Speech Pathologist Adelaide
Connect Allied Health
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.
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.
Speech Pathology For Children
Connect Allied Health provide speech pathology services for adults who have a disability or post a range of medical issues, including intellectual disability, stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurological diseases (such as Parkinson’s Disease and Motor Neurone Disease), and many others, to target a range of areas including:
- Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).
- Speech (intelligibility/clarity).
- Expressive language (use of words, sentences, gestures and writing to convey meaning).
- Receptive language (understanding).
- Voice.
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ACC), e.g., iPad.
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).
Connect Allied Health
Our Process
Initial discussion
Commence on-board process
Determine clinical team
Set goals
Schedule
Speech Pathologist’s have the ability to improve a patient’s communication skills and treat their speech disorders. Our staff have the capacity to provide you with a Speech Pathologist in both Adelaide and South Australia with the use of their mobile clinic. Through this service the patient will improve their condition and confidence. We specialise in providing medical professionals to help improve your speech and wellbeing. The professionals that can be included, but not limited to, in these services are Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Dietitians, Podiatry and Occupational Therapists. The inclusion of Speech Pathologist Adelaide and the other variety of medical professionals, will allow for you to build upon your development. Connect Allied Health has the capability to oversee and control the whole process.
The service provided can be conducted on a mobile basis, making our treatments available across South Australia. The speech pathologist will analyse the capabilities of the patient and then further determine the short term and long term goals for the patient. Additionally, they will provide any information they deem necessary to family members or a carer. Furthermore these techniques will enable the patient to treat their disorder away from the clinic, subsequently making the treatment more effective. The major goal for the Speech Pathologist Adelaide is to determine the key issues the patient has and then providing techniques that they can use at home to improve their condition. As a result The service will be monitored by Connect Allied Health.
The Speech Pathologist Adelaide will enable you to access a variety of treatment plans. We are skilled in providing you with the appropriate professional to match your health concerns. Subsequently, we will be able to provide you with access to a variety of professionals, which in turn will increase your capabilities and potential. A major benefit of working with us is that you will be supported through the entire process, whilst subsequently being provided with a quality Speech Pathologist.
Connect Allied Health will provide a range of professionals to you. Contact us now on 0400 590 831.
