Diagnostic Processes

The first step in the diagnostic process is to visit a medical specialist (pediatrician, child psychiatrist or neurologist). If your child is diagnosed with autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD), Aspergers Syndrome or Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), you can request for your child to become a client of Autism Queensland.
As a client they will have access to Autism Queensland's full range of services.

Children on playground equipment

Common areas of assessment include:

Speech and Language
Alternative and Augumentative Communication
Problem solving Skills
Social Interaction Skills
Literacy
Handwriting
Fine Motor Skills
Sensory Information Processing
Visual Perception
Self-care Skills
Play Skills

Autism Queensland AssessmentS

Assessments allow for parents and staff to seek additional information and recommendations about particular areas of need as outlined above. Assessments usually occur at Autism Queensland’s Therapy and Education Centre but can take place in whatever environment is appropriate (e.g. school, childcare, home). The discipline of the training team member will be determined by the particular issues of concern (e.g. speech pathologist for a speech and language assessment, occupational therapist for assessment of fine motor skills).

Assessments can take the form of either a brief screening assessment or a more detailed comprehensive assessment.

Option 1: Screening Assessment
Designed to support parents and service providers to identify issues of need, possible future directions and general recommendations, a screening assessment is completed by a member of our training team. A screening assessment is usually comprised of caregiver/teacher questionnaire, targeted observation, informal assessment and discussion
with significant others. Screening assessments usually comprise between 1 ½ to 2 hours with the child and/or significant others. A short report is provided. This will outlinine the issues observed and discussed during the assessment. Relevant recommendations to further develop identified areas of need is also provided and explained either in person or over the telephone. In some instances, recommendations may include the need for a more comprehensive assessment or for a multi-disciplinary assessment. If this occurs, the cost of additional assessment would be altered accordingly.

Option 2: Comprehensive Assessment
A comprehensive assessment involves an in-depth assessment of particular aspects of development and need. As such, the recommendations of the assessment can be more effectively targeted to the individual’s specific needs and skills. A comprehensive assessment is usually comprised of both formalised assessment tools and informal
assessment (including caregiver/teacher questionnaire, targeted observation, informal assessment and discussion with a significant other). These assessments are usually 3 hours in duration (over multiple sessions if necessary). This assessment is followed by a detailed report outlining areas of difficulties, skills and recommendations focused on strategies and priorities for intervention and ongoing support that will enable improvements in areas of need. The report and recommendations will be explained either in person or over the telephone.

Multi-disciplinary Assessment

At times, the needs of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder necessitate a full assessment across a range of areas. In these cases where families or professionals have concerns about overall development or with a range of issues, assessment is best undertaken from a more holistic perspective with input from a Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist and/or a Special Education Teacher.

Multi-disciplinary assessments attempt to provide an integrated report that allows those working with an individual with ASD to consider the overlapping influence of various areas of development on educational outcomes, social success, independence skills and inclusion within the family, school and wider community.

Costs:

Screening Assessment: $300.00 at Autism Queensland (travel additional)
Comprehensive Assessment: $450.00 at Autism Queensland (travel additional)
Multi-disciplinary Assessment: Costs are determined following a request for assessment. (Travel additional)

For a referral form or additional information, please contact the training team on 3273 0000.
If additional consultation or assessment is required this will be charged at $50 per ½ hour. Surcharges will apply for after hours and public holiday bookings.