The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) was designed for parents, therapists and doctors to evaluate a child’s response to a treatment. It is also commonly used by parents as a tool to track the progress of their child.

I have done this several times for Maya. This was a good way to track Maya’s progress, it gave me actual scores of where Maya was at that moment. The tests scores can range from 0 to 180. The higher the score, the more impaired the subject. A score of 0 indicates a child who is indistinguishable from other neuro-typical children. If you are concerned about the accuracy of the scoring, you may choose to have others such as therapists, spouse or someone close to the child do the ATEC. You can then compare the scores.

The ATEC is not meant as a diagnostic tool. In order to do a comprehensive assessment and obtain a diagnosis for your child, please contact a healthcare professional. You may do the ATEC evaluation online at http://www.autism.com/ari/atec/atec-online.htm

Maya’s ATEC scores was 100 in February 09, 35 in July 09 and 25 in December 09. Both Paul and I did this separately and we both came up to pretty much the same score. Please see below for Maya’s ATEC scores;

ATEC	Feb 09	Jul 09	Dec 09
Speech / Language / Communication	15	n/a	0
Sociability	22	n/a	3
Sensory / Cognitive Awareness	22	n/a	2
Health / Physical / Behavior	41	n/a	20
Total	100	35	25

I am overjoyed at the scores. We will continue with biomedical treatments and ABA. However, early next year we will place Maya in a typical kindergarden with a shadow. She will gradually increase her attendance from part-time to full-time. We hope that Maya will integrate well and will no longer need a shadow. How long we will need to continue with ABA remains to be seen.

From 100 down to 25 within 10 months is amazing indeed. Today, Maya is a much happier and joyful girl compared to last year. Who knows what next year will bring, but I’m sure Maya will continue and progress. We’re on the road to Recovery. She is my Warrior Princess.