Aspergers diagnostic tests: can you give me some idea of the appropriate measures and number of them to use?

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captainkym asks:

Hi
Im currently studying psychology at uni with the goal of becoming a child psychologist. I have a psych report to write on a case study of a 5 year old boy with aspergers. In order to diagnose him I have to evaluate him using a number of tests and measures. I am unsure which ones to use as there are so many out there. So far I have decided to use

WPPSI-III
Battelle Developmental Inventory
Vineland SEEC Scales
K-SEALS(Kaufman Survey of Early Academic and Language Skills)
I am also thinking of doing a specific memory and learning test and a specific visuo-motor test.

I dont want to over test the client but I also want to cover all the bases for a thorough evaluation. Has anyone had any experience with this that can give me some idea of the appropriate measures and number of them to use?
Thanks

In Topics: Cognitive development, Special needs, Autism & Aspergers Syndrome

> 60 days ago

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Expert

lkauffman

Oct 2, 2009

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What the Expert Says:

Dear Captainkym,

I think that you have a great foundation for your testing battery in your assessment of this little guy. You have a number of assessments that will provide a good foundation for his cognitive functioning and general social adaptation. I know the WPPSI, Vineland, and the K-Seals well, but I am not familiar with the Batelle, so I can't comment on that measure.

I would consider adding the Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test for the visuo-motor piece (I would use the Rey-Osterreith Complex Figure Test if he was a year older - I love that test!) to assess his executive function abilities. I would also consider subtests from the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS), planning and attention dimensions to round out my understanding of his executive functioning. I would imagine that you are also trying to rule out ADHD and anxiety.

I would encourage you to leave time in your assessment (I typically shoot for two testing sessions of two hours each - some breaks for a little guy his age) for a short interview with him (maybe, a play assessment?). Interacting with him in an unstructured context should be very instructive. I would also send home Conners Rating Scales or the CBCL for his parents and teacher to complete.

Finally, I would consider a school observation (about an hour). Make arrangements with his parents to contact his teacher and visit the school before testing begins (your goal is to be unobtrusive - you don't want him to know that you are there to observe him!).

Good luck with your assessment. I'm sure it will go great!

Warm regards,

L. Compian, Ph.D.
Child Psychologist
Education.com

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