Regina, Saskatchewan
Autism Resource Centre
“To achieve a meaningful and independent life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder through education, awareness and programming.”
1. A parent/caregiver interview and information intake session
2. Classroom observations and an interview with the individual's teacher (also performed in daycare or group home situations if applicable)
3. The functional assessment testing conducted by the ARC’s staff (usually two half-day sessions, including an outing in the community)
ARC uses assessment tools for autism, such as the Psychoeducational Profile Third Edition (PEP-3) and the Adolescent and Adult Psychoeducational Profile (AAPEP) and the TEACCH Transition Assessment Profile (TTAP). These series of observations, checklists, tests, and interviews allow the ARC DCs to gain a better understanding of where the individual is functioning in regards to different developmental areas. Other testing that is occasionally done (based on need) include: Sensory checklist assessments, social skills checklists, and various other checklists.
When all of the tests, interviews, and observations are complete, the ARC DCs responsible for the assessment gather all of the information collected and write an assessment report. The assessment report provides background information on the diagnosis and the history of the individual. It reports and describes the assessment tools and strategies used during the assessment process; more importantly, it reports the results of the assessment and the recommendations from the ARC DCs. The assessment report is then presented to the parents/caregivers, the teachers and any other parties that are involved with the individual. When the assessment process is complete, a DC anonymously presents the individual to the ARC Admissions and Review Committee with recommendations for ARC services. If the case is accepted, the individual gains access to the various ARC programs and services and is assigned to the caseload of one of the ARC DCs.
The Functional Assessment
When an individual with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD has completed the required application process and is awaiting services from the Autism Resource Centre (ARC), the next step in the process is receiving a call from an ARC Developmental Consultant (DC) to set up an appointment for the individual with ASD to participate in a functional assessment. A functional assessment usually consists of three main parts:
