Diagnostic Autism Assessment Services (children and adults)
Are you or your child showing signs of autism?
My Psychologist can undertake a Diagnostic Autism Assessment and provide a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) if applicable. We can also provide therapy for people with ASD. The word “spectrum” is used because individuals presenting with these disorders show a wide range of abilities, skills and difficulties. While it is common that some individuals share similarities, no two people are exactly the same.
Common signs that potentially indicate autism spectrum disorder include:
- not showing things of interest to others
- not sharing experiences with others
- not responding when spoken to
- reduced eye contact
- preferring to play alone
- having difficulty relating to peers
- more interested in objects than people
- ignoring or avoiding other children
- talking in monologue
- limited pointing and social smiling
- seeming to be in a “world of their own”
- delayed or unusual language skills
- unusual ways of playing such as lining things up or spinning
- unusual or repetitive movements
- unusual fears
- rituals or routines that must be done in sequence
- unusual or very strong interests
- sensitivity to textures, touch, tastes, sounds or light
Individuals on the spectrum will not show all these signs but will show a number of them.
A Diagnostic Autism Assessment can be conducted by Autism SA and various Child Development Units. Generally the waiting time to access these services is too long for most families.
A private Diagnostic Autism Assessment can be conducted by private psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and paediatricians.
My Psychologist has participated in the Autism SA diagnostic training and is an ASD diagnostician.
If you require an Autism Assessment My Psychologist can certainly help. The first part of the process is to call, have a chat and then make an appointment with us. Typically our waiting times are short and about a month from contact. Urgent assessments can be fast tracked.
THE PROCESS
The first thing to do is contact My Psychologist to discuss your requirements and then book an appointment.
Our assessment process requires an interview of the parent/caregiver or adult client and an observation and interview of the child. Information will also be collected from other care providers, such as schools, childcare and health professionals.
My Psychologist will email (or provide hard copy on request) information and consent forms that will need to be filled out and returned prior to attending the face-to-face appointment. There are also questionnaires to be completed by an educator, parent or the actual client. All forms and questionnaires are to be completed and provided prior to the appointment. Any reports from other professionals would be appreciated.
OUR FEES
My Psychologist currently provides assessment and report for $2000. Payment of this fee is required prior to the day of assessment and report preparation.
A report is provided two months (subject to change) after the assessment. The report can be used as part of an application for NDIS funding using the NDIS Access Request Form or by calling NDIS and making a verbal application.
REBATES
There is a Medicare rebate for services provided by a Psychologist if a person under 25 has been referred by a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist. Rebates for a Diagnostic Autism Assessment and other services may be available through your private health fund.
Please call 0427 277 237 to arrange an appointment or to discuss further.
