What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder affects an individual’s ability to communicate, perceive and interact with peers and their environment. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning that it is present from birth and life-long. The range and severity of symptoms vary greatly among individuals.
Common signs of Autism include:
Obsessive interests;
Repetitive behaviours;
Difficulties within communication;
Difficulty in social interactions;
Poor eye contact;
Distress to change of routine
If you or your child exhibits one or more of these signs, it is recommended that you seek further professional medical advice. Early recognition of Autism may aid in reducing and limiting symptoms while supporting the individual to meet their full potential and achieve optimal quality of life.
How to get a diagnosis?
Gaining a diagnosis for Autism involves comprehensive evidence-based assessments by a multidisciplinary team (i.e., psychologist, paediatrician, and/or psychiatrist).
Here at the Mind Body Practice, an Autism assessment with one of our qualified psychologists will typically include:
1. Initial clinical interview to gather comprehensive background information such as developmental, social, and educational history.
2. Administration of autism assessments and questionnaires by a trained psychologist, which typically includes:
o Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – 2nd Edition (ADOS)
o Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R)
o Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System (ABAS-3)
3. Feedback session and comprehensive written report within four weeks of the assessment date.
What are the benefits of gaining an Autism Diagnosis?
Gaining a diagnosis may enable your child to gain further support through their school, and you may be eligible to gain financial assistance through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to fund services to improve your child’s development and skills through speech pathology, psychotherapy, occupational therapy and more. Furthermore, a diagnosis can assist in informing treatment to best support individual learning, cognitive development, behavioural development, social and/or emotional development.
As part of early intervention for Autism, different forms of therapy are typically utilised such as:
· Psychological therapy
o Can aid in supporting your child with social and emotional learning, such as how to identify and understand emotions, form social relationships and respond in social settings.
· Occupational therapy
o Can assist in the development of fine motor skills, play and self-help skills such as getting dressed
· Physiotherapy
o Can assist to further develop and refine gross motor such as crawling, walking and sitting.
· Speech therapy
o Can assist with speech development, eating and drinking skills
How do I book in for an Autism Assessment?
To book an assessment, or to simply discuss if an assessment is right for you, please contact our friendly reception on (02) 8091 7867 at The Mind Body Practice. We are located in Parramatta CBD & Bella Vista.
A GP referral is not required. For further information, contact us for prices and organise a complimentary 10-minute phone call with one of our friendly psychologists to answer any questions you may have.