Essentials of Autism Spectrum Disorders Evaluation and Assessment

Psychological research into autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased exponentially in the last two decades. Much of this work has been led by various theorists who claim to have identified processes that hold the key to understanding the condition. As a consequence, newcomers to the field feel that they have to opt for one or more of the competing approaches and to neglect the remainder as being in some way wrong. In fact, the different theoretical perspectives are just that – different points of view on the same phenomenon – each with its own insights to offer. This is not to say that understanding ASD in psychological terms is just a matter of choosing a perspective and that all perspectives are of equal value. Clearly they are not. This book, in addition to providing an outline of what current perspectives have to offer, also provides a framework to help readers to decide which aspects of psychological research into ASD contribute to our understanding of the field and how these can be integrated in a way that enables research to be taken forward.

A practical guide to adaptive behaviors across a range of neurodevelopmental disorders Adaptive behavior assessment measures independent living skills, including communication, social skills, personal care, and practical work skills. For individuals with intellectual disabilities, evaluation of these skills is a critical tool for measuring eligibility and can identify specific skills that must be learned before effective educational interventions can be implemented. Essentials of Adaptive Behavior Assessment of Neurodevelopmental Disorders describes the role of adaptive behavior in assessment and treatment, and provides clear guidance for measurement. Case samples provide real-world illustration of behaviors and assessment, and systematic comparison of various measures are presented and explained to better inform planning. Individual chapters outline specific adaptive behaviors across a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, giving clinicians, practitioners, students, and researchers a better understanding of diagnostic differentials and how to place independent skill programming in treatment and intervention. Plan intervention and treatment based on accessible measurement guidelines across a range of disorders Gain a deeper understanding of adaptive functioning specific to ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, and genetic disorders Compare and contrast current measures to evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and areas of overlap Quickly locate essential information with Rapid Reference and Caution boxes For individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, adaptive behaviors are the keys to independence; without them, these individuals will perpetually struggle with achieving optimum independence without the basic skills needed to function at home, in school, and in the community. Assessment allows these skills to be factored in to treatment and intervention planning, and can help improve the outcomes of other intervention methods. Essentials of Adaptive Behavior Assessment of Neurodevelopmental Disorders clarifies the assessment of these important behaviors, helping clinicians make more informed decisions around diagnosis, education, and treatment planning.

Quickly acquire the knowledge and skills you need to effectively understand, assess, and treat individuals struggling with dyslexia Essentials of Dyslexia Assessment and Intervention provides practical, step-by-step information on accurately identifying, assessing, and using evidence-based interventions with individuals with dyslexia. Addressing the components that need to be considered in the assessment of dyslexia—both cognitive and academic—this book includes descriptions of the various tests used in a comprehensive dyslexia assessment along with detailed, evidence-based interventions that professionals and parents can use to help individuals struggling with dyslexia. Like all the volumes in the Essentials of Psychological Assessment series, each concise chapter features numerous callout boxes highlighting key concepts, bulleted points, and extensive illustrative material, as well as test questions that help you gauge and reinforce your grasp of the information covered. Providing an in-depth look at dyslexia, this straightforward book presents information that will prepare school psychologists, neuropsychologists, educational diagnosticians, special education teachers, as well as general education teachers, to recognize, assess, and provide effective treatment programs for dyslexia. The book is also a good resource for parents who are helping a child with dyslexia. A practical guide to understanding, assessing, and helping individuals who have dyslexia Expert advice and tips throughout Conveniently formatted for rapid reference Other titles in the Essentials of Psychological Assessment series: Essentials of Assessment Report Writing Essentials of School Neuropsychological Assessment Essentials of Evidence-Based Academic Interventions Essentials of Response to Intervention Essentials of Processing Assessment Essentials of Conners Behavior Assessments Essentials of Cross-Battery Assessment, Second Edition Essentials of WISC-IV Assessment, Second Edition

Essentials of WRAML2 and TOMAL-2 Assessment introduces professionals to these two widely used memory measurement batteries, both of which measure memory and are used to supplement evaluations of ADHD and reading problems in youngsters, as well as a number of other disorders across the age span. Written by Wayne Adams and Cecil Reynolds, this essential reference provides administration guidelines, including procedural suggestions and solutions for common problems examiners may encounter; expert assessment of each test?s relative strengths and weaknesses; valuable advice on clinical applications; and illuminating case reports.

Brue’s Essentials Intellectual Disability is a concise, up-to-date overview of intellectual disability evaluation and assessment. This text offers a practical, concise overview of the nature of intellectual disability and adaptive skills functioning in children, adolescents, and adults. Coverage includes the latest information on prevalence, causes, differential diagnoses, behavioral and social concerns, test instruments, and the new DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. The discussion promotes a deeper understanding of the use of assessment data to inform interventions in clinical practice. Designed for easy navigation, each chapter highlights important points and key cautions to allow quick reference without sacrificing depth. A sample assessment report illustrates how findings should be communicated to better inform treatment, giving you a practical reference to ensure comprehensive reporting. In 2013, the DSM-5 conceptualization of intellectual disabilities was significantly changed. It's important for professionals to have access to the most current guidelines from a variety of sources, and this book compiles them all into a single reference.

Quickly acquire the knowledge and skills you need to confidently administer, score, and interpret behavioral assessment tests Behavioral assessment tests analyze and assess a broad range of behavioral problems found among children and adolescents, including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and ADHD. To use these tests properly, professionals need an authoritative source of advice and guidance on how to administer, score, and interpret them. Cowritten by leading experts in the behavioral assessment field and the creators of the BASC (Behavioral Assessment System for Children), Essentials of Behavioral Assessment is that source. Like all the volumes in the Essentials of Psychological Assessment series, this book is designed to help busy mental health professionals quickly acquire the knowledge and skills they need to make optimal use of major psychological assessment instruments. Each concise chapter features numerous callout boxes highlighting key concepts, bulleted points, and extensive illustrative material, as well as test questions that help you gauge and reinforce your grasp of the information covered. Essentials of Behavioral Assessment is the first book to provide state-of-the-art interpretive and administrative guidelines to using the BASC, CRS-R (Conners' Rating Scales-Revised), and CBCL (Achenbach Child Behavior Checklists), the leading and most highly recognized behavioral assessment tests used in the field. The authors also offer expert assessment of the tests' merits and include classroom observations. Other titles in the Essentials of Psychological Assessment series: Essentials of WJ IIITM Tests of Achievement Assessment Essentials of WJ IIITM Cognitive Abilities Assessment Essentials of WMS?-III Assessment Essentials of Individual Achievement Assessment Essentials of Nepsy? Assessment Essentials of Cross-Battery Assessment Essentials of Cognitive Assessment with KAIT and Other Kaufman Measures Essentials of Nonverbal Assessment Essentials of WISC-III? and WPPSI-R? Assessment

Quickly acquire the knowledge and skills you need to confidently administer, score, and interpret the most popular neuropsychological assessment instruments Neuropsychological testing can identify changes in cognition, behavior, and emotion; aid in determining the cause of a disorder or developmental problem; and assist clinicians in planning treatment and rehabilitation. To use these tests properly, professionals need an authoritative source of advice and guidance on how to administer, score, and interpret them. Now fully revised and in a second edition, Essentials of Neuropsychological Assessment is that source. Completely updated to include the most current instruments, including the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS), the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV), the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV), and the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV), Essentials of Neuropsychological Assessment, Second Edition presents an overview of the assumptions, logic, knowledge base, and skills underlying the practice of neuropsychological assessment. Neuropsychological experts Nancy Hebben and William Milberg describe how clinical history, behavioral observations, and formal test results are used to make inferences about the contribution of brain dysfunction to psychological functioning. Like all the volumes in the Essentials of Psychological Assessment series, this book is designed to help busy mental health professionals quickly acquire the knowledge and skills they need to make optimal use of major neuropsychological assessment instruments. Each concise chapter features numerous callout boxes highlighting key concepts, bulleted points, and extensive illustrative material, as well as test questions that help you gauge and reinforce your grasp of the information covered. Essentials of Neuropsychological Assessment, Second Edition provides comprehensive instruction on neuropsychological test administration, scoring, interpretation, and report writing. It also addresses practical and conceptual issues related to neuropsychological assessment in geriatric, pediatric, forensic, and other specialized settings. Other titles in the Essentials of Psychological Assessment series: Essentials of Assessment Report Writing Essentials of WAIS-IV Assessment Essentials of WISC-IV Assessment, Second Edition Essentials of WIAT-II and KTEA-II Assessment Essentials of WJ IIITM Cognitive Abilities Assessment Essentials of WJ IIITM Tests of Achievement Assessment Essentials of School Neuropsychological Assessment Essentials of Cross-Battery Assessment, Second Edition Essentials of KABC-II Assessment Essentials of NEPSY Assessment Essentials of Executive Function Assessment Essentials of Processing Assessment

Improve academic learning outcomes with accurate working memory assessment and evidence-based interventions Essentials of Working Memory Assessment and Intervention is an accessible, practical guide to accurately and efficiently assessing working memory. This comprehensive resource explains the theories of working memory, with an emphasis on cognitive load theory, and provides step-by-step guidelines for organizing a cross-battery assessment, selecting appropriate instruments, interpreting results, and formulating individualized interventions and educational programming. In-depth case studies illustrate typical profiles found in children and adolescents with working memory deficits, and the companion CD features worksheets, testing charts, and other useful resources. Reader-friendly design elements including Rapid Reference, Caution, and Don't Forget boxes, and practice questions, bullet points, and icons make this guide useful for both study and desk reference. Working memory deficits are the main reason why students with disabilities are unable to successfully respond to regular education interventions. Given the strong relationship between working memory and all areas of academic learning, a deeper understanding of working memory and the related assessments and interventions can facilitate greater achievement. This book helps readers: Understand the development and neuroanatomy of working memory Learn techniques for improving working memory in the classroom Examine strategies for brain-based working memory training Effectively utilize working memory assessment measures By examining the critical functions of working memory and its relationship with specific learning disabilities, then providing strategies for assessment and detailed intervention guidance, this book helps educatorsand professionals guide their students and clients toward improved cognitive functioning, , reduced frustration, and improved academic performance . For those seeking a practical approach to working memory, Essentials of Working Memory Assessment and Intervention provides the tools and information they need.

Neuropsychological testing can identify changes in cognition, behavior, and emotion; aid in determining the cause of the change (e.g., neurologic disease, psychiatric disorders, or developmental problems); and assist clinicians in planning treatment and rehabilitation. To use these tests properly, professionals need an authoritative source of advice and guidance on how to administer, score, and interpret them. Written by two leading experts in neuropsychological assessment, Essentials of Neuropsychological Assessment is that source. Like all the volumes in the Essentials of Psychological Assessment series, this book is designed to help busy mental health professionals quickly acquire the knowledge and skills they need to make optimal use of major psychological assessment instruments. Each concise chapter features numerous callout boxes highlighting key concepts, bulleted points, and extensive illustrative material, as well as test questions that help you gauge and reinforce your grasp of the information covered. Essentials of Neuropsychological Assessment provides comprehensive instruction on test administration, scoring, and interpretation. The authors also address practical and conceptual issues related to neuropsychological assessment in geriatric, pediatric, forensic, and other specialized settings, as well as the essentials of report writing and common neuropsychological syndromes.

A comprehensive approach to accurate ADHD diagnosis In Essentials of ADHD Assessment in Children and Adolescents, the authors provide a clear and informative road map for practitioners seeking to conduct state-of-the-art assessments for one of the most common disorders of childhood. Drawing upon years of experience in conducting diagnostic evaluations of ADHD following best-practice standards, they emphasize the importance of a comprehensive evaluation, incorporating data from multiple sources, using multiple methods, and interpreting findings within the appropriate developmental and cultural contexts. The major components of an ADHD evaluation (interviews, rating scales, cognitive testing, observation, record review) are reviewed in detail. Expert guidance is provided for resolving the most common challenges in assessing ADHD, including differentiating symptoms from normal development, dealing with discrepant data, differential diagnosis, and considering comorbidity. The latest scholarly literature is integrated with the authors' practical recommendations to provide clinicians with the concepts and tools needed for effective and accurate assessment of ADHD, addressing such topics as: When inattention is ADHD, and when it may be emotional or neurological Which disorders may masquerade as or present with ADHD The elements of accurate ADHD testing and the reasons behind them Integrating results of a multi-modal approach into an ADHD assessment An indispensable professional resource for practicing clinicians, Essentials of ADHD Assessment for Children and Adolescents is a reader-friendly guide to providing a thorough, responsible ADHD evaluation.