The Arc of Monroe is now offering autism testing for adults and children at their Article 16 Clinic. Prior to now people would need to travel to Yates County for testing services. Dr. Susan Chlebowski, NYS Licensed Psychiatrist, and Jennifer Parks, Clinical Assessment Specialist, will implement the testing on-site at the clinic by appointment. Both Arc of Monroe staff completed training with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd edition (ADOS-2). The ADOS-2 is used to assess and diagnose autism spectrum disorders across age, developmental level, and language skills.
The activities used in the ADOS-2 are standardized scenarios that are performed which let the clinician observe social behaviors and communication in order to look for traits that are consistent with a diagnosis of autism, but it doesn’t leave the person being evaluated feeling like they are under a microscope. Games, puzzles and conversations about the person’s life are used to help the clinician assess each person for traits of autism. When the ADOS-2 is administered to children, fun toys and snacks are used as well.
The Arc of Monroe understands that being assessed for a diagnosis such as autism can be unnerving, especially for families with young children. Their goal is to help accurately determine if someone’s behaviors are consistent with a diagnosis of autism to ensure that people in our community are able to receive any services they may need to live their best life possible.
Testing is only for those seeking eligibility through the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). People with questions about eligibility should call Jane Stamler, Arc of Monroe’s Community Resource Specialist, at 271-0660 x2581. Anyone who has obtained eligibility for autism testing may make an appointment with the Arc of Monroe’s Article 16 Clinic at 271-0661.
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