Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterised by difficulties with social-communication and interaction, restricted/repetitive interests and behaviours, and sensory sensitivities.
Common features include:
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Delayed or unusual speech
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Unusual/reduced non-verbal communication
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Reduced interest in peers/having friends
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Difficulty navigating social interactions
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Lack of social reciprocity e.g., one-sided conversations
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Insisting on sameness/difficulty coping with change
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Odd/intense interests e.g., mobile phone plans
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Unusual/repetitive mannerisms e.g., hand flapping
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Stereotyped play e.g., lining up objects
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Lack of imaginative/pretend play
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Echoing others' speech/things heard e.g., "doors closing, please stand clear"
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Compulsive/ritualistic behaviour e.g., only eating white foods
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Sensory seeking behaviours e.g., mouthing objects
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Sensory sensitivities e.g., loud noise, bright lights
What is Autism
WHAT WE OFFER
At our clinic, we offer comprehensive ASD assessments for children aged 3-13. The main assessment instruments used are the ADOS-2, ADI-R, and SRS-2. Use of the ADOS-2 and ADI-R in combination are considered the gold standard approach for ASD testing.
PURPOSE OF Autism TESTING
Autism Testing has the potential to:
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Obtain diagnostic clarity as to whether a child/teen has ASD and make better sense of their strengths/challenges
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Help determine what interventions/supports may be helpful in supporting the young person reach their potential
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Assist with accessing extra supports at school e.g. classroom accomodations and special exam provisions etc
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Help with accessing government funding e.g. NDIS funding, Centrelink Carer’s Allowance
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Evaluate intervention progress
An Autism Assessment typically involves four stages:
What is involved

Autism Testing
Please note that we are not currently accepting new testing referrals.
1
CHILD Assessment
The first step is for your child to be assessed on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), which is an observational assessment designed to assess social-communication and interaction, and restricted/repetitive interests and behaviours.
Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours
2
Parent Interview
Your clinician will then meet with you to gather a comprehensive history about your child's social-communication and interaction, and behaviour. We generally use the Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised Edition (ADI-R) to achieve this.
Duration: 3 hours
3
ONline Questionnaire
You and your child's teacher(s) are then required to complete an online assessment (Social Responsiveness Scale, 2nd Edition) which looks at social communication/interaction and restricted/repetitive behaviours.
Duration: 15 - 20 minutes (per questionnaire)
4