MSPA Cape and Island Presents: Using standardized assessment tools to evaluate Autism Spectrum Disorder

Presented by: Stephanie E. Livesay

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).

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 MIGDAS-2, CARS2, 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.