Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition. The common areas of difficulty with autism include, communication, socialisation, restricted or repetitive behaviours, and sensory sensitivities. The severity and extent to which to which daily functioning may be affected can range from mild to severe.
What are the benefits of assessment?
Picton Psychology offers ASD assessments for children aged 10 years and above, adolescents and adults. Research has shown that early diagnosis and treatment provide the best outcomes for people with ASD. Through the use of psychological assessment, we can determine whether or not the individual has ASD and determine how to best tailor treatments to meet your specific needs.
Some benefits of assessment include:
- Understand sensory sensitivities, social communication, behaviours and emotion regulation and recognition.
- Tailor treatment plans and interventions to suit individual needs.
- Assist teachers in developing Individual Learning Plans (IPLs).
- Prevent negative outcomes at school, including disruptive behaviours, school avoidance or school refusal, and low self-esteem.
- Access school based and home based funding.
What are the tests used for assessments?
The diagnosis of ASD requires a comprehensive assessment process which involves gathering information from a range of sources. Best practice research suggests a comprehensive assessment involves gathering information by administering standardised assessment tools, coupled with a developmental history interview with parents.
Our experienced psychologists provide ASD assessments for children 10 years and above, adolescents, and adults, utilising the following assessments:
- Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R)
- The Child Autism Rating Scale, Second edition (CARS) for ages 2 to 57 years
- Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) for ages 6 to 18 years
- Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System – Third edition (ABAS-III) for ages from birth to 89 years
- Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fifth edition (WISC-V Australian Standard) for children aged 6 to 16 years
- Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth edition (WAIS-IV Australian Standard) for ages 16 to 90 years
The gold standard for an autism assessment, which is often required by NDIS includes the application of;
ADI-R, WISC-V or WAIS-IV and ABAS-III.
However, assessment packages can be tailored to meet your individual needs and requirements.
What does the assessment process look like?
The process of an autism assessment involves four stages:
- Initial appointment to perform a through interview in order to obtain all relevant background information.
- Administration of diagnostic assessment.
- Your psychologist will complete a comprehensive report, including any relevant diagnoses, suggestions for intervention and recommendations for home and school.
- Feedback session to discuss the results of the autism assessment and the report.