An Autism Assessment identifies whether someone is autistic, and it can provide important information about a person’s strengths, difficulties, and support needs. Being accurately identified as autistic will help with self-understanding, acceptance and finding ways to authentically navigate life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.How is autism diagnosed?
Autism is diagnosed by qualified professionals, such as psychologists, pediatricians or psychiatrists, who have expertise in autism spectrum disorder. The diagnosis is made based on a comprehensive assessment that considers an individual’s developmental history, current behaviors, and observations of their social communication and interaction. There is no single medical test for autism.
What does an autism assessment involve?
An autism assessment typically includes several components:
- Developmental history: Gathering information about early childhood development, milestones, and any challenges.
- Clinical interview: A detailed discussion about current behaviors, social interactions, communication patterns, and interests.
- Observation: Observing social interaction, communication style, and behaviors.
- Standardised assessments: Using specific tools designed to assess autism traits, such as the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) or the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised).
- Cognitive assessment: (Often included for children) Tests to assess intellectual abilities and identify any cognitive strengths or weaknesses.
2. Where can I get an autism assessment for my child/myself?
You can seek an autism assessment from various professionals and organisations:
- Psychologists: Specifically, clinical psychologists, developmental psychologists, or neuropsychologists.
- Psychiatrists: Medical doctors specialising in mental health.
- Developmental Pediatricians: Doctors specialising in child development.
- Autism-specific clinics: Some clinics specialise in autism assessment and diagnosis.
At Psychcare, our clinicians our qualified and have extensive experience in diagnosing and assessing for Autism children, adolescents and Adults.
How long does it take to get an autism diagnosis?
The time it takes to get an autism diagnosis can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Waiting lists: There may be waiting lists for assessments at clinics or with individual practitioners.
- Assessment process: The assessment itself may take several appointments to complete.
- Report writing and feedback: Time is needed for the clinician to score assessments, write a report, and provide feedback.
It’s not uncommon for the entire process to take several weeks or even months. However, at Psychcare we aim to have the report to you within 4 weeks.
3. What are the different types of autism?
Previously, autism was categorised into different subtypes (e.g., Asperger’s Syndrome, Autistic Disorder). However, the current diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) recognises autism as a single spectrum disorder. This means that autism affects people in a wide variety of ways, and individuals are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While the older terms may still be used by some people, it’s important to understand that autism is now viewed as a single condition with a broad range of characteristics and levels of support needs.
4. I am an adult wondering if I am autistic, is it too late to get a diagnosis for Autism?
For various reasons autism traits and characteristics may not be identified until later in life, but it is never too late to do an assessment. Getting an accurate diagnosis will begin the journey of learning about one’s neurology, sensory and cognitive processes. An assessment can help individuals with understanding themselves better and will be crucial in the development of an intervention plan.
The assessment for an adult usually includes:
- A conversation as to how a person’s story, history, development, feelings, and thoughts align on how their life experience aligns with the Autistic experience.
- A strength-based approach that is conducted using a Neuro-Affirmative assessment framework.
- For funding, and support requirements a semi-structured clinical interview is also used either using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2, the Autism Diagnostic Interview -Revised or using the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum in Adults, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2 Adults) and a clinical interpretation is made based on the DSM-5-TR criteria
- If appropriate and feasible an interview with a relative or other informant. This is to assist with understanding a person’s developmental history.
5. I think I might be autistic. Is a formal assessment still necessary if I already self-identify as autistic?
While self-identification is increasingly recognised and accepted within the autistic community, seeking a formal assessment and diagnosis can still offer significant benefits. Here’s why:
- Confirmation and validation: A formal diagnosis can provide confirmation and validation of your experiences.
- Access to support and services: A diagnosis may be required to access certain supports and services, such as government funding, therapy, or accommodations in education or employment.
- Understanding your strengths and challenges: A comprehensive assessment can help you understand your specific strengths and challenges within the autism spectrum. This can be valuable for self-advocacy and seeking appropriate support.
- Differential diagnosis: An assessment can rule out other conditions that may share similar traits with autism, ensuring you receive the most appropriate support.
- Peace of mind: For some individuals, having a formal diagnosis can provide peace of mind and a sense of clarity.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue a formal assessment is a personal one. However, it can offer valuable benefits and support for individuals who self-identify as autistic.
6. What information is provided in an autism assessment report?
Autism assessments include the provision of a diagnostic report with general recommendations. It includes:
- Summary of family, medical and developmental history
- A report on how a person’s experiences align within the context of the Autistic criteria
- Diagnostic conclusion based on DSM-5-TR
- Severity Level and functional impact
- General recommendations for post assessment support that aligns with the person’s goals and values.
With consent, the report can be provided to other allied health, and other medical practitioners in support planning and application for NDIS.
Click the link for information of our Schedule of fees for Children and Teenagers Autism Assessments and Adult Autism Assessments.