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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterised by deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities. Individuals with ASD may exhibit a wide range of symptoms and abilities where the condition can present differently between individuals, which is why it’s referred to as a “spectrum” disorder.
Deficits in social communication and interaction can include:
Restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interest or activities can include:
The early signs of ASD is usually noticed in the first 12-24 months of life, however it may be noticed earlier if the signs are severe, or it may be noticed later if the signs are more subtle. It is not uncommon for some people to not be assessed and diagnosed for ASD until later childhood or even into adulthood. If this is the case for young adults or older, usually they have noticed that they feel different to other people or they have different kind of thinking or behaviours, however they may not realise it could potentially be ASD until they come across information somewhere that talks about ASD
Diagnosing ASD involves a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a trained Clinical Psychologist or Psychologist who understands Autism and other psychological conditions. The process typically begins with a thorough review of your developmental history, including early milestones and any concerns raised by your caregivers or educators. We will also gather information from parents, teachers, and other relevant sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of your behaviour and functioning across different settings.
During the assessment, your Clinical Psychologist will conduct standardised tests and observations to assess various domains of functioning, including social communication, behaviour, and sensory processing. These may include assessments which provide structured observations and interviews to assess autism-related symptoms. We will also administer various questionnaires that assess for Autism as well.
Additionally, your Clinical Psychologist may administer cognitive assessments, language assessments, and other direct psychometric tests to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses comprehensively. The process aims to identify patterns of behaviour consistent with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) while ruling out other possible explanations for these difficulties demonstrated (e.g., intellectual impairment). A thorough and accurate diagnosis is essential for guiding appropriate interventions and support strategies tailored to the individual’s needs.
It is important that we have confidence in our determination that your symptoms and history indicate a diagnosis of ASD with accuracy, as per the Diagnostics & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text-Revision (DSM-5-TR)
Psychometric tests used to assess and diagnose ASD are separated into questionnaires, direct psychometric testing instruments, or test batteries (if multiple instruments are to be administered). Some of the tests are specific to assessing and diagnosing ASD, whilst others are tests that are utilised for assessing and diagnosing different psychological and neuropsychological conditions, not just ASD. However, some commonly used tests for ASD can include those below:
What specific questionnaires and direct psychometric tests administered will vary from person to person that we are assessing for Autism. Various factors will determine what tests we recommend administering, including age, verbal communication ability, if intellectual impairment appears to also possibly be present, if ADHD also appears to be co-occurring amongst other factors.
Many people, whether teenagers or adults, who end up being diagnosed with ASD often suspect that something is ‘different’ about them, even if they are not sure how or why. The older they are, the longer they have usually noticed this feeling. In my clinical experience, every client I have clarified their diagnosis of ASD with (even if they did not suspect it themselves first) has found it beneficial in them learning about this condition they experience. Why? Because now they can start to make more sense of themselves and learn strategies on how to deal with specific challenges that they experience. It often also provides a sense of validation to the client that had been suspecting that something is ‘different’ about them or that they have ASD, to learn that they in fact do have ASD.
Another benefit is that diagnostic clarification of this condition opens up the opportunity for the person to get the extra help and support they need such as by:
On the note of NDIS, Level 2 and Level 3 ASD diagnoses usually result in approval for funding from NDIS (The National Disability Insurance Scheme – www.ndis.gov.au). Your Clinical Psychologist assessing your Autism condition will determine which level of Autism you fall into (Level 1, 2, 3) and explain this to you. They will also discuss the NDIS application process with you if you meet the diagnostic requirements, and they will be able to assist with completing the ‘Health Professionals’ application section of the form that is required to be completed.