Evidence-based assessment and autism spectrum disorders: A scoping review

Abstract

Assessment of language and communication in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a critical element in developing appropriate and effective interventions and supports. While there is a large literature on diagnosis of autism, the information available to guide clinical practice for communication and language specifically is sparser. In this scoping review, we sought to identify research articles and critical reviews dealing with communication assessment for individuals with autism. The first and second author each conducted an independent search of relevant scholarly databases to identify articles published between 1995 and 2013. Differences were resolved via discussion; 54 relevant articles were identified using the search terms: autism + language + assessment; autism + speech + assessment; and autism + communication + assessment. While guidelines for best practice are premature, especially given the diversity of developmental and cognitive profiles in ASD, emerging consensus was seen in the following areas: (a) formal norm- and criterion-referenced tests not designed specifically for ASD have been investigated and shown to be feasible and interpretable in use with individuals with autism; (b) language sample analysis and/or structured observational elicitations of communication in naturalistic contexts are widely advocated as a means to ensure the full profile of an individual’s strengths and challenges; (c) caregiver report measures in several studies compared favorably with formal tests, therefore many scholars support their use to supplement direct testing in clinical environments, because they can serve as probes of naturally occurring communication behaviors.

Keywords:

• Evidence-based practice
• Communication
• Language
• Assessment
• Autism