Autism and ADHD

Delivery: Combined Face to Face and Telehealth
Age: Child 6 to 18 years old on day of assessment. If the child is non-verbal, the assessment must be delivered face to face.
Cost: $2,200.00 (AfterPay available)

Autism

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It's important to note that the symptoms of autism can vary widely, and individuals with ASD may exhibit different combinations and degrees of symptoms. Additionally, symptoms can change over time as children develop. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with autism in children:

Social Challenges:

• Difficulty with social interactions, such as making eye contact, sharing interests, or engaging in reciprocal conversations.
• Limited interest in or difficulty understanding the emotions of others.
• Challenges in forming and maintaining friendships.

Communication Difficulties:

• Delayed or limited speech development.
• Echolalia (repeating words or phrases without apparent understanding).
• Difficulty initiating or sustaining conversations.

Repetitive Behaviours:

• Engaging in repetitive movements or activities, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning objects.
• Insistence on sameness or routines, becoming distressed with changes.

Sensory Sensitivities:

• Heightened or reduced sensitivities to sensory stimuli, such as lights, sounds, textures, or smells.
• Unusual responses to sensory input, such as indifference to pain or extreme reactions to certain sounds.

Limited Interests:

• Intense focus on specific topics or objects to the exclusion of other interests.
• Difficulty engaging in imaginative or pretend play.

Communication Challenges:

• Challenges in understanding and using nonverbal communication, such as gestures and facial expressions.
• Limited use of gestures, such as pointing or waving.

Unusual Play Patterns:

• Unusual play patterns, such as repetitive play or fixation on specific objects.

Difficulty with Transitions:

• Difficulty transitioning from one activity to another.
• Distress or meltdowns in response to changes in routine.

Lack of Interest in Others:

• Limited interest in engaging with others or in reciprocal play.
• Limited responsiveness to social cues, such as not responding to their name.

Delayed Developmental Milestones:

• Delays in achieving developmental milestones, such as walking or talking, or atypical development in areas such as motor skills.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts a person's ability to pay attention, control impulses, and regulate energy levels. It's crucial to recognize that ADHD symptoms can manifest differently in individuals and may change over time. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with ADHD:

Inattention:

• Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks or activities, especially those that require sustained mental effort.
• Easily distracted by external stimuli or unrelated thoughts.
• Frequent careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
• Difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
• Forgetfulness in daily activities or responsibilities.

Hyperactivity:

• Excessive fidgeting or restlessness, such as tapping hands or feet, squirming in seat, or inability to sit still.
• Difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly.
• Often "on the go" or seeming to be driven by a motor.
• Talking excessively or impulsively blurting out answers before questions are completed.

Impulsivity:

• Acting without thinking about consequences, leading to accidents or social problems.
• Difficulty waiting for one's turn or waiting patiently in line.
• Interrupting others in conversations or activities.

Difficulty with Task Management:

• Procrastination or difficulty initiating tasks, particularly those that require sustained mental effort.
• Difficulty prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively.
• Frequent forgetfulness, such as losing important items or forgetting appointments.

Emotional Dysregulation:

• Mood swings or emotional outbursts that seem disproportionate to the situation.
• Difficulty coping with frustration or criticism.

Impaired Stress Tolerance:

• Struggling to cope with stressful situations, leading to heightened anxiety or irritability.
• Difficulty regulating emotions in response to unexpected changes or challenges.

Poor Executive Functioning:

• Trouble with planning, organizing, and completing tasks.
• Difficulty with decision-making and problem-solving.
• Forgetfulness in daily activities or responsibilities.

Relationship Challenges:

• Difficulty maintaining relationships due to impulsive behavior or inattention to others' needs.
• Social awkwardness or feeling out of sync with peers.
• Difficulty interpreting social cues or understanding others' perspectives.

Academic or Occupational Challenges:

• Underachievement in school or work due to difficulties with attention, organization, and task completion.
• Frequent academic or work-related problems due to forgetfulness or impulsivity.
• Struggles with following instructions or completing assignments on time.

It's important to note that ADHD symptoms can occur across the lifespan and may vary in severity from person to person. Early recognition and appropriate intervention can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with ADHD.

Includes:

• 1-hour clinical interview with parents or caregivers to gather detailed information about the child's developmental history, behaviour, and any concerns they may have.
• A single or series of observational assessments: Direct observation of the child's behaviour in various settings, such as during play or interaction with others, to assess social and communication skills.
• A single or series of assessments using standardized Autism and ADHD-specific assessment tools.
• Developmental and Cognitive Testing: Cognitive assessments, such as the Mullen Scales of Early Learning or the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI).
• Adaptive assessments: Of language and communication skills using tools such as the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, which measure adaptive behaviours, including communication abilities.
• Social Skills Assessments: Evaluation of the child's social skills, interactions, and understanding of social cues. This can be done through both direct observation and standardized assessments.
• Behavioural Assessments: Assessment of behavioural patterns, including the presence of repetitive behaviours or restricted interests.
• Parent and Teacher Input: Information from parents, teachers, and other caregivers, using self-report observer measures to understand the child's behaviour in different settings.

A non-refundable 20% deposit is required to secure a booking. After pay is available. Full payment is due before the initial session.

Note: You may be eligible for a rebate for a cognitive assessment from your private health insurance, contact them to ascertain if that applies to your level of cover.

Before your first session reception will email you some intake and registration forms and an initial psychological test for you to complete on behalf of your child. These must all be completed 48 hours before your first session, or your appointment may have to be rescheduled. It allows your psychologist to prepare for your child’s first session, and for us to create a client file for your child to send appointment reminders and submit Medicare rebates (if applicable).

*Please note: extra sessions to the packages may be recommended by your consulting psychologist.

If you need further information, our Assessments Manager will be happy to answer your questions. They can be contacted by email at ad***@im**********************.com or call: 0400428593.