These tests are created for trained professionals, who often use more than one test for a more accurate diagnosis. They consist of observations, interviews, and questionnaires. The tests check for proper diagnosis, developmental history, symptoms severity, and sometimes are just initial assessments. The time it takes to get these tests done depends on several factors, but some tests may only take 10 minutes while others may take 2.5 hours. These tests vary in age ranges from 1 years old to adult aged. Some tests require you to be a certain age before the test is done.

If a doctor or healthcare provider feels that the child is not meeting milestones, they will "screen" the child with things like CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers), STAT (Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers), ASQ-3 (Ages and Stages Questionnaire), CSBS-DP (Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales - Developmental Profile), or PEDS (Parents Evaluation of Developmental Status). The age ranges of these test vary from birth to 8 years old. The goal of these test are to get early intervention for children under 3 and special education services for all school aged children who may need it.

If an autistic person receives a job, because of ASD, they may find it hard to multi-task, adapt to changes, manage time effectively, which may result in low work performance.

There may be other things that cause a person with ASD to not want to work at a place such as things that trigger their sensory sensitivities or lack of support from workplace for things that are directly related to ASD, such as a place not allowing a person with a sound sensitivity to wear noise cancelling headphones which may trigger meltdowns or quitting. There could also be a boss who is overly "touchy" and loves to give hugs, but an autistic person may be triggered by touch or the feel of skin. This could cause a person with ASD to be uncomfortable or quit as well.

The focus areas can be improving expressive and receptive language,

enhancing pragmatic (social) communication, supporting alternative communication methods (like AAC devices if needed)Improving expressive and receptive language, and enhancing pragmatic (social) communication.

Occupational Therapies focus areas are sensory integration techniques (for overstimulation or under-responsiveness), cognitive rehabilitation strategies (for memory, attention, and executive function), and developing routines and adaptive strategies for independence.

For individuals with both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), long-term difficulties with emotional regulation are common. This means they may struggle to manage strong feelings like frustration, anger, or anxiety, which can lead to emotional outbursts or withdrawal.

• From ASD: Many autistic individuals already face challenges in understanding and expressing emotions.

• From TBI: Brain injury can further impair areas responsible for impulse control and emotional processing.

Together, these challenges can impact relationships, daily functioning, and quality of life. Support often includes therapy focused on emotional regulation (like CBT or DBT), consistent routines, and sensory-friendly environments.

Targets to aid in independence and self esteem.

Professional - Job coach or rehabilitation counselors.

Targets aid in group settings and conversation skills.

Professional - Psychologist

This treatment supports recovery from TBI-related cognitive impairments (like memory loss, disorganized thinking, and attention difficulties) while also improving pragmatic language skills affected by autism (like turn-taking, topic maintenance, and interpreting social cues).

A Speech Language Therapist specially trained in cognitive-communication rehabilitation would be the professional to go to.

Generic Levetiracetam costs approximately $20–$60/month with insurance and $100–$300/month without insurance, depending on the pharmacy and dosage.

The likely hood of insurance covering this would be about a 4 out of 5. Most private insurance plans and Medicare Part D typically cover anti-seizure medications, though some may require prior authorization or a generic substitution.

If untreated, post-traumatic seizures can lead to severe complications, including recurrent seizures, worsening brain injury, cognitive decline, increased fall risk, and even death. Seizures also worsen behavioral and sensory regulation in individuals with autism, further impairing quality of life and independence.

If a person were to avoid this medication, it could cause worsening aggressive outbursts, unchecked self-harming behaviors, increased family stress or caregiver burnout, difficulty in school, therapy, or social settings due to disruptive behavior. It may even lead to hospitalization or residential placement in severe cases.

If a person avoids this medication it may cause ongoing high anxiety may cause withdrawal or rigid behavior, obsessive behaviors, risk of depression, emotional shutdown, or suicidal thoughts, social isolation or refusal to attend school or therapy, and/or reduced participation in daily activities or learning due to emotional distress.

Physical therapy helps individuals with autism to improve their gross motor skills, such as balance or coordination. This treatment is done through exercises, movement play or sport activities. This supports long term motor functions and is provided by a licensed physical therapist.

Occupational therapy helps people with autism improve their fine motor skills, in daily activities such as writing or feeding/ dressing themselves. This treatment is usually done through hands-on exercises and is provided by a licensed occupational therapist.

1. Early Developmental Screening Programs – Promotes early detection of autism and developmental delays.

2. Helmet Safety Campaigns – Reduces TBI risk by encouraging protective gear during physical activities.

Target Areas:

• Early Screening: Individual

• Helmet Campaigns: Environment

Challenges:

• Screening: Access to trained professionals, stigma

• Helmet Use: Compliance, cost, inconsistent laws

1. Inclusive Education Policies – Ensures access to tailored education for students with autism.

2. TBI Prevention in Domestic Violence Programs – Adds brain injury screening to DV support services.

Target Areas:

• Inclusive Education: Policy

• DV + TBI Programs: Policy & Environment

Challenges:

• Education: Funding, training gaps

• DV Screening: Low awareness, resource limitations