Expert: James Michael Roan - 8/25/2005

Question
Hi, i am writing this paper regarding the different points of view regarding assessment of autism.  in specific, i am analyzing two contrasting tools in assessment. it is play-based assessment versus the traditional standardized tests in assessing autism.  if you have your own views regarding this, please do so. i would like to know the pros and cons of the two tools in assessment.
thank you...

Answer
Hi Angela;

This a very interesting question and a fun one to discuss! Here are my views:

I use both but primarlily rely on standardized tools. The problem with play assessment is that play develops in a predictable direction and in a predictable sequence for children in almost all disability categories with the exception of the population of children on the autism spectrum. These children tend to have holes in their development in varying scenarios with various profiles. I am unable to observe play alone and really get a handle on where these holes are and what they are caused by unless I first use standardized testing to establish developmental abilities in cognition, language, social interaction, and adaptive behavior. These instruments are standardized against a stratified population of typical and disabled children. Next, I use instruments that are standardized on populations of autistic students to break down each set of autistic behaviors such as stereotypies, communication, and social interaction to see where specific impairments lie and compare those to the aformentioned developmental levels. As you well know, play is dependent on the developmental levels of cognition, language, and social interaction/cognition.

I am interested to hear your views.

Kindest Regards,
James