Autism Assessments

Autism Assessments

What is Autism?

Autism is a naturally occurring variation in the way people think, communicate, move, and engage with others. It’s not something to “fix” but something to understand and support. Autistic people may experience the world differently – sometimes in ways that bring unique strengths and sometimes in ways that benefit from tailored support.

Characteristics of autism may be detected in early childhood but may not be diagnosed until later in life.

Signs That May Indicate Autism

Children and Adolescents

  • Lack of social and emotional exchanges e.g., pointing, smiling.
  • Lack of eye contact when speaking.
  • Loss of language skills at any age.
  • Restricted or fixed interests.
  • Stereotyped or repetitive speech.
  • A strong reaction to sensory inputs like sound.

Adults

  • Struggling with time management.
  • Feeling sensitive to the environment.
  • Feeling a sense of isolation.
  • Difficulty paying attention.
  • Struggling to pay attention to detail or too strong an attention to detail.
  • Feeling anxious in social situations.
  • Having difficulty maintaining relationships.
  • Becoming overwhelmed easily.

What is the Autism assessment process?

At Bowyer Psychology, our experienced Clinical Neuropsychologists conduct comprehensive assessments to determine an Autism diagnosis in line with the DSM-V-TR criteria. We accept both self-referrals and referrals from medical practitioners for assessments.

The first step in the process is a pre-assessment consultation. This session gives you an opportunity to discuss your concerns and for the Clinical Neuropsychologist to gather background information such as developmental history, schooling, social experiences, and any other relevant information. The Clinical Neuropsychologist will discuss with you the assessment process and provides a chance to ask any questions you may have.  

From here, the assessment is booked in based on the consultation.

The assessment is a comprehensive process that typically involves 2 to 4 hours of psychometric testing. An additional clinical interview is conducted with your parent(s)/legal guardian to gather further insight on development.

Questionnaires are sent to relevant personnel that know you the best such as parents, teachers, or partners. Other collateral information is obtained including school reports or medical history information.

Once the assessment is complete, the Clinical Neuropsychologist will collate all the information and compile a comprehensive report. The report will detail relevant background information; testing scores; and a summary of findings. The report will also provide individualised recommendations including relevant accommodations that will help provide support!

The outcome will be discussed in a 1-hour feedback session conducted approximately 4 weeks after the assessment.

Our clinic adheres to the Consensus Team Diagnostic Evaluation model, in accordance with the Autism CRC National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia. 

Autism assessments are conducted by a clinical neuropsychologist, in collaboration with either a speech pathologist or a paediatrician. The joint evaluation will always involve a clinical neuropsychologist along with either a speech pathologist or a paediatrician, depending on clinician availability at the time of assessment.

What if multiple diagnoses are required?

Our clinicians can provide differential diagnosis to ensure a comprehensive assessment. An Autism assessment can be combined with other types of assessments if this is required or identified in the pre-assessment consultation.

How much does an assessment cost?

Please contact our friendly admin team on (08) 6317 6000 or email to enquiries@bowyerpsychology.com.au for details on pricing. Our fee is inclusive of all testing required; questionnaires; review of collateral information; a comprehensive report; and a 1-hour feedback session.

Are the diagnosis and comprehensive report accepted by NDIS?

Yes, our reports are accepted by the NDIS as our clinicians have the appropriate clinical training recognised by the NDIS. 

Further supports available:

We can provide further support after the assessment process. This can include:

A Multidisciplinary Team Providing Assessment, Diagnosis & Therapy

Established in 2007, Bowyer Psychology is a multidisciplinary practice in Mount Pleasant, Western Australia. Our team brings together Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, Speech Pathology and Paediatrics, providing assessment and therapy for children, adolescents, adults and older adults.

We work with a broad range of psychological, developmental, cognitive and neurological concerns, from everyday emotional and psychological difficulties through to complex presentations requiring specialised assessment and multidisciplinary input.

Our approach is evidence-based, collaborative and tailored to each individual. We take the time to understand your concerns, explain the assessment or treatment process clearly, and work with you to develop an approach that is appropriate to your needs.

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