Assessing Autism in a Changing Society: Best Practices in Assessment
Presented by JL Parker
Accurate and equitable autism assessment demands more than a checklist—it requires a nuanced, collaborative, and person-centered approach. This course examines how the integration of medical and social models, interdisciplinary team practices, and dynamic assessment strategies can improve the differential diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Speech-language pathologists and other healthcare providers will explore best practices for preparing and conducting autism evaluations, including how to interpret formal and informal data sources, work effectively within diverse teams, and consider cultural and contextual factors that influence outcomes. This course is designed for professionals in clinical, educational, and early intervention settings who aim to enhance diagnostic accuracy while honoring the individuality of each client.
Learning Outcomes
- Compare the implications of medical and social models in the assessment and support of individuals with autism spectrum disorders
- Examine the benefits of an interdisciplinary team approach in autism evaluation and intervention
- Clarify the distinct roles and responsibilities of team members within collaborative autism care models
- Formulate outcome decisions using multidimensional data sources
- Design a comprehensive assessment plan integrating both formal and informal tools
- Integrate findings from informal behavioral observations with formal assessment outcomes to determine the presence or absence of autism characteristics
Meet your instructor
JL Parker
JL Parker, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a highly accomplished speech-language pathologist and educator with an extensive background in clinical practice and academic instruction. She earned her PhD in interdisciplinary health sciences from Western Michigan University and holds both a master’s and bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Models of Assessment
This chapter contrasts the medical and social models of autism assessment, outlining the strengths and limitations of each framework. Learners will explore how both models shape public perception, clinical practice, and self-identity and why balancing clinical criteria with person-centered values is essential for comprehensive care.
2. Interdisciplinary Team Assessment
This chapter emphasizes the importance of a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach in autism evaluations. It defines the roles of key professionals, highlights communication strategies for team-based assessments, and offers guidance for navigating limited resources while maintaining best-practice standards.
3. Assessment Measures
This chapter presents a range of formal and informal assessment tools used in autism evaluations, along with strategies for eliciting authentic behaviors and analyzing inconsistent or incomplete data. It underscores the need for dynamic, culturally responsive assessment plans that go beyond standardized testing to support accurate diagnosis.
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