Hello guys! I'm happy to see you all back to witness the part 2 of my adventure at SARRC. This week seemed to be a lot like my first week at SARRC, but at a max level of 9000. On Wednesday, I completed my intern work of the week by inputting more CSBS DP checklists in SARRC's computer database, adding the child's background data and scores on the test as well as any contact information required. I had to go through a multitude of packets from different locations that had a huge stack of CSBS checklists for each child, which I had to sort and input their information on my computer.
Here was my work station of the day (there were more stacks on the floor) :
If you didn't know, the CSBS DP (Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Development Profile) has been used to examine the child's development at a specific ages to identify if there are any cognitive or mental delays during certain stages of development. Many of the behaviors that develop before a child can talk may indicate whether or not a child, in the future, will have difficulty in talking. Like in the section that indicates Communication skills, one of the questions ask, "Does your child let you know that he/she needs help or wants an object out of reach?" On the side of the question, there is a rating of how often a child may perform the specific action, ranging from: Not yet, Sometimes, or Often. Depending on the score they get on this checklist, a pediatrician can refer a child to SARRC to go through a series of cognitive tests to properly diagnose the child.
Here is what the checklist looked like (sorry if you can't read it):
Here is where my second adventure began. On Thursday, I had the privilege to look through a series of videos that showed different children performing specific tests to assess their cognitive abilities as well as specific social behaviors. I had to sort and label these videos, which was quite a long process; however, I was able to learn more about the specifics of what they did during these sessions. I learned about the Mullen Scales of Early Learning Test as well as the ADOS Test (or the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) that helped indicate whether a child was struggling in a certain aspect of mental development and behavior. They did tests with shapes, numbers, pretend play, building blocks, etc. Every video was so cute and adorable because they were so happy and full of life (Sometimes not so much when they're screaming). Though it took a while to go through all the videos, I learned a lot more about the different qualifications that a child must perform during each stage of mental growth and development.
This week was quite tiring to say the least, but one that gave me more insight in the specifics of what to look for when diagnosing autism. I want to thank you guys again for checking out my blog. I hope you learned a little more of what I'm doing, and I hope that I'll show you guys something new each week.
