Why Have an Autism Assessment?
Autism assessments are used to determine if an individual has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Assessments are typically conducted by a team of professionals, which may include a paediatrician, a psychologist, and a speech therapist.
The process of an autism assessment usually begins with a developmental screening, which is a quick and easy way to determine if a child is showing signs for ASD. This screening can include a questionnaire or a test to assess the child’s communication and social skills. If the screening indicates that the child may have ASD, the child will then have a full assessment.
How Does the Full Assessment Work?
The full assessment typically includes several components, including a thorough medical evaluation, a psychological evaluation, and a speech and language evaluation. The medical evaluation is performed by a paediatrician or a neurologist and includes a physical examination, as well as laboratory tests to rule out other medical conditions that may be causing the child’s symptoms. The psychological evaluation is conducted by a psychologist and may include assessments of the child’s cognitive, language, and social skills. The speech and language evaluation is performed by a speech therapist and assesses the child’s communication skills.
What Happens After the Assessments
After the assessments are completed, the team of professionals will meet to discuss the results and determine if the child meets the criteria for ASD. The criteria for ASD are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and include persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities.
If the child is diagnosed with ASD, the team will develop a treatment plan, which may include therapies such as applied behaviour analysis (ABA), speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy. The treatment plan will be tailored to the child’s individual needs and may be adjusted as the child’s symptoms change over time.
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At Educational Assessments, our psychologists carry out full cognitive assessments. These provide essential learning and performance data to bolster support for individuals. If you believe that you or a loved one is struggling, get in touch. We have extensive coverage in Australia. Our team of expert consultants conduct home visits to assess you or your child and evaluate the patient’s learning needs to succeed.
We evaluate an extensive range of learning, social and emotional issues. The knowledge gleaned from our assessments and subsequent report permit you to make informed choices. So, if you want to find the best way forward that’s suited to you or your child’s learning needs, then this is the answer.
Looking for an autism assessment? We offer clear, jargon-free advice, consistent personal support and offer valuable expertise. So, if you need advice, don’t delay. Simply get in touch today.