Autism spectrum disorder is a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviours.
ASD is usually first diagnosed in childhood with many of the most obvious signs presenting around 2-3 years old, but some children with autism develop normally until toddlerhood when they stop acquiring or lose previously gained skills.
Diagnostic Assessment can be done from as little as 18 months. This is a specialised assessment, which helps the psychologist understand the presence of traits clear with diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Typically an autism assessment includes:
- Adaptive Behaviour Assessment
- Psychometric assessment
- Behaviour Assessment
- Autism Observation Diagnostic Assessment (ADOS 2)
- Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS2)
- Preschool / School /Home Observations
- Parents and Teacher Interviews