We assess children and adults that display behaviours of Autism, with the aim of helping children and adults to reach their full potential.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder that includes a wide variety of symptoms with different levels of severity. Signs often appear early in the child's development and some autism traits may not become relevant until adulthood and cause the person significant problems in their adult life.
Our expert team of specialised and dedicated registered and provisional Psychologists, assess children and Adults that display the following behaviours in some of the following areas:
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Communication:
• Talk about one topic for a long time
• May say odd or inappropriate things
• Doesn't make eye contact
• Non-responsive when others talk to them
• Doesn't talk or speech was late developing
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Social Interaction:
• Difficulty following social rules
• May seem unfriendly to others
• Do not appear to be listening when others speak to them
• Difficulty understanding hand gestures & facial expression
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Activities:
• Line their toys up instead of playing imaginatively
• Obsessing over a specific item and carrying it around constantly
• Collecting objects
• Repetitive gestures such as rocking, hand-flapping, or spinning.
• Sensitive to touch, taste, and texture (e.g., clothing tags)
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Other:
• Difficulty with change
• Difficulty with new situations
• Sleep problems
• Rejecting physical affection, such as family members cuddling or hugging them.
Common Questions:
What is the cause of Autism?
It is unclear of what causes Autism Spectrum Disorder. Studies show that genetics are an important factor. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder are also more likely to develop other mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety.
How is Autism treated?
There is no set treatment plan for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The treatment plan is based on the individual. That treatment includes therapy and may include medication to improve unwanted behaviours and lessen difficulties. Special Diets and supplements may also be used.
What is the Autism Assessment process?
For Children and Adolescents:
The autism diagnostic assessments involve gathering information about the child's social communication skills, functional ability and behaviours across a diverse range of settings.
It is also recommended that an intellectual and academic assessment is administered so to determine the most appropriate interventions.
This assessment requires two sessions allocated for intellectual and academic assessment and/or structured play with the younger child observing and recording responses and behaviours using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). The assessment will also require two sessions whereby an in-depth interview with parents regarding their child's development is recorded and scored using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). On some occasions, a visit to the child's home, day-care/preschool or school/workplace is required.
For Adults:
A similar set of sessions is conducted to gather information about the person’s past and developmental history and family and school/work history and history of social and relational problems is obtained.
The autism diagnostic assessments involve gathering information about the person's social communication skills, functional ability and behaviours across a diverse range of settings.
It is also recommended that an intellectual assessment and to rule out other possible diagnostic reasons for the person’s presentation difficulties so to determine the most appropriate interventions.
This assessment requires two sessions allocated for intellectual assessment and interviews with family members where the AAA assessment questionnaire or the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is administered. The assessment will also require two sessions whereby an in-depth interview with parents or others who know the person well and has information about their general development of presenting concerns is recorded and scored using the Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R). On some occasions, a visit to the person's home or workplace may be required.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please click here, or contact our friendly reception staff on 1300 240 030.
