Using Standardized Assessment Tools to Evaluate Autism Spectrum Disorder

Title of Presentation:

 Using standardized assessment tools to evaluate Autism Spectrum Disorder 

Description of Presentation:

 This workshop informs participants on using standardized assessment tools to evaluate Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Following an overview of DSM-5 criteria for ASD, best practices for how to use a variety of currently available assessment tools as part of a diagnostic evaluation for ASD will be described, including the GARS2, SRS-2, and ABAS-3. Use of an online evaluation system incorporating these tools will be demonstrated, including guidance in how to use online features to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the assessment process, improve report writing, and facilitate intervention planning. 

Goals of Presentation:

 Following the workshop, participants will be able to: 

· Describe the DSM-5 criteria for ASD and how to gather information to inform clinical decision making 

· Explain how to use the GARS2 as part of a diagnostic evaluation for ASD 

· Explain how to use the SRS-2 as part of a diagnostic evaluation for ASD 

· Explain how to use the ABAS-3 as part of a diagnostic evaluation for ASD 

· Identify the basic features of the WPS Online Evaluation System, including how to use online assessment tools to administer and score the SRS-2 and ABAS-3 

Disclosures: 

Commercial support for this training is provided by WPS, the publisher of the GARS2, SRS-2, and ABAS-3 and creator of the WPS Online Evaluation System. This includes support to the course instructor, who is employed by WPS as an Assessment Consultant. As an Assessment Consultant for WPS, Stephanie Livesay trains professionals in the use of assessment measures and sells those products to customers. As such, she has the potential to make financial gain through the sale of the products. 

Presenter’s Name:  Stephanie E. Livesay

Brief Biographical Sketch:

Stephanie Livesay attained her B.A. in psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.  She then received her M.A. and Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology from Towson University in Maryland.  She worked in public education for nineteen years, seventeen of which were as a School Psychologist in Maryland Public Schools before joining WPS as an Assessment Consultant.  In addition to being a school psychologist, she has been active in her national, state, and local associations.  She has served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and as NASP Delegate for Maryland.  She has also served on the Board of the Maryland School Psychologists’ Association as President, Legislative Chairperson, Newsletter Editor, Program Co-chairperson, and several other roles.  She was a member of the Legislative Committee for both the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) and the Howard County Education Association (HCEA).  She also served as a Board of Directors member for HCEA and on the negotiations committee. During the 2013/2014 school year, she was appointed to serve on the Governor’s Commission on Special Education Access and Equity as a representative of the Maryland School Psychologists’ Association.  She has an interest in leadership development and strategic planning for organizations, and she took part in the development of the current and previous strategic plan for NASP.  She has been presented the MSPA Presidential Award for her service to MSPA and school psychology in Maryland on four occasions (2003, 2005, 2006, and 2008).