Autism (ASD) Assessment in Sydney
Are you seeking autism assessment and diagnosis in Hills District or Sydney CBD?
If you or your child display signs consistent with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), your next step is to talk to someone who can help you determine whether an Autism (ASD) assessment is the right choice.
When looking to start the ASD diagnosis process for our child, you may start with your GP, or a special needs coordinator at your child’s school or a Paediatric Psychiatrist. As an adult, you may ask your GP for a referral to see our psychiatrist.
Why should you seek out an ASD diagnosis?
Although diagnosing ASD can be a fraught and emotional process, many people ultimately find the process very worthwhile, even in adulthood.
For children, early detection can help prepare them for a more independent life and empower them to lean on their strengths early on. Early detection also benefits parents of children with ASD because it means you can seek out the tools you need to help your child reach their full potential. Often, an ASD diagnosis can be part of a dual diagnosis or prevent a misdiagnosis of another disorder.
As an adult, an ASD diagnosis can help you access support programs and therapies that you might not otherwise find available to you. Many people who receive an adult diagnosis also say they feel validated, relieved, and able to make sense of their past and their current experiences and behaviours.
What can you expect from an autism assessment?
The assessment consists of several parts that vary depending on your circumstances.
These can involve:
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Speaking to parents about the child’s development
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Reading reports offered by your paediatrician, child psychiatrist, nursery, or school
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Watching your child play and interact with others
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Talking about the problems you face
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Filling out a questionnaire
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Speaking to other people in your life (family, friends, paediatrician, GP, teachers, etc.)
Specially trained Psychologists and Psychiatrists follow a systematic approach to assess autism. At Dolphin Tribe, our experienced and trained professionals in Sydney, NSW use gold-standard evidence-based tools.
Gold standard ASD assessment tools
Our psychologists and psychiatrists are specially trained in ASD assessment and use only the best, evidence-based, gold-standard assessment tools, including:
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Autism Diagnostic Observation Assessment (ADOS-2)
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Autism diagnostic interviews with parents or carers (ADI-R)
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When necessary and appropriate, we will also carry out additional adaptive behaviour assessments and cognitive (IQ) assessments.
The ADOS-2 tool puts the patient front and centre and includes either an interview session or a semi-structured play session, depending on the individual’s age and communication level. The ADI-R uses interviews with caregivers, parents, family members, or other people close to you to produce a clearer picture of the patient’s developmental history.
A formal diagnosis will generally be made by a paediatric psychiatrist or an adult psychiatrist.
Next steps after an autism diagnosis
Unfortunately, there is still stigma attached to autism and we understand that an autism diagnosis can come as a shock. However, often the assessment is the most difficult part. Once you have a formal diagnosis, you may feel relieved and can start the process of gaining the support, funding, and community that will benefit you or your child’s development.
To learn more about adult autism assessment, click here.
Contact Dolphin Tribe
At Dolphin Tribe, we have neurodiversity-informed experts who are specialists in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). If you are looking for an Autism diagnosis, contact us.
Speak with the Dolphin Tribe about an autism assessment
If you are concerned that you or your child may be on the autism spectrum, book an assessment with an experienced child psychiatrist or psychologist at our Sydney, NSW clinic. Our psychologists can conduct assessments in the Hills District clinic and Sydney CBD.