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Some of our Clients
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Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are lifelong developmental conditions that affect approximately 1 in 100 children. The common areas of difficulty for children with ASD include communication, socialisation, sensory activities, and restricted or repetitive behaviours, interests or activities.
The severity and extent to which a child’s daily functioning is affected can range from mild to severe. The current diagnosis of ASD as specified by the DSM-V includes what was previously known as Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified. The assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder can be beneficial in:
Better understanding your child
A diagnosis can assist parents to learn more about their child’s unique profile of impairment. It can help them understand why their child may not be meeting developmental milestones or why they're exhibiting unusual behaviours, repetitive interests or social/communication difficulties.
Developing tailored treatment plans
This can assist parents and teachers in introducing individualised management plans and learning support plans at home and school to meet a child’s specific needs and assist with their communication skills, social interactions and behaviours.
Accessing additional assistance and funding:
Once a child is formally diagnosed with ASD, parents can apply for access to government funding entitlements and community services (eg Medicare, Centrelink Carer’s Allowance, the ‘Helping Children with Autism’ Program or the NDIS). Additionally, diagnosis can assist with applying for school-based funding for special support teachers in the classroom.
Current research suggests that the earlier a child is accurately diagnosed with ASD and starts effective tailored support programs and interventions, the better the developmental outcomes for the child.
The diagnosis of ASD requires a comprehensive assessment process and involves gathering information from a range of sources. The aim is to gather insight into a child’s strengths and weaknesses – in particular around their social interactions, communication skills, and demonstration of any atypical behaviours or interests.
This information can typically be obtained by administering standardised assessment tools, conducting a developmental history interview with parents, observing the child in their home and/or school environment, and/or conducting a teacher phone consult. While ASD is typically diagnosed in early childhood, the assessment process can be undertaken at any age. Our psychologists are specifically trained in assessing individuals with ASD and are qualified to make a diagnosis.
Autism assessments involve a detailed process. To help formulate an accurate diagnosis, they typically require:
With this knowledge, children and parents can start to better understand the underlying causes of challenging behaviour and formulate treatment plans to modify both the behaviour itself and its impact on everyday life.
We currently use the gold-standard Autism Diagnostic tools which has been rated as the most reliable diagnostic tool recognised by international ASD experts.
We commonly use the following tools for a variety of purposes and age groups when completing this kind of assessment.
The ADOS-2 is an observational assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). It is a semi-structured, standardised assessment of communication, social interaction, play, and restricted and repetitive behaviours.
The Vineland-3 is the leading instrument for supporting the diagnosis of intellectual and developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. It assesses skills including communication, daily living, socialisation and motor skills.
The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is a comprehensive and structured interview used for assessing children and adolescents suspected of having an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is used in conjunction with the ADOS-2 for an accurate diagnosis.
Discover the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2), a sensory-based tool designed to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder in children, adolescents, and adults. Learn how MIGDAS-2 efficiently gathers and organizes key diagnostic information, helping create personalised treatment plans.
Quirky Kid® would not be the company it is today without our talented, inspring and highly professional team that is as equally committed to the mental health and wellbeing of children as we are.
Our clinic provides psychological assessments and personalised treatment plans to support your child's needs. Our experienced psychologists gather detailed information to explore diagnoses and deliver effective interventions.
Each assessment results in a comprehensive report with background information, medical history, observations, and practical recommendations.
Our treatment plans address specific challenges and promote overall well-being.
Complete the form to schedule an assessment or treatment plan for your child.
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