Autism Assessment (Children)

Who is this suitable for:
Delivery: Face to face and Telehealth Combined
Cost: $1,800.00 (est)

Who is this suitable for:
Children aged 6 to 18 years of age.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. 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 Behaviors:

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.

It's crucial to remember that not all children with autism will display all of these symptoms, and some children may show signs that are not included on this list. Additionally, early intervention is key in supporting children with autism.

What this includes:

X 2-hour clinical interview with parents or caregivers to gather detailed information about the child's developmental history, behaviour, and any concerns they may have.
X 2 hours observational and standardised ASD 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.
- Using standardised autism-specific assessment tools including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R).
- 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 standardised assessments.
- Behavioural Assessments: Assessment of behavioural patterns, including the presence of repetitive behaviours or restricted interests, using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS).
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 including the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, which measure adaptive behaviours, including communication abilities.
Parent and Teacher Input: information from parents, teachers, and other caregiver, 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. 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 first session, and for us to create a client file for you and send you appointment reminders and submit your Medicare rebate (if applicable).

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.