April is Autism Awareness Month and a great opportunity to advocate for the early detection and intervention of autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder affects people of all racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic groups. In 2004, 1 in 125 people were known to have autism. In 2022, 1 in 44 children were known to have autism. It is more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes, and pediatric AIDS combined. A recent meta-analysis estimates that the male-to-female ratio is close to 3:1, and autism can be harder to diagnose in females. Autism Spectrum Disorder is also highly comorbid with ADHD, depression, and anxiety.

This reflects a major increase in prevalence rates. Research shows that the increase in autism diagnoses can be attributed to a number of factors. Some of the factors include a higher prevalence of autism as well as increased understanding and detection of autism. Additionally, the change in DSM-V that ended Asperger’s Disorder and changed autism to be a more inclusive spectrum disorder, accounts for some of the increased cases as well. These changes have made significant progress in the treatment of autism by promoting early detection and treatment.

Autism Spectrum Disorder has a substantial impact on the emotional, psychological, social, and financial functioning of families. On average, Autism Spectrum Disorder can cost a family $60,000 per year in services and support. This can cause a great deal of stress on a family. Early detection of autism has been proven to greatly increase the level of functioning of the individual. Early detection and diagnosis enables families to gain comprehensive services and support for their loved ones, promoting the individual’s development and decreasing stress within the family.

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized as a Developmental Disability:

-Deficits in social communication and interaction in a variety of settings

-Deficits in socio-emotional reciprocity

-Deficits in nonverbal behavior

-Difficulty engaging in, forming, and maintaining relationships

-Restrictive and repetitive behavior

-Inflexibility and fixation

-Hyper or Hyposensitivity to sensory input

-The severity of the disorder is also characterized by the level of support in daily living the individual requires

How do we Determine if Someone has Autism?

-A comprehensive psychological evaluation performed by a Doctoral-level Psychologist is required to make a formal autism diagnosis.

-A comprehensive evaluation is required to obtain support and interventions at school and in early child development.

-Financial support often requires a formal diagnosis from a comprehensive evaluation as well.

What Does Autism Testing Involve?

-An in-depth clinical interview with the client, parents, and/or caregiver

-Consultation between the psychologist and the referring therapist or physician

-Consultation with the teacher, for child cases

-The psychologist then determines the appropriate testing battery and administers a variety of psychological and neuropsychological tests to the patient. The tests often include the ADOS-2 and other Autism Spectrum Disorder questionnaires, IQ testing, and Emotional Testing. Some patients may also benefit from Specific Learning Disorder and/or ADHD testing. The psychologist works with each patient individually to determine the appropriate testing battery.

-The psychologist scores and interprets all of the testing data, and writes a comprehensive report of the findings including a diagnosis and recommendations. This report is shared with the family in a feedback session so that the psychologist can explain the findings and recommendations.

How to Get Tested:

-Dr. Jenna Gershen is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder Testing. She performs autism testing with kids and adults in our Denver office. Click here to get connected with Dr. Gershen and schedule an appointment. Contact us to learn more.