What is autism? 

Autism is a neurological variant that is characterised by differences with how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment. Like all people, autistic people have a range of strengths (e.g., detail oriented, strong memory, honest communication) and challenges (e.g., understanding and interpreting others' body language, engaging in social chit-chat, adapting to changes to routines and coping in sensory-rich environments).

When to seek an autism assessment? 

An autism assessment can be sought to seek access to support services, gain a deeper understanding of your child, to explore self-identity, and/or to learn ways of supporting your child. Research shows that early intervention for autism is advantageous, and thus an early diagnosis can help tailor this intervention.

If your child is presenting with symptoms of autism, we recommend first talking to other people who know your child well. This might include extended family, health professionals or school staff. If the concerns are ongoing, there is a family history and/or you would like more information, we recommend reaching out to our team to book an assessment.

Why choose Rosie Psychology for an autism assessment?
An autism assessment at Rosie Psychology is fun, neuroaffirming, and considerate of your child’s needs. We understand that the diagnostic process can be an overwhelming and confronting journey, and we work closely with the family to ensure that this is as smooth as possible.

Our assessments are consistent with best practice guidelines (National Autism CRC Guidelines), diagnostic requirements (DSM-5-TR), and we use evidence-based diagnostic tools. Our practitioners have a solid understanding of how autism presents across a range of complex presentations including subtle or masking presentations and differentiating with other diagnoses. Our comprehensive reports are consistent with NDIS requirements and offer individualised and detailed recommendations to support your child at home, school and therapeutic settings, as well as establishing goals, for example, with school learning plans and the NDIS.

We pride ourselves on being a neuroaffirming practice. We offer a neurodivergent friendly assessment space to consider the child’s sensory needs and communication preferences. We respect and promote identity-first language, gender preferences, affirming terminology, and embrace a strengths-based approach.

What is involved in an autism assessment at Rosie Psychology? 

We offer comprehensive and neuroaffirming autism assessments at Rosie Psychology for children between the ages of 2.5 and 16. The assessment process involves:

• A session with your child: this takes approximately 45-90 minutes and activities vary depending on your child’s age.
• A comprehensive parent interview: this can take up to 3 hours (don’t worry we will offer breaks!) and we will ask about your observations of your child.
• Obtaining information from people who know your child well, for example allied health professionals and/or school staff, via questionnaires, emails and/or phone calls.
• Occasionally, may need to observe your child at school/childcare interacting with peers. We will notify you if this additional session is required.
• Diagnostic formulation: where we consider all information to determine whether your child's presentation is best explained by autism.
• Feedback session: where your child's psychologist will talk you through the outcome of the assessment (and a diagnosis where appropriate) and support recommendations.

FAQ:

• Do I attend my child's session? 
  • For most children, it is preferred that they attend by themselves. Most children and adolescents enjoy this session, and accommodations are made by the psychologist to ensure your child feels comfortable. If your child has significant separation anxiety or is of pre-school age, parents can attend by sitting quietly on the side. Your psychologist will discuss this with you in your intake appointment.
• My child/adolescent typically takes medication. Should I mediate them on their assessment day?
  • Absolutely, in fact this is essential! We need to see your child's social interactions with other factors (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, etc.) reduced.
• Should I consider including a cognitive (IQ) assessment with my autism assessment?
  • A cognitive (IQ) assessment is not necessary to an autism evaluation in most cases. Including a cognitive (IQ) assessment is useful for several reasons:
    • Many people have a varied cognitive (IQ) profile. Including a cognitive (IQ) assessment allows us to target our recommendations, particularly regarding learning styles/preferences to include in the report.
    • If you believe your child is of above average intelligence then it would be useful to include a cognitive (IQ) assessment. Many children can be both gifted and autistic (referred to as 'twice exceptional') and these children have specific support needs.
    • Similarly, we know that an intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) can also be comorbid with autism. Thus, by including a cognitive (IQ) assessment, we are able to target our recommendations accordingly.
• My child/adolescent is sick, tired, has just been through a traumatic event - should I go ahead with the assessment?
  • Autism assessments rely heavily on observing your child's social interactions with us. If they are not feeling themselves on the day, we may not be able to see their true selves and additional appointments are likely to be needed. If you do not feel your child is able to engage as they typically would, then it is strongly recommended you reschedule your assessment. You will not lose your position on the waitlist if you choose to do this.
• Do I need to have a paediatrician? 
  • Best practice guidelines recommend that a medical evaluation is completed prior to the diagnostic evaluation. The medical evaluation can be completed by a Paediatrician or a GP. If your child does have a paediatrician, it is preferred that the medical review be completed by them. However, if a Paediatrician is not accessible, a GP can complete this evaluation form. In most cases our psychologists can complete a ‘lead practitioner diagnostic evaluation’ which means no paediatrician is required.
  • The medical evaluation focuses on your child’s health, functioning, and wellbeing and contributes to identifying characteristics that may be relevant to a diagnosis of autism and/or other conditions. We will send you an evaluation form for your GP to complete prior to our assessment and recommend that a double appointment is made to allow them to complete the evaluation. Any additional observations from your medical professional, for example a letter, are welcome.
• Do I receive a Medicare rebate?  
  • If deemed eligible, Medicare rebates are available for a portion of the fee for assessment of a ‘complex neurodevelopmental disorder’ when the child is present. Up to 8 sessions can be claimed over the lifespan. The client must be under 25 years of age and they have been referred by a paediatrician or psychiatrist. Typically, we will be able to claim 1-2 Medicare sessions per assessment. For more information please visit: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-items-for-complex-neurodevelopmental-disorders-and-eligible-disabilities