Autism Assessment
Put simply, an autism assessment (ASD or autism spectrum disorder) is a test that psychologists use to understand how your brain functions.
An autism assessment includes questions and tasks that measure specific cognitive abilities, and identify your brain's strengths, challenges and differences. The results of assessment are used to diagnose and to inform support and strategies to improve your daily life.
What are the benefits?
Understanding
Support
Validation
What is autism?
Autism is a complex developmental condition that involves challenges with social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behaviour. The strengths and challenges that come with autism can vary greatly between individuals. Here are some common symptoms:
Social/communication differences:
- Limited engagement in shared interests or activities with others
- Challenges in understanding and expressing emotions, both their own and those of others
- Discomfort or avoidance of making eye contact during interactions
- Difficulty using non-verbal cues, such as gestures and facial expressions, to communicate effectively
- Speech that may seem rigid or rehearsed, lacking natural flow or spontaneity
- Literal interpretation of abstract concepts or phrases
- Struggles in initiating and maintaining friendships.
Restricted interests and repetitive behaviours:
- Rigidity in behaviour, experiencing significant distress or difficulty adapting to changes
- Intense fixation on specific topics or subjects, often to the exclusion of others
- Expectation for others to share their level of enthusiasm for these niche interests
- Difficulty adjusting to variations in routine and unfamiliar experiences
- Heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, leading to avoidance or discomfort
- Repetitive movements like hand flapping, rocking, or spinning
- Preference for arranging objects or items in a particular, often meticulous, manner.
Autism assessment can help you to get a better understanding of the way your brain works, and assist you in accessing supports and tools to improve your daily life.
How much does autism assessment cost?
Assessment Packages
We've streamlined your neurodevelopmental assessment needs with cost-effective packages. Assessment packages help you to save money through bundling, when booking in for multiple assessments. This not only provides financial savings, but also ensures that you receive the most thorough evaluation possible.
Where should I start?
What is the process?
1. Background - You'll provide your background info and details for your practitioner.
2. Intake - You'll meet your practitioner, and have an opportunity to ask questions and present your concerns.
3. Autism Assessment - You'll complete a series of standardised questions and tasks that evaluate your cognitive functions with the help of your practitioner.
4. Feedback - Your practitioner will discuss your results with you (it’s a jargon-free zone, we work hard to make sure it makes sense), clarify your concerns and talk with you about the next steps,
5. Report Writing - Your practitioner will write a report summarising the assessment findings, their diagnostic impression, and recommendations for next steps.
