A global pandemic has significantly impacted the ability to conduct diagnostic evaluations for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the wake of the coronavirus, autism centers and providers quickly needed to implement innovative diagnostic processes to adapt in order to continue serve patient needs while minimizing the spread of the virus. The…

The heterogeneity of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) makes it difficult for school-based professionals to develop effective Individual Education Plans (IEP) for this group. Limited research exists on the quality of IEP programs for individuals with ASD. This article summarizes the results of a retrospective chart review from an outpatient…

Although best known for work with children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders, training in speech pathology and a doctorate in clinical psychology and neuropsychology was the foundation for Sara Sparrow's long-term interest in reading disabilities. Her first papers were on dyslexia and laterality, and the…

Aim of this study was to compare children diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) according to DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5 diagnostic systems. One hundred fifty children aged between 3 and 15 years diagnosed with PDD by DSM-IV-TR were included. PDD symptoms were reviewed through psychiatric assessment based on DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5 criteria.…

Separate studies investigated free-play behavior and its relationship to IQ in 100 normal children, and its usefulness in assessing 16 severely disturbed children. (DLS)

This study compared Rorschach test performance of 12 subjects with Asperger syndrome (AS) and 12 subjects with high-functioning autism (HFA, mean age 12 years). AS subjects demonstrated a trend toward greater levels of disorganized thinking than the HFA group and were more likely to be classified as "introversive." The test did not…

This study diagnosed 39 autistic adolescents using both the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) and the revised version (DSM-III-R) criteria. New DSM-III-R criteria include both verbal and nonverbal impairments, stressing communication and its social use. DSM-III criteria identified 25 children as autistic, while DSM-III-R…

The use of the diagnosis "borderline" was evaluated with 16 children (6 to 13 years old) who were referred for comprehensive evaluation. None met DSM III criteria for borderline personality disorder. The borderline label had a negative impact on some children and was not helpful for treatment planning or disposition. (Author/SEW)

Comparisons were made of intelligence and developmental quotients for young autistic children (n=216) at initial assessment and reassessment at least two years later. Five-year follow-up data were then gathered to evaluate the relationship between stability of scores and age at initial assessment, severity of delay, and type of test. (Author/PB)

A study compared the extent of agreement between parents and professional evaluators regarding the cognitive level of 41 children (ages 2-10) with autism. Significant differences were found. In addition, there was significant correlation between the level of agreement and cognitive functioning; agreement increased as the level of cognitive…