Comprehensive Assessment Service for Children:
The Comprehensive Assessment Service for children utilizes a multidisciplinary team to ensure accurate diagnoses and develop the best possible treatment plans. This specialized team consists of experts from various fields to cover all aspects of the evaluation:
- Psychiatrist: Assesses general mental health.
- Developmental and Behavioral Physician: Monitors and evaluates mental and behavioral development.
- Psychologist: Studies the psychological state and identifies strengths and weaknesses.
- Specialist in Pronunciation and Communication: Assesses communication and pronunciation skills.
- Occupational Therapist: Analyzes motor abilities and daily skills.
- Learning Disabilities Specialist: Identifies any learning difficulties or challenges.
- Applied Behavior Analysis Specialist (ABA): Assesses and modifies behaviors.
Tests and Assessments
The following tests and assessments are utilized as part of the comprehensive evaluation process:
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales (SB): One of the oldest and most popular measures used to assess intelligence and cognitive abilities in individuals. It estimates the individual’s mental performance level.
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2): A widely used and validated tool for assessing and diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- PEP-3 (Psychoeducational Profile, Third Edition): Used to assess developmental and educational abilities in children, especially those with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disorders.
- CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale): Assesses the severity of autism symptoms in children.
- Conners Scale (Conners’ Rating Scales): Assesses behavioral symptoms associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents, measuring symptom severity and impact on daily life.
- Denver Model of Early Intervention (ESDM): An early intervention program designed for children aged 12 to 48 months with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), based on applied behavior analysis (ABA) strategies to enhance social, language, and cognitive skills.
- VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program): Assesses verbal behavior and language skills in children, especially those with developmental disorders such as autism. It is based on ABA principles to identify communication levels and develop educational programs based on individual strengths and weaknesses.
- ABLLS (Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills): Assesses and develops language and learning skills in children with developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder.
- GARS (Gilliam Autism Rating Scale): Evaluates individuals suspected of having autism spectrum disorder. It helps determine the severity of autism symptoms and informs personalized treatment plans.
- MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory): A widely used psychological test that assesses personality and psychological disorders, identifying patterns such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.
- PLS-5 (Preschool Language Scales, Fifth Edition): Assesses language skills in children from birth to 7 years and 11 months. It covers two main areas:
- Listening Comprehension (Receptive Language): Assesses a child’s ability to understand language.
- Verbal Expression (Expressive Language): Assesses a child’s ability to use language for communication.
- GISH Test (for Naming): A tool used to assess speech and naming skills in children and adults with speech or language disorders, such as stuttering, language delays, or difficulties resulting from brain injuries.
Conclusion
This comprehensive assessment service aims to provide an in-depth evaluation of children’s mental, developmental, and behavioral health. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, it ensures that all aspects of a child’s well-being are considered, allowing for a well-rounded and effective treatment plan.
