Diagnostic Assessments

Diagnostic assessment is provided by Dr. Merina Shrestha, Pediatrician, her work is more focused on Developmental Pediatrics and Mrs. Rena Shrestha, Child Psychologist. Mrs. Shrestha has completed her ADOS and ADI-R training; she has been implementing the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) tools used in the process of diagnosis and also determining related disorders and differentiating ASD from other disorders. Currently, Ms. Shrestha is PhD scholar and had trained to more psychologist Ms. Ajeeta Deuja and Ms. Shruti Rana.

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS) by Catherine Lord, Ph.D., Michael Rutter, M.D., FRS, Pamela C. DiLavore, Ph.D., and Susan Risi, Ph.D. is a clinical diagnostic instrument to assess possible autismor other pervasive developmental disorders, referred to here as autism spectrum disorders (or ASD). The instrument focuses on behavior in three main areas: qualities of communication and language; reciprocal social interaction; play; and restricted and repetitive, stereotyped interests and behaviors. During this assessment, the examiner provides a series of opportunities for the subject to show social and communication behaviors relevant to the diagnosis of autism. Each subject is administered activities from just one of the four modules.

The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) by Michael Rutter, M.D., FRS, Ann LeCouteur, M.B.B.S., and Catherine Lord, Ph.D. is an extended interview designed to elicit a full range of information needed to produce a diagnosis of autism and to assist in the assessment of related disorders referred here as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). The interview focuses primarily on the three domains of functioning language/communication: reciprocal social interactions: and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors and interests that are specified as of diagnostic importance in the World Health Organization’s ICD-10, 1992 and DSM-IV, 1994.

Functional Assessment

Mrs. Sijan Shakya completed her Diploma in Special Education from Action for Autism, National Autism Centre, New Delhi, India. Currently she is educational coordinator at ACN. She provides functional assessment to children diagnosed with autism and children who come for follow-ups and helps to develop their Individual Education Plan (IEP). She is our Education Coordinator.

Occupational and Sensory Assessment and Intervention

Occupational Therapist performs detailed assessment of occupational need and sensory dysfunction of child based on a sensory profile questionnaire which addresses all the sensory systems in depth. A comprehensive evaluation of the child is done using observation and feedback to parents. Mrs. Elina Rijal, parent of child with autism is voluntarily assisting at the OT facility.