Autism Spectrum Assessment
Melissa has over 10 years of experience in Autism Spectrum Assessment. She enjoys working closely with other clinicians, such as speech pathologists, paediatricians, occupational therapists, to assess whether a person meets diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Melissa is experienced in conducting Autism Spectrum Assessment for children (2 - 18 years old) and adults.
​
Melissa conducts a specialist Autism Assessment Clinic in Geelong on Fridays.
Child Assessment
Melissa prefers to use the ADOS-2 (the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition) as part of her assessment. With children (2 - 18 years old) and adolescents this is a play based assessment of key areas in the diagnosis of Autism including:
-
Communication
-
Social interaction
-
Play
The ADOS-2 must be used as part of a holistic assessment that includes a thorough developmental history/parent interview first.
In some cases a cognitive assessment (IQ test) should be conducted as part of the Autism Spectrum assessment to understands the person’s whole developmental condition.
Steps...
The parts of an Autism Assessment include:
1st Session: 1 hour parent history
2nd Session: 91-120 min child cognitive assessment
3rd Session: 91-120 min child play observation
4th Session: 1 hour parent feedback
Finally: A comprehensive report summarising the assessment observations, diagnosis (where given), and recommendations for intervention.
The recommended gold standard assessment for Autism, especially in children and adolescents, recommends a Speech Pathologist and Psychologist as well as a Paediatrician.
Speech Pathologist and Paediatrician fees are separate.
To see a Paediatrician you will first require a referral from your GP - please note that it is common for there to be a 3-6 month wait to see a Paediatrician. Rebates may be available for Autism Assessments if a Paediatrician has referred under the Helping Children with Autism package through Medicare which allocates up to four sessions of rebate to be used amongst Allied Health (Psychology, Speech, Occupational Therapy). The rebate is $87.45 for psychologists and can be used for all three sessions.
​
NDIS funding may also be used for diagnosis in some cases.
Adolescent and Adult Assessment
Varying tools are used with adults and adolescents; and paper and pen or online questionnaires may also be used with older clients.
​
The ADOS-2 will inform parts of Autism Spectrum Assessment with adults also.
Steps...
The parts of an Autism Assessment include:
1st Session: Gathering an understanding of your personal circumstances, the factors that may have led you to seek an Autism Assessment, and a history of your development including early childhood
2nd Session: Assessing features of Autism in close detail
3rd Session: Feedback of assessment outcomes
Finally: A comprehensive report summarising the assessment observations, diagnosis (where given), and recommendations for intervention.