1) For Children and Teens
The process for an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment for a child/teen at a psychology practice involves several steps, which can vary somewhat depending on the individuals needs. However, here is a general outline of what you might expect:
Initial Consultation: The process usually begins with an initial consultation between the parents/guardians and the psychologist. This session helps the psychologist gain a thorough understanding of the concerns, developmental history, and observed behaviours.
Information Gathering: The psychologist may ask for any relevant medical reports or school records. They may also provide questionnaires for parents, teachers, and other caregivers to complete. These tools help to gather more information about the child/teens's behaviour across various settings.
Direct Observation and Interaction: The psychologist will engage the child/teens in structured and unstructured interactions to observe their social, communication, and behavioural patterns. This may include play-based assessments or other interactive tasks.
Standardised Testing: The psychologist may administer one or more standardised tests, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R), or others. These tests are designed to evaluate the child/teens's behaviour, social interactions, communication, and imaginative play.
Cognitive and Developmental Assessment: Depending on the child/teen's age and abilities, the psychologist may also conduct cognitive tests (such as an IQ test) and/or developmental assessments to evaluate the child/teen's cognitive functioning and developmental level.
Feedback Session: After all information has been collected and analysed, the psychologist will schedule a feedback session with the parents/guardians. During this session, the psychologist will discuss the assessment results, provide a diagnosis if appropriate, and recommend a treatment plan or intervention strategies.
Report Writing: Finally, the psychologist will prepare a comprehensive written report that summarises the assessment process, findings, diagnosis, and recommendations. This report can be shared with other professionals (with parental consent) to support the child/teen's needs at school or other environments.
Cost wise, you can expect to pay for 10-16 hours of a psychologists time. This can vary depending on the clients needs and time require to complete a comprehensive assessment.
Remember, the primary goal of an Autism assessment is to understand a child/teen's unique strengths and challenges in order to provide the most appropriate support and interventions.
admin@psychologistsandcounsellors.com.au
2) For Adults / Older teens (18+)
The process for an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment for an adult at a psychology practice can be broadly divided into several stages, although the specific procedures can vary depending on the individuals needs. Here's a general overview:
Initial Consultation: The first step in the process is an initial consultation, where the individual meets with the psychologist. During this session, the psychologist will try to understand the individual's concerns, symptoms, and reasons for seeking an assessment. They will also gather information about the person's developmental, medical, educational, and social history.
Information Gathering: The psychologist may ask for relevant records or reports, if available. The psychologist might also provide questionnaires to the individual or to someone who knows the person well, like a close friend, partner, or family member. This can provide additional insight into the person's behaviors and experiences across different contexts.
Direct Observation and Interaction: The psychologist will likely have several sessions in which they observe and interact with the individual. This will allow the psychologist to evaluate the person's social communication, behavior, and interaction styles.
Standardised Testing: The psychologist may use standardised diagnostic tools designed for adults, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), or the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). These tools assess behaviours and skills associated with ASD.
Cognitive Assessment: The psychologist may also conduct a cognitive assessment (like an IQ test) to get a comprehensive understanding of the individual's cognitive functioning.
Feedback Session: Once the assessment is complete, the psychologist will schedule a feedback session. Here, the individual will learn about the findings from the assessment, receive a diagnosis if applicable, and discuss possible intervention strategies or treatments.
Report Writing: The psychologist will compile a detailed written report summarizing the assessment process, findings, diagnosis (if one was made), and recommendations. This report could be useful for sharing with other healthcare professionals, or for obtaining accommodations in the workplace or in educational settings.
Cost wise, you can expect to pay for 10-16 hours of a psychologists time. This can vary depending on the clients needs and time require to complete a comprehensive assessment.
The aim of an adult ASD assessment is not just to provide a diagnosis, but also to help the individual understand their unique profile of strengths and challenges, and to guide decisions about interventions or supports that can improve their quality of life.