We decide to do the testing May 2011. We also got on the Vanderbilt waiting list for the Autism testing. We decide to go ahead and have the testing done through the WAVES program in Franklin, TN and TEIS supports the testing. So they had someone come to our home and asked us lots and lots of questions, then they watched Abbie play for about 30 minutes, then video taped her play for another 30-45 minutes, all the while asking us questions. Then the next week they had the the team go and observe Abbie at her developmental play group for three hours. After that we met with the team, an OT, Speech and Autism therapist and physiologist that specializes in Autism testing. We talk and they observe Abbie that was about an 2 hours session. Then we wait.
On May 11, 2011 - I will never forget the day. It was beautiful outside. Not to hot but it was May. We walk into the room to get the report what they found and what to do next. The director of the WAVES program was there and the Aimee Lyst PhD physiologist what specializes in Autism testing was there to give us the results. I knew something was up, when they had tissues on the table in front of us and they were not smiling.
She starts explaining the testing and what test they did (DAYC (Developmental Assessment of Young Children, ADOS (Autism Diganostic Observation Scale, and CARS (The childhood Autism Rating Scale) and explains why they do each test. Then they start with the results.
DAYC - test the standard score for her age is 80% she received 9% - Rating below average - tears start. They still are even as I write this, the tears are starting. Then they move on to the ADOS
ADOS - Here is what they said. "The ADOS consists of standard activites that allow the examiner to observe behaviors that have been identified as important to the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders at developmental levels and chronological ages. Scores in the area of communication above 4 are considered in the autistic range and scores above 2 fall in the autism spectrum range. Abbie scores in the area of communication was a 7 which falls in the autism range. Scores in the Reciprocal Social Interaction area that are 7 and above are considered in the Autism range and scores that are 4 and above are in the autism spectrum range. Abbie's score in this area was a 12, which falls in the autism range. A total combined score of communication and social interactions of 12 or above is considered in the autistic range and scores between 7 -12 are considered in the autism spectrum range. Abbie overall total score was a 19, which falls in the autism range.
CARS - Here is what they said. " The CARS is a 15-item behavioral rating scale developed to identify children with autism spectrum disorders and to distinguish them from children with development delays other than autism. The CARS was administered via observation and parent report. Scores of 30 or above are categorized as "autistic". Abbie obtained a total score of 36.5, which fell in the autistic range.
With the testing complete - the recommendation for Abbie. Since does meet the diagnostic criteria for Autism 299.0.
Silence - tears rolling down my face - I can't respond - I can't hardly breath. I can't believe the information. I can't hear what they are saying - but I see them talking, talking about what to do next, how to move on with this dx, I can't hear them, I can't stop the tears, I just can't stop the tears.
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