Child Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Diagnostic Assessment
Autism is a condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment. ASD impacts an individual’s communication and social abilities and presents with repetitive style behaviours. It is a lifelong condition impacting typical development over the lifespan. Every person with autism is different to every other, this is why it is described as a ‘spectrum’.
What to do if you’re concerned your child might have autism?
The best thing you can do is visit your GP or paediatrician to discuss your concerns. Each child develops at their own pace and may need some support in reaching some developmental milestones. They may refer you for an assessment through a psychologist, that’s where we can help.
What to expect during an autism spectrum disorder assessment?
At Emerald Psychology Practice:
A referral from a paediatrician or GP is preferred.
An initial appointment is booked to discuss background information, family and developmental history, current presentation, etc.
An intake questionnaire will be emailed to you on booking to get to know your child before the appointment.
After the initial appointment an itemised quote will be sent to you along with the number of appointments required
If you are happy to proceed, call us to book the required appointments
Typically you will attend three to four appointments, each 60 minutes long which include a cognitive (or IQ) assessment. Usually we use ADOS, ADI-R, WISC-V and WPPSI-IV assessments
FEE - approximately $2400
Further Info
It is also recommended to engage with a speech pathologist to support the assessment of communication in exploring ASD.
Funding options to support an assessment for diagnosis of ASD?
Funding for ASD assessment can be limited. Medicare may provide a rebate for the consultation fees with a valid paediatrician referral or Mental Health Care Plan from a GP. Where to get more information on ASD:
● https://www.autismspectrum.org.au/
Cognitive Assessments for Children & Adolescents
What is a cognitive assessment?
An educational (or cognitive) assessment uncovers strengths and challenges in a child’s intellectual profile, learning performance, behavioural challenges and social emotional functioning.
Our assessment process is tailored towards the individual needs of each unique child we meet by including the following steps;
An adaptive behaviour report – teacher or parent interview form using the Vineland 3 (if required).
Administration of the cognitive assessment..
A detailed assessment report of findings with tailored behavioural and educational recommendations for your child.
A parent feedback session to discuss your child’s assessment and answer any questions you may have.
The Cognitive Assessments offered at Emerald Psychology Practice use the WPPSI-IV and the WISC-V
FEE - approximately $1500
ADHD Assessments
An Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder assessment will ask about the child/adolescent's behaviour at home, at school and socially.
An ADHD assessment involves;
Interviewing parent and child
Reviewing family history, medical history and developmental history
Parent and teacher completed child behaviour rating scales (usually using the Conners 4 ADHD scales)
Comparing results to diagnostic criteria from DSM-5
Reviewing earlier school records
Cognitive (IQ) testing using the WISC-V or WPPSI-IV. A cognitive test is implemented to ascertain if the child or adolescent has a cognitive profile that is often seen in individuals with ADHD. The cognitive assessment also can show various cognitive strengths and weaknesses and preferred learning style.
Feedback session discussing report, results and recommendations
FEE - approximately $1600
Dyslexia and Dysgraphia
‘Dyslexia’ (very simply) refers to on-going difficulties with reading and ‘Dysgraphia’ refers to someone who has ongoing difficulties with spelling and writing. Dyslexia can cause some frustration for those who have it, especially with the misconceptions surrounding the disorder. It can be difficult to find the right help, and stressful when seeking an assessment. At Emerald Psychology Practice, we are delighted to offer dyslexia and dysgraphia diagnostic assessments for children with highly qualified psychologists and a supportive approach.
We refer to the DSM-5 criteria for Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) in order to diagnose dyslexia and dysgraphia. We use a variety of standardised assessments, including the WPPSI-IV, WISC-V and WIAT-III, in order to assess phonological awareness, fluency and reading comprehension.
The assessment involves the following:
Background information provided by parent/carer and school
WISC-V/WPPSI-IV assessment of cognitive strengths and weaknesses
WIAT III Educational Achievement tests which includes: Spelling, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Handwriting, Numeracy/ Maths
Feedback session with results and recommendations
All the test results and recommendations are provided to you in a comprehensive written report.
The written report is typically available within three weeks of the assessment.
FEE: approximately $2000
Formal Behavioural Assessments (ODD & ADHD)
Screening for some psychological conditions, such as mood disorders, and behavioural disorders, such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder can be undertaken with a formal behaviour assessment. This involves a parent interview of approximately one hour. The assessment is then scored, the scores compared to diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5 and a formal report with assessment results and recommendations is prepared.
One type of formal behavioural assessment available utilises the Achenbach Child Behaviour Checklists (ASEBA; CBCL). These parent- and teacher-rated assessments are for children aged from eighteen months to eighteen years.
Another type of formal behavioural assessment available with our team is the Conners-3 ADHD Scales, measuring the probability a child has ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Conduct Disorder. This assessment is for children from six to eighteen years of age.
A formal behaviour assessment is useful for school funding applications under the criteria of Severe Behaviour Disorder.
FEE: approximately$1200 – $1500
Adaptive Skills Assessment
An adaptive skills assessment compares a child’s skills in the areas of communication, social interaction, motor skills and self-care skills to the level of skill expected for their age. The purpose of the assessment is to determine whether a child is showing age-appropriate development in skills needed for everyday life.
The adaptive skills assessment available at Emerald Psychology Practice utilises the Vineland Scales of Adaptive Behaviour- Second Edition (Vineland-II), Teacher Edition. This assessment is completed by the child’s teacher at child care, kindergarten or school. A questionnaire is completed and scored, and a formal report with assessment results and recommendations is prepared.
If a child has never been in a formal learning program outside the home, a Vineland Scales of Adaptive Behaviour, Second Edition (Vineland-III) Parent Report Form will be administered instead.
FEE: approximately $1100 – $1400
Adult Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Assessments
Emerald Psychology provides Adult Autism assessments with a trained Clinical Psychologist. To access this service, you must have a GP or medical specialist referral specifically requesting this assessment. One of our psychologists will meet with you for one counselling session before your assessment to better understand your circumstances and ensure this is the right assessment path for you.
The assessment itself consists of approximately three appointments from start to end and some self-report questionnaires. In your last session, your psychologist will explain the outcome and provide you with a full diagnostic report. If there is a diagnosis, support levels are included. Regardless of the outcome, our psychologists will consider what may be helpful for you moving forward and recommendations.
If you are wanting to continue support post assessment, this is available.
Total estimated cost is between $1225-$1500, and with a MHTP from your GP you would receive approximately $263.2 back in rebates (this does not include your initial session).
*the psychologist will consider which measures (questionnaires) are appropriate for each unique client and will discuss with the client if measures exceeding this cost are required.
FEE: approximately $1225 – $1500
Adult ADHD Diagnostic Assessments
Emerald Psychology provides Adult ADHD assessments with highly trained psychologists. To access this service, you must have a GP or medical specialist referral specifically requesting this assessment. One of our psychologists will meet with you for one counselling session before your assessment to better understand your circumstances and ensure this is the right assessment path for you.
The assessment itself consists of approximately four appointments from start to end, and some self-report questionnaires. In your last session your psychologist will explain the outcome and provide you with a full diagnostic report. Regardless of the outcome, our psychologists will consider what may be helpful for you moving forward and recommendations.
If you are wanting to continue support post assessment, this is available.
Total estimated cost is between $1450-$1800, and with a MHTP from your GP you would receive approximately $395 back in rebates. (This does not include your initial session)
*the psychologist will consider which measures (questionnaires) are appropriate for each unique client, and will discuss with the client if measures exceeding this cost are required.
FEE: Approximately $1450 – $1800