Comprehensive Autism Spectrum Assessment
Our clinic is committed to providing a detailed and comprehensive assessment of individuals suspected of being on the autism spectrum. This process is essential for understanding the unique strengths and challenges of each person, enabling tailored support and intervention.
Assessment Focus
Our evaluations target two core aspects of autism spectrum disorders (ASD):
Persistent Deficits in Social Communication and Social Interaction
We assess difficulties in social-emotional reciprocity, non-verbal communicative behaviours used for social interaction, and developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships.
Restrictive, Repetitive Patterns of Behaviour, Interests, or Activities
The assessment includes observing repetitive motor movements, use of objects or speech, insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, highly restricted, fixated interests, and hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input.
Tools and Methods
To ensure an accurate diagnosis, we utilise a combination of tools and methods that are recognised as gold-standard in the field of autism assessment:
Clinical Observation: A foundational tool where trained clinicians observe the individual’s behaviour in structured and unstructured settings to identify signs consistent with ASD.
Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R): A semi-structured interview with parents or caregivers that covers various aspects of the individual’s behaviour. It aligns with the DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria for ASD, providing a comprehensive overview of historical behaviours.
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2): This observational assessment offers a standardised context to observe social interaction, communication, and other relevant behaviours. It is adaptable across different developmental levels and ages.
Collaborative information gathering: Involvement from speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and educational professionals provides a multidimensional view of the individual’s abilities and challenges across different environments.
Diagnosis and next steps
Following the comprehensive assessment, the clinician reviews all findings to determine whether the criteria for ASD are met according to the latest diagnostic standards. We then provide a detailed report that includes diagnostic information, strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations for interventions and supports.
Family members and caregivers are given the opportunity to discuss the results, ask questions, and receive guidance on the next steps, including referrals to specialists, therapeutic interventions, and suggestions for support in educational settings. Our aim is to not only diagnose but also to empower individuals with ASD and their families by providing them with a roadmap for support and intervention that enhances their quality of life and enables them to achieve their full potential.
Ensuring a comprehensive understanding of an individual on the autism spectrum requires a multidisciplinary approach. Therefore, alongside our psychological assessments, it is crucial that a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist, as well as a Speech Pathologist, complete their own evaluations. The Paediatrician or Psychiatrist assesses medical and developmental history and conducts a physical examination to rule out other conditions, providing insights into biological factors that may influence behaviour and development. Simultaneously, the Speech Pathologist focuses on communication skills, evaluating both verbal and non-verbal language abilities. This collaborative effort ensures a well-rounded diagnosis, capturing the full spectrum of needs and strengths of the individual.
For more information or to schedule an assessment, please reach out to our clinic directly. Our team is ready to support you through every step of the evaluation process.
Supporting Families and Individuals Beyond Diagnosis
After the initial diagnosis process, our clinic remains committed to supporting individuals with ASD and their families through ongoing consultation and therapy options. Understanding that every individual's needs are unique, we offer personalised support plans that include a variety of therapeutic strategies tailored to enhance social, communication, and life skills.
Psychological and Psychotherapeutic Therapy: Our therapists work to develop individualised strategies that address specific challenges, aiming to improve social interactions, reduce undesirable behaviours, and teach new skills.
Educational Support: We collaborate with educational institutions to ensure that our clients receive the appropriate accommodations and support necessary for their learning and development.
Family Support and Education: Recognising the impact of ASD on the family as a whole, we provide resources and counselling to help families navigate the challenges and celebrate the achievements of their loved ones with ASD.
By offering ongoing support and intervention, we aim to foster independence, confidence, and social inclusion for individuals with ASD. Our psychological team is dedicated to working collaboratively with families, educators, and other professionals to promote positive outcomes and a higher quality of life for those on the autism spectrum.
For continued guidance and support, or to explore the therapy options available after diagnosis, please contact our clinic. Together, we can create a supportive and empowering environment for individuals with ASD and their families.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our comprehensive approach towards diagnosing and supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is designed to recognise and address the varied nuances of the condition. Through a detailed assessment process, combined with a commitment to offering ongoing therapeutic and educational support, we strive to enhance the lives of those with ASD and their families. Our clinic's dedication to providing a personalised intervention plan underscores our belief in the potential of every individual to lead a fulfilling life. We are here to support you at every step, from initial diagnosis to continuous care and beyond, ensuring a pathway towards growth and development for individuals with ASD.