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The Crisis in Adult Autism Assessment: Are We Diagnosing or Just Guessing? - Why Appropriate Training and Experience is Necessary for Your Evaluator
Something remarkable has happened in mental health care over the last decade. Adults — often well into their twenties, thirties, and beyond — are seeking autism diagnoses in record numbers, and many of them are finally getting answers that reshape their entire understanding of themselves. It's a genuine breakthrough. For countless people who spent years feeling like they were fundamentally broken, out of step with the world, or simply "too much" for the people around them, an
Dana Weinstein, Ph.D.


Understanding Autism Evaluations for Preschoolers: Key Tools and Processes
Autism evaluations for preschoolers can feel overwhelming for parents and caregivers. The process involves several steps and specialized tools designed to understand a child's unique strengths and challenges. Early evaluation is crucial because it helps identify developmental differences and guides effective support strategies. This post explains how autism evaluations for young children are completed and highlights the key tools professionals often use, including the ADOS, D
CPEA clinicians


Hiding in Plain Sight: Why Girls with Autism Are Often Missed
For decades, the popular image of autism has frequently been male-centric. While awareness is growing, research indicates that it remains significantly more difficult to identify females on the autism spectrum. Many girls go undiagnosed until adolescence or adulthood because their presentation of symptoms differs from the "classic" signs observed in boys. Why are girls falling through the cracks? Here is a breakdown of the key factors contributing to missed diagnoses in femal
Melissa Lang, Ph.D., NCSP


Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance: A Guide for Parents
As a parent navigating the complexities of raising a child on the Autism Spectrum, it's essential to be informed about various behavioral profiles that may arise. One such profile that has gained attention in recent years is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). This blog post aims to provide you with a compassionate and practical understanding of PDA and how it relates to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). What is Pathological Demand Avoidance? Pathological Demand Avoidance ref
Dana Weinstein, Ph.D.


Autism Screening for Kids: When to Seek Professional Assessment
Learn when to seek autism screening for kids with expert guidance. Recognize key signs, understand assessment options, and get answers for your child today.
Melissa Lang, Ph.D., NCSP
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