Asperger's Syndrome Diagnostic Testing Methods & Tools

Understanding Asperger's Syndrome Testing

Asperger's syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder that can be difficult to diagnose. There is no single definitive test for Asperger's. Instead, doctors and specialists rely on a variety of exams and scales to determine if a person meets the criteria for an Asperger's diagnosis.

Core Characteristics of Asperger's

Some key signs that specialists look for when evaluating someone for Asperger's syndrome include:

• Difficulties with social interactions and nonverbal communication
• Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
• Speech oddities like monotone voice or lengthy discussions of favored topics
• Poor coordination and clumsiness
• Above average to superior intelligence and memory
• Sensitivity to textures, sounds, touch, etc.

Doctors diagnose based on observing a certain number of these symptoms or deficits. There are no medical tests that can definitively prove someone has the disorder.

Who Performs Testing and Evaluations

Since there are no standard medical tests for Asperger's syndrome, diagnosis relies on behavioral assessments and developmental history. The primary specialists involved in testing often include:

• Psychologists - Administer cognitive and personality tests
• Psychiatrists - Assess neurological development
• Speech-language pathologists - Evaluate communication abilities
• Developmental pediatricians - Review childhood history
• Neuropsychologists - Conduct specialized neurological tests

These clinicians will work together to paint a complete picture of the patient's history and abilities in order to determine if an Asperger's diagnosis fits.

Common Asperger's Diagnostic Testing Methods

While there is no single medical test to confirm Asperger's, doctors have many behavioral scales, exams, and assessment tools at their disposal. Some tests used in an Asperger's diagnosis evaluation may include:

Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)

The CARS is one of the most widely used scales for identifying and gauging autism severity. The test has over 15 items that the doctor scores based on observation. A score above 30 indicates autism or Asperger's is likely.

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)

This gold standard assessment uses a series of structured and semi-structured activities to elicit communication, social interaction, imaginative use of toys, etc. The clinician then numerically rates the behaviors linked to autism spectrum disorders.

Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADIR)

The ADIR is an extensive parent interview assessing early development history across language/communication, social abilities, sensory issues, play skills, behavior patterns and more. The information contributes to diagnosis.

Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale (ASDS)

The ASDS questionnaire contains 50 yes/no questions related to Aspergers symptoms that the parent completes. Scores above 90 indicate a high likelihood the child has the disorder.

Gilliam Aspergers Disorder Scale (GADS)

Parents, teachers, and clinicians can complete this diagnostic survey to determine if symptoms match Aspergers based on subcategories like social, behavioral, cognitive and more. Standardized scores show probabilities.

Krug Aspergers Disorder Index (KADI)

The KADI presents 32 scaled behavioral criteria. The clinician underlines any phrases that describe the child. Six or more may indicate Aspergers. An additional parent survey is also included.

Other Diagnostic Testing Components

Along with specialized scales and questionnaires, doctors will also rely extensively on medical history, school records, neurological testing, interviews, and observations when determining if someone has Asperger's syndrome.

Physical Exam & Medical History

Examining developmental history from early childhood onwards can reveal important diagnostic clues. Birth complications, delayed physical/social milestones, and other patterns may emerge.

Academic Performance & School Reports

Reviewing report cards, teacher observations, classroom socialization abilities, and testing for learning disabilities can highlight areas of challenge for those with Asperger's.

Neuropsychological Testing

Formal assessments measuring memory, information processing, visual/spatial skills, problem solving, and other cognitive abilities can pinpoint relative strengths as well as weaknesses commonly seen in Asperger's patients.

Interviews With Family & Friends

Speaking to parents, siblings, spouses and close friends helps clinicians trace social skill gaps, fixated interests, sensory sensitivities, and other hallmark traits of Asperger's from an outside perspective.

Direct Structured Observations

Watching how a person interacts in natural social settings, semi-structured activities, conversations, and other scenarios helps reveal social deficits tied to Asperger's difficult to capture through testing alone.

Challenges Diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome

Despite the variety of screens and rating scales available, diagnosing Asperger's has its difficulties and limitations. Reasons determining a clear Asperger's diagnosis can be tricky include:

• Symptom overlap with other disorders like ADHD or OCD
• Differences in severity across the autism spectrum
• Limited historical information on early development
• Masking or mimicking normal social interactions
• Changes in criteria over time

Teasing apart these complicating factors requires an experienced clinical team and extensive testing from multiple angles. There is no quick shortcut to reaching an Asperger's diagnosis conclusively.

Ruling Out Other Conditions

Due to some overlapping behavioral traits, specialists must first rule out similar conditions before giving an Asperger's diagnosis. These include:

• ADHD - Retaining focus or sitting still may be difficult
• Anxiety disorders - Sensory overload causes distress
• OCD - Repetitive routines and interests dominate
• Nonverbal learning disability - Spatial, coordination, motor deficits
• Social communication disorder - Struggles conversing without restricted interests

Teasing out the precise root of social and communicative challenges is key to an accurate clinical picture and diagnosis.

Spectrum of Symptom Severity

The autism spectrum encompasses a broad range of symptom severity. People with Asperger's are considered high functioning. But even Asperger's ability and disability levels vary tremendously day to day and person to person. Quantifying impairments makes pigeonholing difficult.

This diversity is why today Asperger's syndrome is technically diagnosed under the broader autism spectrum disorder umbrella with specifiers like high functioning or Level 1 severity.

Seeking Out an Asperger's Assessment

If you see the hallmark signs of social gaps, sensory issues, repetitive routines, and other Aspergers markers emerging in yourself or a loved one, seek out professional assessment services. Many resources can guide you, including:

• Your primary care doctor
• School counselors
• Regional autism associations
• University hospitals and clinics
• Specialist autism/Aspergers testing centers

Though assessing Asperger's isnt always straightforward, undergoing thorough testing can help uncover tailored treatment strategies and access supportive resources sooner.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.