Expert: James Michael Roan - 1/21/2006

Question
I'm am a pre-k teacher.  I have a student who displays several autistic behaviors.  How can I as a teacher evaluate him better?  We are a private school, and do not have professionals on site.  I have looked at several web-sites and checklist, but I'm not sure what's the best process.  Also, any advise on talking to the parents?

Thank you,
Kara

Answer
Hi Kara;

I suggest you speak with the parents first before assessing the child. Following permission I suggest you download off the internet the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) at http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwpsy/faculty/MCHAT.pdf It provides a risk estimate for autism. It is just a screener and not a diagnostic instrument. Make sure to get the directions for scoring as well. If there is any risk noted then do two things:

1. If you live in the U.S., make a special education referral to the school district in which the child lives. They are responsible for the assessment of children 0-21 years of age, and if they qualify for special education, responsible for education and related therapies.

2. In addition to the special education referral, have the parents take the M-CHAT to their pediatrician and ask for a referral to a multidisciplinary team expert in this area. Again, if they live in the U.S., they can go to the autism unit at a university near them, or a Children's Hospital.

It's absolutely essential to get the right diagnosis and appropriate services going right away.

Kind Regards,
James