in language or motor skills, symptoms may become more obvious as they enter school.
Early identification of these signs facilitates proper assessment and screening for the disorder. Our center, with its specialized ASD team and appropriate clinical tools, is dedicated to diagnosing and supporting the children concerned.
We offer support to families, providing information, resources, and targeted services to promote the child's development, communication, and social skills, while addressing parental concerns and assessing risk factors.
If you observe behaviors that concern you, it's important to get an assessment quickly. A thorough diagnostic evaluation helps you avoid wandering and access the right resources.
And for adults?
ASD does not disappear with age. Many people discover their autistic profile in adulthood. This late diagnosis helps them to better understand their pathway, and to implement appropriate strategies.
To make an appointment or if you have any questions about ASD
Our neuropsychologists
Our team of neuropsychologists in Montreal, Laval and Brossard, made up of accredited professionals, offers specialized support to individuals with neurological disorders. We develop personalized intervention plans and support families in promoting well-being and cognitive success.
