Eastside Psychology Clinic is now offering comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments for adults.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is characterised by social communication and social interaction deficits as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. As such, individuals with ASD may have difficulty forming friendships or prefer to be by themselves, they may struggle to understand what others are thinking or feeling, they may have trouble understanding social cues, facial expressions and body language, they may get very anxious about social situations, they may take things literally, and they may have the same routine and struggle with change. Individuals with ASD also have strong areas of interest in certain subjects or activities.
ASD is often comorbid with other disorders including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders and depressive disorders.
How can a Psychologist help with ASD?
Psychologists who have specialist training and experience can provide an assessment for ASD which will:
- formally evaluate whether someone meets diagnostic criteria for ASD,
- give a better understanding of an individual’s strengths and weaknesses,
- provide recommendations for treatment, and
- provide support for special consideration in school, university or the workplace.
What does an ASD assessment for adults involve?
Currently, the “gold standard” Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment process involves the administration of two valid and reliable assessment instruments which are the Autism Diagnostic interview – Revised Edition (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – 2nd Edition (ADOS-2). Both tests require specialised training and expertise by Psychologists, Psychiatrists or Paediatricians.
The ADI-R is a detailed clinical interview usually conducted with parents or caregivers. Interview responses are scored with the aid of a specifically designed algorithm consistent with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders – 5th Edition (DSM-V) diagnostic criteria.
The ADOS-2 is a semi-structured standardised clinical observation measure aimed at examining impairments in social communication and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviours.
The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Diagnostic Scale – Revised (RAADS-R) is a clinician-administered questionnaire that assesses social relatedness problems, circumscribed interests, language, and sensory motor symptoms associated with ASD.
Other sources of information (if available) such as reports from health professionals, teachers, and family members are also valuable in an adult ASD assessment.
An ASD assessment for adults usually takes approximately 2-3 hours.
Interpretation and Report: On completion of the ASD assessment, the overall assessment results are scored and interpreted. Reports that include detailed information (usually 8-10 pages in total length) about the results of your assessment and treatment recommendations will be emailed to you typically within 2 weeks from the date of the assessment.
Cost: The fee for an Adult ASD assessment at Eastside Psychology Clinic is $1500. If you are under 25 years of age, you can receive a Medicare rebate for a diagnostic assessment for neurodevelopmental disabilities such as ASD. If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible for a rebate depending on your level of cover.
To make an enquiry about whether you or someone you know may benefit from an ASD assessment, please get in touch.