Clear, compassionate

autism assessments for children

  • Individualised and strengths-focused
  • Information gathered across relevant settings
  • Clear findings, recommendations and next steps

Understanding your child through a comprehensive autism assessment

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference. Autistic children vary widely in how they communicate, interact, learn, play and experience sensory information. An assessment explores your child’s individual characteristics, strengths, daily functioning and support needs.

Families may seek an assessment when there are questions about development, communication, social interaction, behaviour, sensory experiences or participation at home, school or in the community. An assessment may help explain your child’s experiences and guide practical recommendations, whether or not it results in an autism diagnosis.

What can an autism assessment clarify?

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An assessment can build a clearer picture of your child’s strengths, differences, daily functioning and support needs. It may help families and educators understand your child’s experiences, identify helpful adjustments and make informed decisions about appropriate supports.

What does the assessment involve?

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The process is tailored to the child and may include a developmental history, interviews or questionnaires, direct interaction and observation, and information from relevant people such as parents, carers and teachers. With consent, information may also be gathered from other professionals or settings. No single questionnaire or assessment tool determines the outcome.

What happens after the assessment?

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The psychologist brings the available information together, explains the findings and provides a written report with practical recommendations. Recommendations should reflect your child’s strengths, needs and circumstances. Support can be considered according to need, regardless of whether the assessment results in a diagnosis.

What families can expect from an autism assessment

  • A child-centred, strengths-focused approach

    The assessment is individualised to your child’s age, communication style, circumstances and support needs. It considers strengths as well as areas where additional understanding, adjustments or support may be helpful.

  • Information from more than one source

    A comprehensive assessment may draw on developmental history, parent or carer perspectives, teacher information, clinical observation and standardised assessment tools. The exact components depend on the referral question and your child’s circumstances.

  • Clear findings and practical next steps

    Following the assessment, findings are discussed with the family and documented in a report. Recommendations may relate to home, education, healthcare or community participation and should be tailored to your child’s identified strengths and support needs.

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Our Process

1. Start with a consultation

We learn about your child, your concerns and the support you are seeking.

2. Plan the right approach

Your psychologist recommends appropriate next steps based on your child’s needs and circumstances.

3. Assessment or support begins

This may include appointments with your child or family, questionnaires, observations or information from other professionals.

4. Review and next steps

We discuss progress or findings and provide practical recommendations for home, school and ongoing care.

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Assessment Tools

We commonly use the following tools for a variety of purposes and age groups when completing this kind of assessment.

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)

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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.

Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (Vineland-3)

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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)

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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.

The Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum

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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.

Our Team

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.

Assessments and Treatments

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.

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Get Started Today

Complete the form to schedule an assessment or treatment plan for your child.

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