All autism assessments are conducted by a multidisciplinary professional team, including a paediatrician or psychiatrist, a speech pathologist or occupational therapist, and a psychologist. The psychologist compiles all results and data into a report with recommendations and a provisional diagnosis, which the paediatrician or psychiatrist then confirms.
Process:
- Initial Screeners: Sent to clients, parents, and educators.
- Assessment Components: May include cognitive or educational evaluations based on individual needs.
- Assessment Tools: Utilizes instruments like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), especially for children under 12.
- Diagnostic Interviews: Conducted with parents based on DSM V criteria for Autism. Assessments are offered for clients aged 6 and above.
- Older Children and Adults: Uses the MIGDAS-2 as the preferred assessment tool and includes adaptive behavior assessment and additional rating scales as needed.
Age Range:
- Children (6 years and older):
- Initial screeners, cognitive or educational assessments.
- ADOS-2 for children under 12.
- Diagnostic interviews with parents.
- Older Children and Adults:
- MIGDAS-2 for assessment.
- Adaptive behavior assessment and additional rating scales as needed.
Tools:
- ADOS-2 and MIGDAS-2: Considered the “gold standard” tools often required for official funding (e.g., National Disability Insurance Scheme; NDIS).
- Includes an adaptive behavior assessment to determine functional capacity and may use additional rating scales for recommendations or identifying co-occurring conditions.
Fees:
- Fees for autism assessments vary based on individual needs and required assessment tools.
- Medicare rebates can be claimed for assessment sessions if you have a referral letter from a paediatrician or psychiatrist. These rebates typically cover four assessment sessions, though in some cases, they may be extended to cover additional sessions.
- Most assessment sessions are longer than standard sessions, often taking up to 90 minutes or requiring double sessions.
- Comprehensive autism assessments, including cognitive assessments, may require up to six clinic sessions, including parent sessions, plus four hours of analysis and report writing.
The fees for assessments reflect the significant time and effort involved. While costly, these fees cover the extensive work required to provide a thorough and accurate diagnosis.
Contact us to learn more about our Psychological Assessment Fees.
