What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disorder that is a spectrum of related disorders with shared core symptoms. Each individual with ASD experiences a diverse range of challenges to different degrees.
People with autism can experience challenges or differences with communication, social interaction and restricted/repetitive interests and behaviours.
Additionally, they can experience sensory differences, like oversensitivity or under sensitivity to sounds, smells, taste, sight, or touch. Some individuals can experience emotional difficulties or uneven cognitive abilities. These difficulties can lead to behavioural challenges in some individuals.
Every individual is unique, has their own strengths, and has their own set of needs; for this reason, treatments/ therapies need to be individually tailored in accordance to where they are in their journey.
Therapy Options
There are an array of therapies that can assist individuals in acquiring new skills and overcoming a variety of challenges. It’s important to understand that not each and every treatment is suitable for everybody. Interventions need to be tailored to meet your/ your child’s needs, so be sure to do your research and talk with autism experts about what your needs are. Often a combination of therapies may be required.
At Recovery Solutions Counselling, we can provide:
- ·Early interventions
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Emotion regulation therapies
- Social skills therapies
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
- Group programs
Assessment Process
The journey of the assessment process can be a long and challenging road and can incorporate a grief process with intense emotions and fears.
The assessment process is usually multidisciplinary, comprising of multiple specialists experienced in the area of developmental disorders, who undertake comprehensive evaluations looking at the patterns of behaviours that are revealed. A Paediatrician or Psychiatrist will confirm the final diagnosis.
Recovery Solutions have trained therapists who can administer the following assessments to toddlers through to adults:
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
- Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R)
- Vineland Assessment
If you are interested in engaging in an Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment, please contact us to discuss this further.
About The Assessments
ADOS Assessment
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) is a semi-structured, standardised assessment of communication, social interaction, and play. It provides a series of standardised contexts in which the individual’s social, communication, repetitive and stereotyped behaviours can be observed. It has been designed to assist in assessing autism and pervasive developmental disorders.
The ADOS-2 is only one component of an Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment.
The ADOS can be completed by someone who has completed the standardised training at a certified institution. The clinician can be a Psychologist, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist or Speech Pathologist, provided they have completed the essential training.
Several diverse activities will be undertaken throughout a 60-minute period, assessing interactions, communication, and behaviours throughout.
ADI Interview
The Autism Diagnostic Interview – Reviewed (ADI-R) is an extended standardised interview designed to elicit a full range of information needed to assist in the assessment process.
The ADI-R involves an experienced clinical interviewer with additional training and a care giver who knows the child’s developmental history and current day-to-day behaviours. The interview focuses primarily on the three domains of functioning:
- Language/communication
- Reciprocal social interactions
- Restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behaviours and interests.
The interview typically takes 2 ½ to 3 hours.
Vineland
The Vineland-3, (a standardised measure) assesses adaptive behaviours, which are the things that people need to do to function in their everyday lives. These important everyday behaviours can be grouped into communication, practical daily living skills, and relating to others.
The specific adaptive behaviours that are needed change as a child grows older and depends less on the help of others. Still, certain behaviours and skills are expected at every age in the home, school, and community. Learning about a child’s adaptive behaviours and skills is part of a process that can help plan for their education and any special needs at home or school.
To determine adaptive behaviour level, someone who knows that individual well- usually a parent, caregiver, or teacher- is asked to describe their daily activities. The level of those activities is compared with that of other children the same age. This allows us to find out the areas in which the child is performing as well as others their own age, as well as any areas in which the child is not doing well and therefore needs help.
The Assessment Process (old version)
Children
The assessment is usually carried out through two appointments:
- First session is a parent session where an understanding of your child’s background and history will be gained. This appointment can last between 60 to 120 minutes. Please bring along any reports or information you feel will be beneficial.
- Second session is with your child where the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) will occur. A number of diverse activities will be undertaken with your child over the course of a 60mins period, assessing how your child interacts, communicates and behaves throughout. One of the tasks will involve seeing how your child interacts at “snack time.” This will involve the practitioner giving your child a snack. This can be provided by us or if your child has dietary requirements, this can be proved by yourself. Your child will also need a water bottle.
Following the completion of sessions, a detailed report will be completed, usually within two to four weeks.
Adults
The assessment is usually carried out through two appointments:
- First Session is where the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) will occur. A number of diverse activities will be undertaken over the course of a 60mins period, assessing how you interact, communicate and behave throughout.
A further discussion will be undertaken to discuss your history. A number of questionnaires will also be given to you to complete and return prior to the completion of a report. These questionnaires are usually for you to complete, as well as another adult. They will assist with the diagnosis process, providing additional information.
Following the completion of the session, a detailed report will be completed, usually within two to four weeks. - Second session A second session can occur, to discuss the outcome and the report, answering any questions you may have
Pricing (old version)
Sometimes a rebate maybe applicable. Please check with your private health fund to see whether you are eligible for a rebate. Alternatively, you maybe able to obtain a referral from your General Practitioner or Paediatrician which may assist with obtaining a rebate from Medicare.
ADOS assessment – $180
Subsequent appointment – $180 per hr
Report – $395
If you would like to proceed with the appointment, please respond via email or by giving us a call on 0499 688 955. Please provide your child’s name, date of birth and any information regarding their level of speech as this will impact on which module is administered.
We will also need a copy of the referral any other relevant reports to assist us with the process.
If you would like to discuss any further information, please feel free to contact the office.
