The first steps to getting an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment or diagnosis can be quite daunting and overwhelming, and we speak to many parents and carers who don’t know what to expect going into these meetings and assessments.
The expert team of clinical psychologists at Mind Movers Psychology, perform ASD & ADHD assessments weekly and share their knowledge and expertise to help YOU prepare for what these assessments involve so you can best prepare.
This resources includes information about:
- How to go about getting an ASD or ADHD assessment?
- What is involved in ASD and ADHD testing with a psychologist
- The process for ADHD diagnosis
- The process for ASD diagnosis
Mind Movers Psychology specialise in helping parents, children and families reach their full potential by providing a safe space to learn the skills and mindset to feel empowered and connected in their lives.
Step 1 – Book into GP
Once you or a teacher has begun noticing symptoms of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – book in to see your regular GP or Paediatrician to determine if further testing and a diagnosis is required
- a GP will provide you with a referral to explore diagnosis, they are unable to assess and diagnose. If you are hesitant and unsure about testing you can book in to see your paediatrician
- A paediatrician can do an in-depth developmental milestone assessment and help identify if there is a need for further testing
Step 2 – See a specialist
A psychologist will not only diagnose but will also provide you with a detailed recommendation plan for support, and the next steps for home, school and other potential services to help with intervention. A psychologist can also support a school in developing any learning plans that will be utilised and developed as part of the support for the child once they have been assessed.
If a parent is looking to explore both ASD and ADHD tests are combined.
- The caregivers involved with the child will meet with the psychologist alone for an initial assessment where they will gather important background information, goals/priorities and the purpose of the assessment.
This generally takes 1 hour. - Your child will come to the clinic for their assessment part. In this appointment they will undertake a Cognitive assessment, a semi-structured interview and a computerised test of attention. The clinician advertising the testing will also be gathering important observations about your child as they undertake the testing.
This can take between 1.5-2 hours. - A clinician will score, analyse and assess all the results and collate this information together with the information gathered in the initial interview and write the findings of the report. They will put a profile of your child together, explore whether they meet the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition (DSM) for ADHD and develop important recommendations.
- Feedback session with the caregivers to go through the results, recommendations and next steps
Who can do the assessments?
- 1 health professional (Psychologist, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician) OR
- A multidisciplinary team
What kind of assessments are done?
The ASD assessment processes will normally take place after a thorough medical assessment has been carried out to examine any other causes for the child’s behaviour and any developmental delays that may be present.
An ASD assessment will involve a structured interview with parents as well as a structured play and observation session with the child.
In the parent interview, there will be questions asked about developmental history, and an overview of their current social, communication and play behaviours through an interview with the parents.
When there is possible funding involved and school planning, a psychologist will also incorporate a cognitive assessment (if over the age of 6 years old). All these diagnostic tools are utilised by the clinician who then will analyse the results and assess them against the DSM-5 criteria.
What is the DSM5 diagnostic process?
The DSM 5 is a diagnostic manual of mental disorders that is the gold standard for clinical diagnosis.
- The caregivers involved with the child will meet with the psychologist alone for an initial assessment where they will gather important background information, goals/priorities and the purpose of the assessment.
- Parents/Caregivers come in on another day for a formal Autism interview called the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R).
- Child comes into the clinic to meet with a clinician who will administer the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). This generally involves scenarios administered through pictures, play and structured questions depending on the child’s age and presentation.
- Child comes in for a cognitive assessment (if the child is under the age of 6 this will not be done)
- A clinician will score, analyse and assess all the results and collate this information together with the information gathered in the initial interview and write the findings of the report. They will put a profile of your child together, explore whether they meet the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition (DSM) for ASD and develop important recommendations.
- Feedback session with the caregivers to go through the results, recommendations and next steps.
