Autism assessment and diagnosis

At our practice, we are committed to providing comprehensive assessment and support for individuals with Autism and any associated or co-occurring difficulties. Our goal is to assist you in better understanding yourself, your unique experience with autism, and managing features from a neuro affirming strengths-based approach. Here's what you can expect from our process:

Initial Assessment:

• We'll begin with a discussion about your concerns, symptoms, and medical history, as well as questions about your daily routines, challenges, and any co-existing conditions.

Symptom Assessment:

• A thorough evaluation of Autism symptoms, including social communication challenges, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviours, and how they impact your daily life and overall functioning.

Diagnostic Criteria:

• We adhere to standardized diagnostic criteria, such as those outlined in the DSM-5, to determine if you meet the criteria for Autism.

Psychological Testing:

• We utilize highly validated and reliable psychological assessments to further clarify your diagnosis or identify any co-existing conditions.

Personal and Family History:

• We'll explore your personal and family history of autism or other mental health conditions to gain a comprehensive understanding of your background.

Treatment Discussion:

• If a diagnosis is confirmed, we'll discuss treatment options, which may include therapy, behavioural interventions, sensory interventions, or a combination of approaches.

Treatment Planning:

• Together, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals, focusing on your strengths and areas for growth.

Therapeutic Approaches:

• We'll discuss therapeutic approaches such as behavioural therapy, social skills training, cognitive-behavioural therapy, or sensory integration therapy, depending on your individual needs.

Medication Consideration:

• If appropriate, we may discuss medication options, benefits, and potential side effects as part of your treatment plan.

Psychoeducation:

• We'll provide education about autism spectrum disorder, including its nature, impact, and strategies for managing symptoms in various environments.

Frequency of Sessions:

• We'll determine the frequency and duration of therapy sessions or follow-up appointments based on your individual needs and progress.

Privacy and Confidentiality:

• We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your sessions and ensuring your privacy throughout the evaluation and treatment process.

Questions and Concerns:

• We encourage open communication and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions and address any concerns you may have about your assessment or treatment plan.

Collaboration:

• We emphasize collaboration between you and our team throughout your autism management journey, ensuring that your voice is heard and your goals are prioritized.

Next Steps:

• We'll clarify the next steps in your treatment plan, which may involve scheduling follow-up appointments, beginning therapy, or accessing additional support services.

Client Rights and Responsibilities:

• We'll explain your rights and responsibilities as a client, emphasizing the importance of your active participation in your treatment and decision-making process.

We are here to support you every step of the way on your journey towards understanding and managing autism spectrum disorder.

See our ‘services’ page for more on our packages, process and prices