Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Very Young Children

According to estimates from the Center of Disease Control, about 1 in 59 children have been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (CDC, 2018). As the prevalence of ASD continues to surge, the early screening and diagnostic evaluation in early childhood is critical in quickly providing intensive early intervention and improving lifetime outcomes. Studies have shown that early signs can begin to emerge as early as 6 to 12 months old (Sacrey et al, 2018). Research shows that intensive early intervention prior to five years of age shows the most positive outcomes for children with ASD (Woods & Wetherby, 2003). Speech language pathologists are often the first professionals to suspect ASD and are integral team members in the screening and evaluation process. This session aims to provide the learner with information regarding (1) early warning signs of ASD, (2) formal and informal screening and diagnostic tools for early childhood, and (3) strategies to promote interdisciplinary collaboration.

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Presenters

Alayna E. Townsend
Ph.D. CCC-SLP
Dr. Townsend is the lead speech-language pathologist at UT Physician’s Center for Autism and Related Conditions (CARC) in Houston, TX. She is an Adjunct Professor and Clinical Educator at the University of Houston in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She earned her doctoral degree from Howard University, a master's degree from the University of Cincinnati, and her bachelor’s degree from Xavier University of Louisiana. Dr. Townsend specializes in performing diagnostic speech, language, and social communication evaluations for infants and young children suspected or diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She has had the opportunity to provide speech and language services in the Bahamas, St. Lucia, Belize, and Ecuador.

Learning Objectives

Identify at least 5 early warning signs of ASD in early childhood
Compare and contrast at least 3 language and social communication measures
Recall 3 strategies to implement when collaborating on an interdisciplinary team
Describe 3 screening and evaluation tools speech pathologists can implement to evaluation language and social communication in early childhood

Agenda

1 minutes	Introduction
2 minutes	Review of ASHA Roles and Responsibilities
10 minutes	Review of DSM-V Diagnostic Criteria
5 minutes	Developmental Milestones
5 minutes	Early Warning Signs
5 minutes	Forms and Stages of Play
15 minutes	Screening and Assessment
8 minutes	Effective Collaboration
9 minutes	Questions from Audience

Disclosures

Financial Disclosure	This webinar was funded by our sponsors, SLP Toolkit and SLP Now. Sponsors are not responsible for the content of this course nor does brIQht ideas endorse their products or services.
In-Kind Disclosure	brIQht ideas would like to thank the presenter of this course who has provided her speaking services at no charge.

ASHA

This course is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUs, Introductory level, Professional Area, Professional Area