Autism Assessment Adelaide

The term ‘spectrum’ is used to indicate that no two people with Autism Spectrum Disorder are the same. This is why it is important to understand and embrace the uniqueness and strengths of neurodivergent people and provide them and their families with the skills, tools, and strategies to allow for improved participation within the home, school, and play environments.

In the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition – Text Revision (DSM-5-TR)

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder will have differing experiences of Au. This is why it is important to understand and embrace the uniqueness and strengths of neurodivergent people and provide them and their families with the skills, tools, and strategies to allow for improved participation within the home, school, and play environments.

social communication skills, and may also have restricted interests and behaviours, as well as sensory processing differences. The cause of ASD is currently not known.

Autism Diagnostic Assessment

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder that impacts development across the lifespan.

Social communication, restricted interests and behaviours, and sensory processing differences are the main areas of development affected by ASD. The cause of ASD is currently unknown.

The term ‘spectrum’ is used to indicate that no two people with Autism Spectrum Disorder are the same. This is why ensuring that intervention is individualised is essential to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Helping someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder begins with acceptance, knowledge and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the individual.

Does a client need an assessment?

The following signs could be indicators of ASD, which may impact someone’s behaviour and development. No single indicator typically indicates ASD; instead, a person would present with several of the following indicators.

Social communication and social interaction across contexts:

Abnormal social approach, intrusive touching of others
Failure of back and forth conversation, failure to respond when name called, does not initiate conversation, one-sided conversations
Reduced sharing of interests, lack of showing
Reduced sharing of emotions, lack of responsive social smile, failure to share enjoyment, and not showing pleasure in social interactions
Poor social imagination

Impairment in the social use of eye contact
Impairment in use and understanding of body postures and gestures
Abnormal volume, pitch, and intonation in speech
Impairment in use and knowledge of facial expressions
Difficulties taking another person’s perspective
Difficulties adjusting behaviour to suit social contexts
Problems making friends, reduced interest in others

Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities:

Echolalia (repetition of words, phrases, or more extensive songs and dialogue), repetitive vocalisations (such as repetitive sounds, humming)
Hand flapping, spinning, toe walking, excessive teeth grinding
Non-functional play with objects, lining up toys and objects, repetitively opening and closing doors, or repetitively turning lights on and off
Adherence to unusual routine
Excessive resistance to change
Rigid thinking
Highly fixated interests
High or low reactivity to sensory input (sound, smell, touch, taste, visual)

What is an Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment?

American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition – Text Revision (DSM-5-TR)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined as a pervasive developmental disorder associated with impairment in social communication, limitation of activities and interests, as well as stereotyped behaviour. It affects individuals in varying degrees, which is the reason it is called a spectrum disorder. The experience and demands of each are different, hence the need for individualised support and interventions.

What are the benefits of an autism assessment?

An evaluation for autism delineates a person’s capabilities and difficulties, enabling the family to understand some attitudes or challenging aspects. It also helps ensure that all the required services are available, including the funds from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and that individual plans for intervention are put in place.

What does the autism assessment process involve?

The evaluation entails clinical observations, interviews with caregivers, and the application of specific tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2). In Connect Allied Health, the assessments last, on average, 3-4 hours, and same-day reports and recommendations are provided. A comprehensive report is given within a fortnight.

How is an autism diagnosis made in South Australia?

For a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder to be issued in South Australia, two certified professionals, such as a psychologist and a speech development specialist, must assess the individual under DSM-5 criteria. The assessment can either occur in a two-clinician environment or be done by two clinicians working in different environments.

Why is early identification of autism important?

It is possible to intervene in a manner suitable for the child’s age at the right time, which is very important in promoting the child’s development, especially in language, social, and behavioural development. Early assistance and intervention can promote outcomes and enable individuals affected with Autism Spectrum Disorders to maximise their potential throughout their lives.