Services
Initial Autism Screen
This is most appropriate for children who are at the start of the diagnostic journey (there may or may not be a GP referral).
It can also be considered the first part of the full diagnostic assessment and involves observations of your child within the school setting (classroom and playground) as well as gathering information about their social interactions and way they behave. From this assessment, one of two recommendations will be made as outlined below:
When sufficient autism symptoms are evident, there will be a recommendation to complete a second session where a more comprehensive interview will be undertaken as well as a standardised autism play based autism assessment. Further information may also be gathered from other key stakeholders. These two sessions together will be used to complete the diagnostic process and a comprehensive report will be provided.
OR
When there is minimal evidence of autism from the initial screening process, a written summary will be provided of the findings in addition to appropriate recommendations (e.g., to see other medical or allied health professionals for further investigation into difficulties). This can provide piece of mind that presenting difficulties do not appear to be related to autism.
Full Diagnostic Assessment (speech pathology component)
This is most appropriate for children who have already seen a paediatrician and/or psychologist regarding the possibility of autism.
A full diagnostic assessment is typically completed in one day and is suited to children who have seen other professionals who have noted features of autism.
Young children (prior to starting kindy)
These children are seen at home where they are most comfortable. A face to face or phone interview will be conducted where your child’s development, social preferences and differences in behaviour will be discussed in detail (taking several hours). They will also complete a play based autism assessment which lasts for around 30 minutes. If your child attends daycare, staff may be contacted (with permission) to get further information.
School aged children (kindy and above)
These children are typically seen at school where they can be observed in the classroom and interacting with other children of a similar age. They will partake in a conversational and play based assessment in a quiet area, before continuing on with their day. Parents will also be asked to complete a comprehensive interview taking several hours. Teachers and any other relevant people may be contacted for futher information.
In all cases (i.e. autism or not) a detailed diagnostic report will be provided addressing the DSM-5TR criteria for autism and feedback provided.