Autism (ASD) Assessment

If you or your child display signs consistent with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), your next step is to talk to someone who can help you determine whether an Autism (ASD) assessment is the right choice.

 

When looking to start the ASD diagnosis process for our child, you may start with your GP, or a special needs coordinator at your child’s school or a Paediatric Psychiatrist. As an adult, you may ask your GP for a referral to see our psychiatrist. 

 

Why should you seek out an ASD diagnosis?

 

Although diagnosing ASD can be a fraught and emotional process, many people ultimately find the process very worthwhile, even in adulthood.

 

For children, early detection can help prepare them for a more independent life and empower them to lean on their strengths early on. Early detection also benefits parents of children with ASD because it means you can seek out the tools you need to help your child reach their full potential. Often, an ASD diagnosis can be part of a dual diagnosis or prevent a misdiagnosis of another disorder.

 

As an adult, an ASD diagnosis can help you access support programs and therapies that you might not otherwise find available to you. Many people who receive an adult diagnosis also say they feel validated, relieved, and able to make sense of their past and their current experiences and behaviours.

 

What can you expect from an autism assessment?

 

The assessment includes several parts that differ according to whether you seek the assessment as an adult or a child.

 

For children, an autism assessment involves:

• Speaking to parents about the child’s development

• Reading reports offered by your paediatrician, child psychiatrist, nursery, or school

• Watching your child play and interact with others

 

ASD assessments for adults usually include:

• Talking about the problems you face

• Filling out a questionnaire

• Speaking to other people in your life (family, friends, paediatrician, GP, teachers, etc.)

 

Specially trained Psychologists and Psychiatrists follow a systematic approach to assess autism. At Dolphin Tribe, our experienced and trained professionals in Sydney, NSW use gold-standard evidence-based tools.

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Gold standard ASD assessment tools

 

Our psychologists and psychiatrists are specially trained in ASD assessment and use only the best, evidence-based, gold-standard assessment tools, including:

 

1. Autism Diagnostic Observation Assessment (ADOS-2)
    

2. Autism diagnostic interviews with parents or carers (ADI-R)
    

3. When necessary and appropriate, we will also carry out additional adaptive behaviour assessments and cognitive (IQ) assessments.
   
    

The ADOS-2 tool puts the patient front and centre and includes either an interview session or a semi-structured play section, depending on the individual’s age and communication level. The ADI-R uses interviews with caregivers, parents, family members, or other people close to you to produce a clearer picture of the patient’s developmental history.

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A formal diagnosis will generally be made by a paediatric psychiatrist or an adult psychiatrist.

 

Next steps after an autism diagnosis

 

Unfortunately, there is still stigma attached to autism and we understand that an autism diagnosis can come as a shock. However, often assessment the most difficult part. Once you have a formal diagnosis, you may feel relieved and can start the process of gaining the support, funding, and community that will benefit you or your child’s development.

 

To learn more about adult autism assessment, click here.

 

Speak with Dolphin Tribe about an autism assessment

 

If you are concerned that you or your child may be on the autism spectrum, book an assessment with an experienced child psychiatrist or psychologist at our Sydney, NSW clinic.

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​At Dolphin Tribe we have experts who are specialists in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). If you are looking for an Autism diagnosis in Sydney, NSW contact us.

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