Autism Assessments
An Autism assessment gathers comprehensive information about an individual’s behaviour, development, social interaction and functional capacity. An Autism assessment can provide support and guidance for individuals and families by offering an understanding of the individuals neurotype as well as strengths and challenges. It can help individuals and families access appropriate resources and support services. TP Assessments use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) criteria for Autism, which is the preferred method of assessment by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Our Autism assessments and reports can be used to apply for the NDIS.
TP Assessments also ensure that our Autism assessments align with the Autism CRC National Guidelines for the assessment and diagnosis of Autism in Australia. These guidelines state Autism assessments may be undertaken as a Lead Practitioner Diagnostic Evaluation or a Consensus Team Diagnostic Evaluation.
A Lead Practitioner Diagnostic Evaluation is suited to clients whose clinical presentation is sufficiently clear and a diagnostic decision can be reliably made with high confidence by one suitably qualified and experienced clinician (i.e., paediatrician, or a clinical, educational/developmental, or neuro psychologist).
Consensus Team Diagnostic Evaluations are suited to individuals whose presentation is more complex or subtle, and where an accurate diagnostic determination of these individuals requires assessment from a broader multidisciplinary team.
TP Assessments primarily undertake Lead Practitioner Diagnostic Evaluations by clinical psychologists. A Lead Practitioner Diagnostic Evaluation will result in one of the following three outcomes:
- high confidence that the individual does not meet diagnostic criteria for Autism or another clinical diagnosis.
- high confidence that the individual does meet diagnostic criteria for Autism or another clinical diagnosis.
- high confidence not yet being achieved as to whether the individual meets diagnostic criteria for Autism or another clinical diagnosis, and a Consensus Team Diagnostic Evaluation is required.
Where needed, TP Assessments can conduct a Consensus Team Diagnostic Evaluation . In these cases, two psychologists (at least one being clinically endorsed) will perform these assessments. In the rare case where a high confidence diagnostic decision cannot be made by TP Assessments due to the complexity of the presentation, referral recommendations will be provided, and TP Assessments will collaborate with other clinicians as required to further the assessment.
The following link provides further information regarding assessment for Autism:
What is Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopment difference, or different neurotype, meaning an Autistic brain is structured differently to a neurotypical brain type. Individuals with an Autistic neurotype think, feel, interact with others and experience the environment in unique ways. The diagnostic criteria for Autism includes differences in the following areas:
Other common Autistic experiences include differences in how someone experiences and responds to their emotions, the ability to learn and engage with social norms or expectations to “fit in” (masking or camouflaging), differences in their intellectual abilities and profile, an ability to think creatively and outside the box and persistent feelings of anxiety.
Another criterion to receive an Autism diagnosis is that the individual experiences functional impacts. This means that the individual has difficulty doing what is needed to get through life. These difficulties can occur across a range of life domains, such as self-care, social, work, school and community use. Specific examples of functional activities that an Autistic person might find challenging include completing household chores, making and maintaining social connections, accessing forms of transport, using the phone, completing schoolwork, finding or maintaining a job, or taking care of themselves. It is important to remember that functional difficulties occur when there is a poor fit between the environment and the individual. Given the world is designed for neurotypical brain types, Autistic individuals often do not experience a good fit between themselves and the environment around them. This is not the fault of the individual, and with appropriate supports, accommodations and understanding, these difficulties can often be reduced, and can help someone move from surviving to thriving within their environment.
The Autistic neurotype is thought to exist on a spectrum. The Autism Spectrum is not linear and varies greatly from one individual to another, reflecting the diversity within the Autistic community. This means that not one Autistic person is the same as another, in the same way that not one neurotypical person is the same as the other. A person’s Autistic experiences are also not static, and can change over their lifetime.
There is no treatment or “cure” for Autism, as it is a difference in how the brain works and does not need to be cured or fixed. Rather, neuro-affirming supports focus on implementing strategies that are tailored to the individual’s unique needs and goals. This can be quite varied, and might look like helping an Autistic person identify their sensory preferences to help them self-soothe, helping them to identify and express their needs in a way that feels comfortable for them or helping them to connect with the Autistic community in their area.