Humboldt County Office of Education: Specialized Evaluation for Autism in the Educational Setting

This Autism Evaluation is a specialized assessment. This evaluation may be warranted when families and school teams have concerns about the possibility of autism which have not already been addressed. The Autism Evaluation is completed across life environments with careful consideration for the potential impact this eligibility designation has in the educational setting.

To provide a legally defensible evaluation, Professionals require specific training and practice in autism assessment. There are three different options of that can be selected when planning for an assessment by a trained HCOE psychologist. An initial screening would encompass observation and informal screening by an evaluation team member. Based upon findings and recommended follow up, the team may determine that an ASD Specific Evaluation should then be pursued.

An ASD specific evaluation would be appropriate if there have been recent initial or triennial assessments completed and all that is needed is the Autism evaluation. Lastly, a comprehensive assessment would include interviews with all pertinent team members, observation and standardized assessment of cognition, adaptive behavior and social-emotional status. In addition, multiple Autism-specific measures including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS) would be supplied.

Any district or charter may request these services by contacting Katie Cavanagh, Director of Special Education at Humboldt County Office of Education kcavanagh@hcoe.org .

Initial Screening

ASD-Specific Evaluation

No Cognitive, Socio-Emotional, Adaptive Behavior Assessment

Full Evaluation

Autism, Cognition, Socio-Emotional and Adaptive Behavior Assessment