Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist

Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist

The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Developed by the Autism Research Institute, the ATEC is designed to provide a quantitative measure of the changes in an individual's behavior and skills over time, particularly in response to therapeutic interventions.

Development and Purpose

The ATEC was developed by Dr. Bernard Rimland and Dr. Stephen M. Edelson at the Autism Research Institute. The primary purpose of the ATEC is to provide a simple, cost-effective method for parents, caregivers, and professionals to assess the progress of individuals with autism who are undergoing various treatments. Unlike other diagnostic tools, the ATEC is not intended to diagnose autism but rather to evaluate treatment outcomes.

Structure of the ATEC

The ATEC consists of four subscales:

1. Speech/Language/Communication: This subscale assesses the individual's ability to communicate verbally and non-verbally. It includes questions about the use of language, the ability to understand and follow instructions, and the use of gestures.

2. Sociability: This subscale evaluates social interactions and relationships. It includes questions about the individual's ability to make eye contact, interact with peers, and engage in social play.

3. Sensory/Cognitive Awareness: This subscale measures sensory processing and cognitive abilities. It includes questions about the individual's response to sensory stimuli, attention span, and problem-solving skills.

4. Health/Physical/Behavior: This subscale assesses physical health and behavioral issues. It includes questions about sleep patterns, digestive issues, and the presence of self-injurious or aggressive behaviors.

Each subscale is scored separately, and the scores are combined to provide a total score. Lower scores indicate fewer symptoms and better functioning.

Administration and Scoring

The ATEC is typically completed by parents or caregivers who are familiar with the individual's behavior and skills. It can be administered at regular intervals to track changes over time. The checklist is available online, and scoring can be done manually or through automated systems provided by the Autism Research Institute.

Applications and Limitations

The ATEC is widely used in both clinical and research settings to monitor the effectiveness of various treatments, including behavioral therapies, dietary interventions, and pharmacological treatments. However, it is important to note that the ATEC is not a diagnostic tool and should not be used as the sole measure of treatment efficacy. It is best used in conjunction with other assessments and professional evaluations.

Also see

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Behavioral therapy for autism
• Sensory processing disorder
• Speech therapy
• Autism Research Institute