The DNP provides comprehensive and multidisciplinary diagnostic evaluations for patients, ages 6 months through adulthood who present with the wide range of difficulties that characterize autism and other conditions that affect social learning. Tailored to the specific needs of each individual, the evaluations may include any or all of the following:
- Diagnostic evaluation that uses state of the art interviews and interactive methods
- Developmental and cognitive testing to determine the individual’s current abilities
- Neuropsychological testing to understand the interplay of the individual’s learning strengths and weaknesses
- Adaptive assessment to determine an individual’s life skills
- Observation at school, home or other settings to better understand a person’s functioning in familiar settings
- Medical/neurological evaluation to assess any underlying causes of the condition or diagnose and treat any medical problems that may be contributing to social learning or behavioral problems
- Assessment for mental health problems (such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder or tics ) that may contribute to problem behaviors
- Functional behavioral assessment of significant problem behaviors.
The evaluation is directed by a clinician on the DNP team who meets with the parents (and/or patient as appropriate) prior to, during, and after the evaluation to best understand their concerns and priorities and to ensure that the process proceeds in a smooth and effective manner.
The results of the evaluation are discussed in a conference with the parents (and/or patient as appropriate) and provided in a written report. Both the conference and written report will include recommendations for interventions. The DNP team then works with family to implement or arrange for these interventions and to monitor their effectiveness.
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The goal of the medical and neurological evaluation is to:
- Identify potentially treatable disorders that may cause or complicate autism and related conditions which may include epilepsy, metabolic disease, sleep and gastrointestinal disorders.
- Identify genetic abnormalities in order to more accurately inform genetic counseling, if requested, for unaffected family members
After a detailed medical and developmental history is taken and a thorough physical exam is completed, recommendations for any further evaluation will be made. These may include:
- Neuroimaging utilizing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS).
- Laboratory investigations to rule out potential underlying neurometabolic and/or genetic conditions.
- Electrophysiologic studies including routine electroencephalogram (EEG) and/or continuous video EEG monitoring
- Sleep studies
Other procedures recommended by our expert consultant faculty for specific problems.
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