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Digital tools are at the forefront of autism screening. The potential to improve screening, reduce disparities in screening and intervention, provide information to develop appropriate interventions, and streamline care has made them a go-to resource for clinicians.

“Enhancing Autism Diagnosis and Care with Digital Tools,” the third episode of Pearson's podcast, featured an engaging conversation with Pearson assessment consultant Colleen Williams.

Williams shared her thoughts on the role of digital tools for reducing caregiver burden, how digital tools can support progress monitoring and changing needs across different environments and the benefits of digital scoring for accessing additional metrics that could be valuable in targeting interventions.

The conversation kicked off with a discussion of the benefits of digital tools. Williams shared her thoughts on their utility and accessibility, cost-effectiveness, time efficiency, and the ability to access real-time results through digital platforms like Q-global and Q-interactive.

Digital tools also offer the potential for long-term progress tracking that makes it easier for clinicians to offer valuable insights for continuous monitoring.

The benefits have been made possible as a result of the growing availability of digital assessments for autism that include:

• ASRS (Autism Spectrum Rating Scales)
• BASC-3 (Behavior Assessment System for Children - Third Edition)
• WISC-V / WAIS-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children / Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Fifth Edition)
• Vineland-3 (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales - Third Edition)
• Sensory Profile 2
• Conners 4 (Conners Rating Scales)

With more assessments available, clinicians can choose digital tools that improve the accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of autism assessments. Williams believes digital versions of performance-based tests like the WISC/WAIS can “engage children more effectively compared to traditional pencil-and-paper methods.”

Pearson includes step-by-step instructions with all of their assessments to ensure accurate administration and maintain fidelity in assessments. Clinicians can be assured that the tools have maximum benefit.

Williams also shared her thoughts on the advantages of digital scoring, noting, “All evaluations require various data points from different settings. Digital assessments allow for multiple modes of delivery, providing clinicians with the opportunity to compare scores across different platforms.”

“By comparing scores from different tools or delivery methods, clinicians may discover that a patient responds better to a digital platform or vice versa, helping tailor interventions for more effective outcomes,” she adds.

For more insights, listen to “Enhancing Autism Diagnosis and Care with Digital Tools,” the third episode in the podcast series, “Navigating Autism, Transforming Lives: The essential role of assessments.”

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For autistic adults and children, a comprehensive approach to patient care can enhance individual strengths, provide tools to overcome challenges, and improve long-term outcomes. As the prevalence of autism has increased, so has the recognition of the value of occupational therapists (OTs). In an engaging conversation on the “Navigating Autism, Transforming Lives” podcast, guest Shelley Hughes, an occupational therapist and director of portfolio management for Pearson Assessments, called OTs “integral members of the autism care team.”

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As society continues the shift toward embracing diversity and inclusive practices, the need to understand and accommodate individual sensory preferences is becoming increasingly recognized in mental health settings. Dr. Elana Moore, an expert in sensory processing and mental health, took some time to highlight the critical role that sensory environments play in the therapeutic process.

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In the evolving landscape of educational support, Ontario's Policy/Program Memorandum 169 (PPM 169) represents a critical step toward comprehensive mental health and learning needs strategies for school districts. One solution to help bolster this transformation is the Digital Assessment Library (DAL), a powerful technological solution designed to not just meet but exceed the memorandum's rigorous requirements.

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often considered a childhood disorder that diminishes in adulthood. But it can also be diagnosed in adults.

In the United States, 15.5 million adults have been diagnosed with ADHD or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. More than half who received their diagnosis in adulthood experience symptoms that include trouble paying close attention to details, sustaining attention, following instructions, forgetfulness, talking excessively and/or interrupting.

“There used to be an old saying that people who had ADHD would grow out of it,” explains clinical psychologist Patrick Moran. “I think what really happened is that they would learn compensatory coping skills so that they could do some of the downregulation with their emotions and behaviors. In essence, they just got better at managing it, so it was less obvious to the external observer.”

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As educators anticipate the opportunity to rest and recharge over the holiday break, they are also mindful of the potential for an academic “slide” that can accompany an extended pause, which can be troubling because they’ve just re-established momentum post-summer. 

However, the holiday season, with its focus on quality family time, can also allow caregivers to take more active roles in their children’s literacy. A report prepared by consulting firm Deloitte for the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation,  “An Economic Overview of Children’s Literacy in Canada,” found that an estimated one million Canadian children under the age of 15 have below grade-level literacy skills. 

Modeling the importance of reading at home can be a powerful way to build confidence and instill a lifelong affinity for literacy. As the holiday season approaches, here are some ways you can help your school community harness family time to boost literacy skills. 

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