Directed by world-renowned autism expert Catherine Lord, Ph.D., Interim Director of the NYU Child Study Center Asperger Institute, the service specializes in the comprehensive evaluation and early identification of social and communication difficulties in children as young as 12-months of age.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) affects 1 in 150 children. These are developmental disorders that hinder a child’s ability to socially interact, communicate and play. Research tells us that early identification, parent-training, and intensive educational intervention can greatly improve children’s lives, giving them the best chance to achieve their full potential. If a parent or loved one is concerned that a child might have signs of autism, a comprehensive autism evaluation is recommended.
What are some red flags of Autism Spectrum and Communication Disorders?
If your child shows two or more signs listed below, an evaluation is recommended. It is important to note that there are no absolute clinical indicators of autism and the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that your child has autism.
Impairment in Social Interaction:
- Lack of appropriate eye gaze
- Lack of warm, joyful expressions
- Lack of sharing interest or enjoyment
- Lack of response to name
Impairment in Communication:
- Lack of showing gestures
- Lack of coordination of nonverbal communication
- Unusual prosody in speech (little variation in pitch, odd intonation, irregular rhythm, unusual voice quality)
Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests
- Repetitive movements with objects
- Repetitive movements or posturing of body, arms, hands or fingers
What to expect at the Early Childhood Autism and Communication Disorders Evaluation
An evaluation at the Early Childhood Autism and Communication Disorders service at the NYU Child Study Center includes three visits with clinical and developmental child psychologists and a speech language pathologist who specialize in evaluating toddlers and young children who are suspected to have autism or other communication disorders. Evaluations are tailored to the needs of each family and will include: home or school observation, behavioral observation, standardized parent interviews, speech-language evaluation, neuropsychological tests, (i.e., cognitive and language tests), the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), and a psychiatric, and/or pediatric evaluation. The tasks administered during the evaluation are designed to be play-based and test the child’s beginning understanding of words, as well as concepts such as intention, imitation, and social responsiveness. At the end of the evaluation parents will receive a comprehensive feedback session, detailed recommendations, and an in-depth report. The team will work closely with your family to put an immediate action-plan into place if necessary.
In addition to diagnostic evaluations, the center offers a specialized treatment called Early Social Interaction Therapy (ESI). If your child is appropriate for this unique treatment program, he or she can be referred at the completion of the evaluation. Other referrals can be made as well based on your child’s individual needs.
To schedule an appointment please call 212 263 8916.
