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.
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 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 caregiver, relative or other informant. This is to assist with understanding a person’s developmental history.
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.