Our Services → ASD Screening
Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening & Assessment
At Beyond Barriers, we understand that every family’s journey is unique. Our comprehensive ASD screening uses internationally recognized tools adapted for Bangladeshi children, helping you understand your child’s strengths and needs with compassion and clarity.
✓ Gold-standard ADOS-2 assessment
✓ Culturally adapted for Bangladesh
✓ 40+ specialists across 3 centres
Understanding ASD
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a child communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world around them. In Bangladesh, awareness of ASD has grown tremendously, yet many families still face uncertainty when they first notice differences in their child’s development.
At Beyond Barriers, we believe that understanding comes before labels. Every child on the spectrum has a unique combination of strengths, interests, and challenges. Our assessment process is designed not just to identify — but to truly understand your child so we can map the best path forward for your family.
“Early identification and support can make a profound difference. In my years working with Bangladeshi families, I’ve seen how the right guidance at the right time transforms outcomes.” — Shanta Islam, Founder, Beyond Barriers
Signs to Watch For
Every child develops at their own pace, but certain patterns may suggest it is worth seeking a professional assessment. If you notice several of these signs, please reach out — we are here to help.
🗣️ Limited or No Babbling
By 12 months, your child does not babble, point, or use gestures to communicate basic needs and interests.
👀 Reduced Eye Contact
Your child avoids eye contact or does not follow your gaze when you point at something interesting nearby.
🤝 Difficulty with Social Play
Shows limited interest in playing with other children, prefers solitary play, or struggles with taking turns and sharing.
🔄 Repetitive Behaviours
Engages in repetitive movements such as hand flapping, spinning, or lining up toys in specific patterns consistently.
😰 Sensitivity to Sensory Input
Strong reactions to certain sounds, textures, lights, or tastes — either avoiding them intensely or seeking them out constantly.
📝 Speech Delay or Regression
Words that were once used disappear, or your child has not developed age-appropriate speech by 18–24 months.
😶 Limited Emotional Expression
Difficulty expressing emotions appropriately, or seems unaware of other people’s feelings and social cues around them.
📅 Insistence on Routines
Becomes very upset with small changes in daily routines, insists on sameness, or has difficulty transitioning between activities.
Our Assessment Approach
Internationally Recognised Tools, Locally Adapted
Our multidisciplinary team uses a combination of gold-standard assessment tools, carefully selected and culturally adapted for children growing up in Bangladesh.
ADOS-2
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule is the gold-standard, play-based assessment that allows our clinicians to observe social communication behaviours directly.
ADI-R
The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised is a detailed parent interview that explores your child’s developmental history in communication, social interaction, and play patterns.
M-CHAT-R
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers is our primary screening tool for children aged 16–30 months, helping identify early risk factors for ASD.
Vineland-3
The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales measure your child’s everyday skills across communication, daily living, socialisation, and motor abilities to build a complete picture.
Sensory Profile
Evaluates how your child processes sensory information — touch, sound, sight, movement — and how sensory differences affect their daily routines and learning.
What to Expect
Our ASD screening process is thoughtful and thorough. Here is how your family’s journey with us unfolds, step by step.
1
Initial Consultation
A warm, 45-minute conversation where we listen to your concerns, learn about your child’s developmental journey, and guide you through the assessment process. Available at all three branches.
2
Comprehensive Assessment
Over 2–3 sessions, our specialists use ADOS-2, ADI-R, and supporting tools. Your child engages in play-based activities while we carefully observe social, communication, and behavioural patterns.
3
Team Review & Report
Our multidisciplinary team reviews all findings together. You receive a detailed, clear report in both English and Bangla, with practical recommendations tailored to your child and family situation.
4
Guidance & Support Plan
We sit with your family to explain every finding with compassion. Together, we create a personalised support plan — connecting you with therapies, school guidance, and parent resources right here in Dhaka.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can ASD be reliably screened?
Reliable screening can begin as early as 18 months using tools like the M-CHAT-R. However, a comprehensive diagnostic assessment is typically most accurate from age 2 onwards. If you have concerns at any age, we encourage you to reach out — it is never too early to seek guidance.
How long does the full assessment process take?
The full process typically spans 2–3 weeks, including the initial consultation, 2–3 assessment sessions (each about 60–90 minutes), team review, and the feedback meeting. We understand families are eager for answers and work to provide results as promptly as possible.
Will my child be upset or stressed during the assessment?
Our assessments are designed to be comfortable and play-based. Children engage with toys, games, and activities in a welcoming environment. Our clinicians are skilled at following your child’s lead and pace. Parents are welcome to stay throughout the entire process.
Is the assessment available in Bangla?
Absolutely. Our team conducts assessments in both Bangla and English. Parent interviews, feedback sessions, and written reports are available in both languages. We believe every family deserves to fully understand their child’s assessment in the language most comfortable to them.
What happens after we receive the diagnosis?
A diagnosis is the beginning, not the end. Our team helps you build a personalised intervention plan, connects you with appropriate therapies at our Gulshan, Mirpur, or Chittagong centres, and provides ongoing parent support. We also guide families on school accommodations and community resources available in Bangladesh.
Related Services
Children’s development is interconnected. These related services often complement ASD assessment and support.
🗣️
Speech & Language Therapy
Many children on the spectrum benefit from specialised speech therapy to develop communication skills, from first words to complex conversation.
⚡
ADHD Evaluation
ASD and ADHD can co-occur. Our comprehensive evaluation helps distinguish between the two and identifies the best support strategies for your child.
📊
Developmental Assessments
A broader developmental assessment can provide a complete picture of your child’s cognitive, motor, and adaptive strengths alongside ASD-specific findings.