Autism Assessment
It can be a confusing and overwhelming time for many families when having their child assessed for Autism Spectrum Disorder. At Speak With Us, we try to make sure all our families understand what to expect and how to prepare ahead of time for such an assessment.
What assessments do we use?
We use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2nd Edition, or more commonly known as, the ADOS to assess ASD in children and adolescents.
An ADOS assessment is a semi-structured, standardised evaluation that looks at four key areas of behaviour:
- Communication
- Social interaction
- Play
- Restricted and repetitive behaviours
The ADOS uses a range of activities designed to bring out behaviours commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Condition. During these tasks, the clinician observes and codes your child’s responses, which helps guide diagnosis, treatment planning, and educational recommendations (Lord et al., 2012).
The ADOS includes five modules, and the clinician selects the most appropriate module based on your child’s developmental stage and language level (Lord et al., 2012).
Who completes the assessment?
Our Autism Assessments are completed in a team approach by our experienced speech pathologists working closely with our consulting psychologist.
What does this assessment include?
This includes:
- Completion of intake questionnaire. Several questionnaires will be sent to the parents/carers to be completed prior to the parent-only consultation.
- Parent-only consultation interview. Parent’s/carers will meet with our clinician to discuss family history, background information, challenges and any other concerns. This can be completed online or in person. (1-1.5hours)
- A face to face observation with the child in-clinic using a standardized diagnostic assessment, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale – 2 (ADOS-2) (60 to 90 minutes)
- An optional additional observation in- clinic or at the families home (60 minutes)*
- Formal Assessment Report completed and reviewed by our consulting Psychologist for diagnostic purposes within 4-6 weeks of the completion of the Assessment.
- Face to face appointment (online or in-clinic) with parent/caregiver to explain assessment results.
Total Cost: $2387.88
Please note that full payment is required 7 business days before the assessment appointment. This payment will not include any additional optional costs.
*Additional cost at therapist rate $193.99 for a speech pathologist, and $232.99 for a psychologist.
