Autism Diagnosis and Assessments
Autism Assessments
At One Central Health, we provide comprehensive autism assessments for children and adults in Perth and across Western Australia. Our highly experienced autism specialists take a thorough and individualised approach to autism testing, helping to identify whether an individual meets the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Our autism assessments are conducted according to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to ensure reliable and consistent diagnoses.
As part of our autism diagnosis process, we provide therapists for both required aspects of an autism assessment. These include:
Other developmental conditions may present during autism testing, including Auditory Processing Disorder, which we will outline and help to treat. The One Central Health team can conduct all aspects of autism assessments in one of our clinics or via telehealth. If you’d like to make an appointment for an autism assessment and diagnosis, get in touch with us today.
To start the process of an autism assessment, you need a referral from a paediatrician, a GP, or you can self-refer.
Autism Diagnosis Across Perth and WA
To start the process of an autism assessment, you need a referral from a paediatrician, a GP, or you can self-refer.
Once we receive your referral, an autism assessment will be booked into a joint session with one of our psychologists and speech pathologists. If your child is being assessed, parents/guardians will also be booked in for a clinical interview. Additional information is gathered from therapists and teachers, as needed.
Then a comprehensive report is prepared to address the DSM-5 criteria for ASD and provide an autism diagnosis where appropriate.
Autism Assessment Process at One Central Health
Step 1: Visit your GP or paediatrician for a referral, or make a self-referral.
Step 2: Book in your autism assessment with One Central Health.
Step 3: Attend your autism assessment and receive a comprehensive report and diagnosis.
Step 4: Speak to the One Central Health team to create an ongoing treatment and therapy plan with our comprehensive range of paediatric and allied health services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Assessments
If you’re considering an autism assessment, you may have questions about the assessment process, what to expect and how an autism diagnosis is made. We’ve answered some of the most common questions about autism assessments, testing and diagnosis below.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
ASD, or commonly just referred to as autism, is a developmental disorder. Autism can affect communication, behaviour, and social functioning. While symptoms are commonly recognised during the early years of a child’s life, individuals can be diagnosed at any age.
What are some of the signs of autism?
There are a lot of potential symptoms of autism. Some of the more common signs include:
- Lack of eye contact.
- Inability to engage in conversation.
- Limited social awareness.
- Difficulty understanding the moods and actions of others.
- Specific and excessive yet limited interests.
- Behaviour repetition.
- Reliance on strict routine.
- Sleep problems.
- Developmental issues.
This list is by no means exhaustive or conclusive. We strongly recommend seeing your General Practitioner if you think your child may have ASD.
What does it mean that autism is a spectrum?
Individuals diagnosed with autism can experience a wide range of symptoms with differing levels of severity. No diagnosis of autism is exactly the same as another person’s, as it is not a linear diagnosis from mild to severe. It is far more nuanced than that, and encompasses a broad range of abilities and challenges at varying levels – unique to each individual.
This complex diversity of traits allows us to embrace a new model, as illustrated below, which is applicable to a vast array of presentations, and more concisely illustrates that an Autism diagnosis is not linear, but rather a tool for understanding a person’s unique ASD profile within a multi-dimensional spectrum.
How is autism supported?
Autism can be supported in a number of ways. Medication can be used to treat certain symptoms, such as aggressive behaviour, hyperactivity, anxiety, or attention issues.
Additionally, therapy—including psychology, occupational therapy, speech pathology, and behaviour therapy—is used to help both diagnosed clients and their families.
One Central Health provides comprehensive autism assessment and therapy services across a range of allied health disciplines.
What is the DSM-5?
The DSM-5 is the method with which mental disorders are diagnosed. Developed and regulated by the American Psychiatric Association in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, (hence the name DSM-5) this method ensures consistent and reliable diagnoses, and is the standard by which all mental disorder assessments, including autism assessments, are measured.
Contact Us About Our Autism Services Today
With some of WA’s most trusted Autism psychologists and specialists, One Central Health is a one-stop clinic for accurate autism assessments and diagnosis across Australia. If you would like to arrange an autism assessment you can fill out our contact form below.
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