Frequently Asked Questions

What are the early signs of autism?

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition characterised by marked difficulties in social interaction, impaired communication, restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours and sensory sensitivities. Some of the following may be the early indicators of autism. However, it is important to note that no single indicator necessarily signals autism – usually a child would present with several indicators from some of the following categories:

• Behaviour
• Sensory
• Communication
• Social Skills
• Play

The following is only a guide to what your child should typically be doing at 18 – 24 months of age:

• Shows interest in his / her siblings or peers
• Brings you items to show you
• Follows your gaze to locate an object when you point
• Engages in “pretend play” (e.g. feeding a doll or making a toy dog bark)
• Uses many spontaneous single words and some two-word phrases

The effects of autism can often be minimised by early diagnosis and with the right interventions, many children and adults on the spectrum show marked improvements. To this end, if you are concerned that your child may be showing early signs of autism, it is important that you consult with a qualified medical professional. This would be your General Practitioner and/or Paediatrician in the first instance*.

An early diagnosis followed by early intervention provides the best opportunities for a child on the spectrum.

*If your medical professional suspects autism, it is possible for them to make a referral to Aspect Assessments.

My Doctor suspects that my child may have autism. How can I find out more and/or obtain a confirmed diagnosis?

Aspect Assessments conducts comprehensive evidence-based assessments for autism in children, adolescents and adults. The assessments are provided by Clinical Psychologists and Psychologists with experience and post-graduate training in the diagnosis of autism. The assessment process includes:

• Comprehensive parent interview using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)
• Formal observation using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS2)
• Assessment of functional skills (everyday living skills and independence)
• A feedback session outlining the assessment outcomes, including an opportunity for questioning and clarification
• Recommendations for intervention and follow-up
• Written report within one month of the assessment date

Children and adolescents who have already been diagnosed with autism can also be referred to the Aspect Assessments for review assessments at times of transition and for cognitive or developmental assessments.

Consultation fees apply to Aspect Assessments. Some private health insurance companies provide rebates for psychological services. Please contact your health insurance provider to determine whether you are eligible for a rebate. Alternatively, parents of children under 13 years who are referred to Aspect for an autism assessment by a paediatrician or child psychiatrist can access a rebate through Medicare. Referrals must be made prior to the appointment in order to receive the Medicare rebate.

I am concerned about my child’s development; how can I find out more and what should I do next?

Medical & Health Issues – Where to start?

As part of the ongoing medical care of your child, it is important to have a good local doctor or general practitioner (GP) with whom you feel comfortable, and who listens to you and your family. General practitioners make referrals, when necessary, to specialists. If you have a concern about your child’s development, you have the right to be referred to a specialist.

When consulting doctors, it is important to establish good communication. You should be able to talk freely about your child’s condition and needs, about your needs and feelings, and about the situation for the family as a whole. The doctor or specialist should be able to explain things in detail and in words that you can understand.

Make a list of the things that are concerning you about your child, and write down questions. Take the list with you when you see the doctor. Take your partner, a friend or relative with you to the appointment to provide support and help in understanding the discussion. They can also share the responsibility of weighing the advice and making any decisions.

Many families who have a child with a disability or developmental delay find it helpful to regularly see a paediatrician. Paediatricians are doctors who specialise in caring for children. They understand about the nature, severity, long-term outlook and causes of disability in children, and they manage any complications that may arise. Access to paediatricians is via referral from your local GP.

Searching for a Diagnosis

Some conditions are evident at birth or soon after. Others can occur as a result of an accident or sudden onset of illness. For many families, the identification of a child’s disability is a gradual process that occurs over many months or years. For some children, a clear diagnosis of a specific condition or disability (or multiple disabilities) is possible. For others, the diagnosis of a specific condition may not be possible or may be reliant on further tests and observations in future years.

It is often wise to have further assessments as your child grows, as technology and expertise are constantly advancing. Keep a diary or log of your child’s development and behavioural characteristics as over time it becomes difficult to remember and report things accurately at future medical appointments.

If your child’s health care professional suspects that your child may have Autism, Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) offer a range of support services that may help, including Aspect Assessments.

I suspect that my child may have autism. What should I do next?

If you suspect that your child may have autism, it is important that you consult with a qualified medical professional. This would be your General Practitioner and/or Paediatrician in the first instance.

Many families who have a child with a developmental condition or developmental delay find it helpful to regularly see a paediatrician. Paediatricians are doctors who specialise in caring for children. They understand the nature, severity, long-term outlook and causes of disability in children, and they manage any complications that may arise. Access to paediatricians is via referral from your local GP.

For many families, the identification of a child’s developmental condition is a gradual process that occurs over many months or years. For some children, a clear diagnosis of a specific condition or disability (or multiple disabilities) is possible. For others, the diagnosis of a specific condition may not be possible or may be reliant on further tests and observations in future years.

It is often wise to have further assessments as your child grows, as technology and expertise are constantly advancing. Keep a diary or log of your child’s development and behavioural characteristics as over time it becomes difficult to remember and report things accurately at future medical appointments.

If your child’s health care professional suspects that your child may have autism, Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) offer a range of support services that may help, which include Aspect Assessments.

What are the options for someone about to leave high school or who has recently left?

There are many options for someone on the spectrum once they leave school. In terms of further education and training, some young people on the spectrum are able to go to university and complete tertiary degrees with some support. Others may pursue a traineeship or apprenticeship or additional vocational studies. In terms of employment, some people with autism are able to work in open employment while others will need support through programs such as Transition to Work or Disability Employment Services to obtain suitable employment. Some young people with autism may not be able to work in open employment settings and are more suited to supported employment options. The difficulty for many parents and young people is knowing which option is the most realistic and suitable pathway. Finding information about the various services and supports available can also be challenging.

A comprehensive assessment around the time of this transition can provide important information that will be helpful in making decisions. Aspect Assessments conduct review assessments that include a current measure of autism symptoms, learning ability and everyday living skills. This allows for a tailored profile of the young person’s strengths and weaknesses to be developed, including areas that will benefit from continued intervention into adulthood to help them achieve their potential. We are also able to provide information regarding the various supports and services available in the young person’s local areas.

How is autism diagnosed?

The aim of the diagnostic assessment (Autism Assessment) is to determine whether an individual meets the criteria for autism and to provide information about their presentation and support needs.

The diagnostic process includes assessment of social and communication skills, and restricted and repetitive interests and stereotyped patterns of behaviour.

The diagnostic assessment includes:

• A comprehensive parent interview using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)
• Formal observation using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - Second Edition (ADOS 2)
• Assessment of adaptive functioning (everyday living skills and independence)
• Information from preschool or school staff
• A feedback session outlining the assessment outcomes, including an opportunity for questioning and clarification
• Recommendations for services that will best serve the individual needs of the person receiving the diagnosis
• Summary report within one month of the assessment date (full reports are also available at an additional cost)

For someone who has autism, a diagnosis can help them and those close to them to understand the behaviours that were isolating, confusing and often upsetting.

Young children who are diagnosed with autism are able to access the types of services that can significantly improve their prospects for a meaningful life (early intervention). Adolescents and adults, who may have disguised or compensated for their communication or other impairments prior to the diagnosis, are able to access services that will support their ability to interact socially, improve their employment opportunities and their ability to have meaningful relationships.

Review assessments are conducted for individuals already diagnosed with autism where current information is required e.g. at times of transition, to support funding applications, to access the NDIS.

Review assessment includes:

• Formal observation using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - Second Edition (ADOS 2)
• Interview with parents/carers
• Information from preschool or school staff via questionnaire or phone interview (where applicable)
• Assessment of adaptive functioning (everyday living and independence skills)
• Recommendations for intervention and follow up
• Written report within one month of the assessment date

A cognitive assessment (IQ test) can also be included.

Who will conduct the assessment?

At Aspect, Autism Assessments and Review Assessments are conducted by Clinical Psychologists and Psychologists with experience and post-graduate training in the diagnosis of autism.

Where is the assessment conducted?

Aspect offers Assessments at the following sites: Chatswood, Coffs Harbour and Baulkham Hills. We are also able to conduct online assessments using a Telehealth delivery model. Telehealth allows us to provide assessments to clients living anywhere in Australia. Clients and their families can stay home and a clinician will conduct the assessment remotely via a digital device like a computer or tablet.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth uses digital technologies, like computers and mobile devices, to deliver health care services remotely. It is not new and is used widely for diagnosis and treatment in both medical and allied health services. Research into the use of Telehealth has indicated that it is a viable option, particularly in situations where access to face-to-face services is limited. Parents report a comparable level of satisfaction in the quality of Telehealth assessments compared to face to face.

How is Aspect using Telehealth?

Aspect has been using Telehealth for several years in some situations, e.g. with regional and remote families. Although assessments are usually conducted face to face, we are confident that are able to deliver a high-quality autism diagnostic service using Telehealth.

Please note: due to the nature of cognitive (IQ) assessments, we will not be able to offer this particular service via Telehealth.

What is the referral process and cost for an assessment?

The referral process and cost for Telehealth assessments are the same as face-to-face assessments (see below).

You can use NDIS funds for the assessment as long as you have sufficient funds remaining and the need for an assessment aligns with your goals.

If your child is aged 12 years or younger and is referred to us by their paediatrician or child psychiatrist, then you are still able to access the Medicare rebates for autism assessment when having a Telehealth assessment. The total rebate you are able to receive is about $340. Unfortunately, there are no Medicare rebates available for children 13 years or older (for either Telehealth or face-to-face assessments).

If you have private health insurance that includes psychological assessment as part of your “extras” cover you may be able to claim a rebate for Telehealth psychological services. However, whether you are covered for this service varies between insurance companies and depends on the level of cover that you have. So, please contact your health insurance company to find out whether you would be eligible for rebate.

What does a Telehealth assessment involve?

The adult assessment process is largely unchanged from face-to-face assessment. The only difference is that conversations will happen online rather than face to face.

Child assessments

For children, the assessment process has been adapted so that parents carry out some of the steps that Aspect staff would normally do in a face-to-face assessment. Parents will be given clear instructions on how to set up the room and engage with their child. The child’s engagement and reactions will be observed in real-time by the clinician.

What equipment do I need for a Telehealth assessment?

To be able to participate in a Telehealth assessment, you will need access to the internet and a laptop/computer/tablet/smartphone with microphone and camera.

How do I refer myself or my child to Aspect Assessments?

You can refer yourself or your child to the service by completing the Aspect Assessments Intake Form and emailing to customerservice@autismspectrum.org.au.

(NOTE: If you have multiple large files (over 10MB total), please send as separate emails).

Do I need a referral letter?

A formal referral letter from a medical doctor is required to access Aspect assessment services.

A referral letter from a private Paediatrician or Child Psychiatrist is essential if you want to claim a Medicare rebate for the assessment (see below for further information on eligibility).

What is the cost for an assessment?

Can I get a rebate on the cost of the assessment?

People with private health insurance may be eligible for a rebate from their provider and should contact them for further details. Children aged 12 years or younger, who are referred to Aspect for an autism assessment by a private Paediatrician or Child Psychiatrist are eligible for a partial rebate through Medicare under the Helping Children with Autism Package (approx. $340.00). If you are planning to apply for a rebate through Medicare a written referral letter from the private Paediatrician or Child Psychiatrist must be provided to Aspect prior to the day of assessment.

How long will I have to wait for an assessment?

Aspect’s waitlist for an autism assessment has recently expanded to 10 months. At this stage, we are taking names for the waitlist and notifying people if an earlier appointment becomes available.

What will happen after the assessment?

Within a month of the assessment day, a report is provided to the client/parents/carers as well as the referring agency/practitioner. The report includes recommendations and referral to appropriate agencies/service providers.

What if I have further questions after I receive the report?

At the end of the feedback session, or upon receiving the written report, you may have further questions for the clinician. If this is the case, you should always contact the clinician again, and have your queries addressed. Sometimes it can be hard to take in all of the information provided at once, so don't hesitate to contact the clinician if you need to.

Aspect Assessments Information