Assessment Types

Autism assessments can determine whether someone is on the autism spectrum (i.e. diagnostic assessment) and then provide detailed information about their strengths and support needs. This process typically involves one-on-one assessment, interviewing parents/carers/family members (as appropriate), and gathering background information through reviewing past reports or speaking with teachers/therapists. In addition to diagnosing autism, the assessment provides information about strategies and supports that may be of assistance. The report provided after the assessment contains a summary of the assessment process and can assist in support planning and applications (e.g. NDIS).

Autism assessments can also be helpful for individuals who already have a diagnosis of autism, but are needing more information for applications (e.g. NDIS) and support planning (i.e. review assessment). Review autism assessments can be particularly useful at times of transition (e.g.: starting primary school or high school, preparing to leave school). The focus of the autism assessment in this context is on providing current information about social skills, behaviour, everyday living skills, and current support needs. A comprehensive report is provided after the assessment.

An autism assessment takes around 4 to 6 hours, and is typically conducted over the course of one day. Verbal feedback is generally provided on the day of the assessment, although will be provided on an alternate date if the clinician needs to seek additional information. A comprehensive report outlining the assessment results and recommendations is provided within 4 to 6 weeks of the assessment appointment.

The assessment tools that we use in an autism assessment may include:

• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule- Second Edition (ADOS-2)
• Autism Diagnostic Interview- Revised (ADI-R)
• Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales- Third Edition (VABS-3) or Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System- Third Edition (ABAS-3)
• Developmental Profile- Fourth Edition (DP-4)
• Screening questionnaires for mood and other presenting issues

The clinician will select the most appropriate assessment tools for the individual’s situation and presentation.

In addition to providing autism assessments, Aspect Assessments is able to provide cognitive assessments. Cognitive assessments, also known as IQ tests, help to determine an individual’s learning capability by identifying cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and can assist with development of individualised support and learning plans. They are often requested by schools in order to provide additional information about support needs prior to school entry, and are helpful if there are concerns about an individual’s learning abilities or capacity to be independent.

A cognitive assessment generally takes between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes. We use the Wechsler intelligence scales, with the exact assessment depending on the individual’s age:

• Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence- Fourth Edition, Australian Adaptation (WPPSI-IV): for children aged 2 years, 6 months to 7 years, 7 months.
• Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children- Fifth Edition, Australian Adaptation (WISC-V): for children aged 6 years, 0 months to 16 years, 11 months.
• Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale- Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV): for individuals aged 16 years to 90 years.

The activities involved vary depending on the individual’s age, and include a series of tasks designed to provide insight into how a person thinks, reasons, and processes information. Some of the tasks are pencil and paper-based tasks, while others involve completing puzzles, answering questions, and solving problems. Some of the tasks may be completed on an iPad.

We also include a measure of adaptive behaviour with all cognitive assessments. Adaptive behaviour refers to daily living skills- that is, what someone is able to do without the assistance for others. Understanding a person’s daily living skills assists with support planning and funding applications. This information is gathered via an online questionnaire, and the measures that we usually are the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales- Third Edition (VABS-3) or the Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System- Third Edition (ABAS-3).

This test will check that your device will work with our Telehealth Service.
This includes:

• Checking your camera, microphone, browser and speakers
• Testing that you can connect to the internet.
• Testing that you can connect to Telehealth.
• Keeping information about how well you can connect to Telehealth.

After the tests, we will help you to try and connect to Telehealth.