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. The cause of ASD is currently not known.
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 ensure that intervention is individualised to achieve 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 a number 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, does not show 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, intonation in speech
- Impairment in use and understanding of facial expressions
- Difficulties taking another person’s perspective
- Difficulties adjusting behaviour to suit social contexts
- Difficulties making friends, reduced interest in others
Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities:
- Echolalia (repetition of words, phrases, or more extensive songs and dialog), 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?
In South Australia, a formal ASD diagnosis requires two accredited clinicians (psychologist, speech pathologist, psychiatrist or a paediatrician). Assessments can be conducted by a team of two clinicians in one setting (dual assessment), or by two individual clinicians across different settings.
Assessments involve interactions with and observations of the person, as well as gathering information from caregivers and educators. The information is then carefully considered against the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
Assessment Process
Connect Allied Health offers both a dual assessment and can also work with clinicians in other settings. A dual assessment is completed over one session and is typically 4 hours in duration. Dual assessment locations are in Campbelltown and Hallett Cove. *Change to Norwood and Hallett Cove. Assessment is also 3 hours in duration.
Following information gathering, clinicians determine whether the client meets the criteria for a diagnosis of ASD. Following a short break, a feedback session is provided to discuss results and recommendations on the same day. A full, comprehensive report is then completed and provided to the family, typically 2 weeks following the assessment.
Why is getting a diagnosis important?
Receiving a diagnosis of ASD provides information regarding an individual’s strengths and differences, which can help clients and families better understand certain behaviours or areas of difficulty. This in turn can facilitate improved support for individuals with ASD. It can also assist access to funding, including funding from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Our Process
2
Evaluation
Discuss individual needs, goals and preferences
3
Assistance
Discuss options for funding
4
Placement
Client is paired with appropriate clinician according to individual needs
5
Schedule
Confirm preferred days and times for therapy
6
Confirmation
Sign consent forms and service agreements
