SPM and SPM-2 Quick Tips Case Study: What’s Behind Challenging Behaviors in the Classroom?

Autism characteristics and behaviors can change as people mature. While some or all core features of autism may remain present from early childhood onward, the degree of impairment or the outward appearance of some traits and behaviors may change. Understanding how and when these changes may occur can be helpful to those who support autistic individuals.

As we enter another winter with health experts predicting a “triple-demic” of flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), researchers are learning more about how the pandemic has affected students around the world. Here’s an overview of the changes many students are experiencing post-pandemic, and how they could still be affecting assessments and evaluations. 

New research from Sweden shows that autistic young people are more likely to experience mental health difficulties than people of the same age who don’t have an autism diagnosis.

The WPS Graduate School Alliance Program (GSAP) provides graduate programs in psychological and behavioral health professions with access to some of the most trusted and reliable assessments in use today—100% free. 

Comprehensive Treatment-Informed Evaluation Frameworks can lead to reliable diagnoses. Perhaps more importantly, they can open a child’s world to you, leading to effective, highly individualized treatment plans.  

Identifying autism shouldn’t depend on a single assessment, no matter how thorough or precise that assessment is. A clear diagnosis—one your client can trust, and you can feel confident delivering—is the result of a comprehensive evaluation, generally involving a team of health professionals.

On March 18, 2022, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) updated the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Under criterion A, which describes differences in social communication and social interaction, the phrase “as manifested by the following” has been revised to read “as manifested by all of the following.” 

Excellence in assessment is the result of deliberate practice. These time-tested, evidence-based strategies can elevate your assessment expertise. 

An early, accurate diagnosis is always important—but it’s especially crucial when comorbidities exist. Current research shows that when autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) co-occur, symptoms of both are likely to be more severe. The sooner targeted therapies begin, the better outcomes are likely to be for people with these conditions.

MIGDAS-2 Case Study: An exceptional student had been misdiagnosed multiple times and was finally diagnosed properly using new methods. Learn more.