Autism Assessment and Testing
Here at Spectrum Health we can provide you with clinical assessment for both adult and child Autism.
We conduct our assessment using clinical tests that are widely recognised among health and educational professionals. Our assessment tools are the gold standard in Autism testing, assessment and diagnosis.
These tests are named:
- Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R)
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2 (ADOS-2)
We begin by completing an extensive structured interview with a parent or caregiver. An experienced clinician will ask many questions about the developmental history and current behaviours of the person who is being assessed. We look at their language and and communication skills, social interaction, behaviours and interests.
During the interview you will be asked about family, education, and health. We will talk about when the person being assessed met their developmental milestones, and their style of play.
We follow the interview with a structured observation. The observation allows us to interact with person who is being assessed. We use this opportunity to ask any further questions and to view current behaviours.
At the completion of the autism assessment we then explore whether the signs and symptoms that were reported and observed in the assessment meet the criteria for a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how an individual interacts with their environment and with other people. Autism is now officially known as ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’. Some people have shortened this to ‘ASD’. In the past, you might have heard the terms Asperger’s, Pervasive Developmental Disorder or High Functioning Autism. Today, all of these terms are simply called Autism Spectrum Disorder.
There are many signs and symptoms of Autism and we encourage you to gain a professional assessment. Here are some things to look out for:
- Difficulty in making and maintaining friendships
- Difficulty engaging in back and forth conversation
- Reduced ability in sharing emotions and interests with others
- Less responsive to social interactions
- Unusual eye contact or body language
- Reduced or inappropriate facial expression
- Difficulty adjusting behaviour to different social situations
- Less imaginative and social games with peers
- Repetitive behaviours (eg. lining things up) or interests
- Inflexibility to change
- Intensive focus on a particular interest
- Sensory difficulties
When an individual is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the clinician will indicate whether they are Level One, Level Two or Level Three. Autism Spectrum Disorder Level Three refers to individuals ‘requiring very substantial support’. Level Two refers to individuals ‘requiring substantial support’. Level one requires to individuals ‘requiring support’. These levels have been defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to define the impact of the individual’s symptoms on their functioning across different settings.
Adult Autism Testing
If you suspect you or a family member might have Austism Spectrum Disorder, Spectrum Health can provide a comprehensive autism test for adults. The assessment is designed to be easy comfortable to all adults regardless of their developmental or language ability. The assessment is confidential and conducted in one on one sessions within our clinical practice located on the Central Coast of NSW.
Child Autism Testing
If you suspect one of your children may have Autism Spectrum Disorder, the team at Spectrum Health can provide a autismassement. We can work with children from as young as two (2) years old regardless of their developmental or language ability. However, many children are assessed at an older age because their difficulties become more clear in a school or day care setting.
We aim to make the testing as friendly and fun for the child as possible. The assessment uses a range of toys and fun activities. There are plenty of breaks, and you are welcome as a parent to stay with your child throughout the entire assessment if this is appropriate.
What happens after assessment?
There may be recommendations provided to you based on the results of your assessment. For example, you may be referred to a medical professional to explore a known medical or genetic condition. You can also discuss with your psychologist if an intelligence test would be useful, or if a speech pathologist should be consulted regarding language difficulties.
Why should I have an assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder?
An assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder can help to establish a diagnosis. However, you can also complete an assessment without gaining a diagnosis if this is preferable. The assessment process will assist you to gain a deeper understanding of the individual’s strengths and difficulties. It can lead to more effective treatment and intervention and assistance in achieving life goals.
- The assessment may assist in providing further supports within the school setting
- Early identification and intervention shows the best results
- The Autism assessment will direct you toward the best suited treatment options
- The results may promote a better understanding within the family unit and healthier relationships
- The results may assist you to gain funding for supports
To arrange for a consultation please contact us on 43 939 441
