Gold standard autism (ASD) diagnostic assessment for adults
Start with a Formal ASD Assessment for NDIS Support.
The ASD Assessment Clinic at Breakthrough Psychology Practice provides psychometric testing and diagnosis for adults who may be experiencing common signs potentially related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Gaining a formal diagnosis often serves as a crucial milestone for adults, allowing them to delve deeper into their identity and make sense of long-standing feelings of uniqueness and difference.
Is Adult Autism a Possibility? Look for these signs.
As adults, it's crucial to be aware of the signs that may indicate Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While self-diagnosis is not recommended, recognising these signs can help you determine if seeking a professional assessment is warranted. At the ASD Assessment Clinic @ Breakthrough Psychology Practice, we specialise in evaluating adults for ASD. Here are some common signs to look out for:
Social Challenges:
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Difficulty understanding social cues and nonverbal communication.
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Struggles with maintaining eye contact or engaging in reciprocal conversation.
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Difficulty establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships.
Communication Differences:
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Speech patterns that are formal, monotone, or lack intonation.
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Literal interpretation of language and difficulty understanding sarcasm or figurative expressions.
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Repetitive or rigid use of language, such as echoing or repeating phrases.
Sensory Sensitivities:
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Heightened sensitivity or aversion to certain sounds, lights, textures, or smells.
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Overwhelm or discomfort in crowded or busy environments.
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Strong preferences for routine and sameness.
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Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behaviours:
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Intense focus on specific topics or activities, often to the exclusion of other interests.
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Engaging in repetitive behaviours like hand-flapping, rocking, or lining up objects.
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Resistance to changes in routines or difficulty adapting to new situations.
Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behaviours:
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Hyper focus on specific topics or activities, often to the exclusion of other interests
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Engaging in repetitive behaviours (stimming) like hand-flapping, rocking, or lining up objects
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Resistance to routine changes or difficulty adapting to new situations
Executive Function Challenges:
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Difficulties with planning, organising, and prioritising tasks.
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Time management and punctuality challenges.
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Struggles with transitioning between activities or coping with unexpected changes.
It's important to remember that everyone's experience with ASD is unique, and not all individuals will display the same signs or to the same degree. If you or someone you know identifies with several of these signs, seeking a comprehensive assessment by our experienced clinicians can provide clarity and guidance.
What does testing for Adult Autism look like at Breakthrough Psychology Practice?
At our clinic, we take a comprehensive approach and collect information from yourself and as well as another person who knows you well. Our assessment approach includes three core components: a comprehensive interview with yourself, adaptive functioning questionnaires completed by another person, and a behavioural assessment. We are also looking to consider a 'differential diagnosis', which means ruling out that the current difficulties are not better explained by something else.
Each of these components is integral to the process and allows our clinicians to not only accurately diagnose you, but better understand your strengths, weaknesses, and what supports would be most beneficial for you.
In addition, we ask that you forward through any relevant medical or psychological reports. Sometimes, we may require additional tests to understand your symptoms better. If this is the case, your clinician will discuss with you what these tests are, their fees, and how they will help us build a better diagnosis.
Component 1: Comprehensive Adult Autism Intake Interview
The intake is a comprehensive 90-minute interview with yourself and the clinician. Here, the clinician will collect information about your developmental history, your social life, and your behaviours. If you have any questions or concerns you’d like to discuss, you can bring a list of these into the session.
Prior to your initial appointment, please complete our intake form here.
Component 2: Questionnaires – the AQ (Autism Quotient) and the Adaptive questionnaire (Vineland) - observer
We use a variety of questionnaires to assess different aspects of your behaviour and functioning. You will complete both questionnaires yourself and we will also ask that you chose a second person to complete them. This can be anyone who knows you well, such as a partner, parent, or housemate.
The Adaptive Questionnaire (Vineland) is a standardized measure of adaptive behaviour – the things that people do to function in their everyday lives, such as Communication, Daily Living Skills, and socialisation.
For each of these questionnaires, we request that yourself and the person you have nominated to complete it do so within two weeks of receiving the testing link. Without this information, it is difficult for us to confidently assess and diagnose you. As such, if the results of the questionnaire are late, we will push our report completion date back.
Component 3: Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
The ADOS is a systematic and standardized approach to assessing Autism Spectrum Disorder that can only be conducted by trained clinicians. The ADOS assesses communication, social interaction, play behaviours, and repetitive behaviours. Typically assessment will take approximately 90 minutes.
Component 4: Comprehensive Report & Feedback Session
After having received information from the comprehensive interview, the questionnaires, the ADOS assessment, as well as any medical reports provided, our clinicians will create a comprehensive report. At the feedback session, your clinician will discuss all the details from the report, including the diagnosis and treatment recommendations. If you have any questions, we recommend you write these down and bring them to the session.
In the report, we will provide a diagnosis and recommendations for at home, school, and any other professionals who may help your child. We will also provide additional resources for you to take home and read.
Why get a Professional Assessment at the ASD Assessment Clinic?
If you suspect that you or an adult you know may have Autism Spectrum Disorder contact our team to answer any questions you may have. Please know you don't have to navigate the uncertainty alone. An ASD Diagnosis may help you:
Understand yourself better:
A diagnosis can provide validation and help you make sense of lifelong feelings of being different. Embrace your autistic identity, foster self-acceptance, and connect with others who share similar experiences.
Access Tailored Support:
Open doors to a range of services tailored to the needs of autistic adults. Access therapies, interventions, and financial support through programs like NDIS. Enhance daily functioning, improve social interactions, and develop coping strategies.
Nurture Personal Growth:
Gain insight into your unique strengths and challenges associated with autism. Embark on a journey of personal growth and development, seeking strategies to navigate social situations, sensory sensitivities, and communication challenges. Work with one of our experienced and compassionate psychologists to discover new strategies and become the best version of yourself today.
Embarking on the journey of adult autism diagnosis brings positive outcomes—embracing identity, accessing NDIS support and nurturing personal growth. Start your transformative path towards self-acceptance, understanding, and an enriched quality of life today.