Autism And Neurological Diversity

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

In recent years understanding, awareness and acceptance the disorder has increased dramatically, resulting in far better outcomes for individuals and families.

However, obtaining a diagnosis for an ASD can be a complicated and exhausting process for parents and children, often taking months, if not years to complete. Not only is this extremely distressing for families, it also has the side effect of reducing an individual’s access to early intervention therapies, learning supports at school and also the NDIS.

At Finding Our Voice we take a multidisciplinary approach, combining paediatrics, psychology and speech pathology to provide a consensus diagnosis inline with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

As we are a private practice, we have the benefit of being able to assess our children over several sessions, not just the one, and also across different contexts, such as school or day-care. This allows us to obtain an accurate, holistic picture of a child’s strengths and challenges and ensures an accurate and considered assessment processes.

Pricing

A complete assessment quote will be provided to you prior to your first appointment.  Some rebates can be made via Medicare and your private health funds depending on your level of cover. Amounts can also be claimed under the NDIS if your child has already accessed the scheme.

As diagnosis requires input from a multidisciplinary team, your child will then be referred directly to a psychologist and also a paediatrician.

We would be happy to discuss any concerns that you may have regarding your child’s development and, if they maybe on the autism spectrum.

Your Journey With Us

At our clinic we typically follow the following process:

Session 1 and 2

Complete the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) with both parents (accomodations can be made if parents need to be seen separately).

Two – 2 hour session in the clinic

Sessions 3 and 4

Complete the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals Ed. 5 (CELF 5)

Two – 1 hours sessions in the clinic

Session 5

School observation session and structured teacher interview. Approximately 1.5 hours.

Provision of a comprehensive diagnostic report and recommendations will then be provided.

Session 6

Administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). Approximately 1-1.5 hours.

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