What Is An Autism Assessment?

Autism Assessment in Young Children

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects how a person communicates and interacts with others. Early assessment and diagnosis are crucial for providing the right support and intervention. Assessing autism in young children involves several steps, including observation, screening, and professional evaluation. Let’s explore how autism assessment works and why it’s important.

Recognising Early Signs

1. Social Interaction: Children with autism often have difficulties with social interaction. They may not make eye contact, respond to their name, or show interest in playing with others.
2. Communication Challenges: These children might have delayed speech or use unusual language. They might repeat words or phrases and struggle to express their needs and feelings.
3. Repetitive Behaviours: Repetitive behaviours are common in children with autism. They might line up toys, flap their hands, or insist on specific routines.
4. Sensory Sensitivities: Some children with autism are sensitive to sensory inputs like loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures. They might overreact or under react to these stimuli.

Importance of Early Assessment

1. Early Intervention: Early assessment allows for early intervention. The sooner a child receives support, the better their chances for improving communication, social skills, and behaviour.
2. Tailored Support: Knowing a child’s specific needs helps in creating a tailored support plan. This plan can include speech therapy, occupational therapy, and educational support.
3. Parental Guidance: Early assessment provides parents with guidance and resources. They can learn how to support their child’s development and manage challenges effectively.

Steps in Autism Assessment

1. Observations at Home and School: Parents and teachers are often the first to notice signs of autism. Observing a child’s behavior in different settings is the first step in the assessment process.
2. Developmental Screening: Developmental screenings are simple tests that check if children are meeting typical milestones. Pediatricians often use these screenings during regular check-ups.
3. Autism-Specific Screening Tools: If there are concerns, doctors may use autism-specific screening tools like the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT). These tools help identify children who might need a detailed evaluation.
4. Professional Evaluation: A comprehensive evaluation by a specialist, such as a developmental paediatrician, psychologist, or speech therapist, is crucial. This evaluation involves several components:
   • Parent Interviews: Parents provide detailed information about their child’s development, behaviour, and any concerns.
   • Behavioural Observation: The specialist observes the child’s behaviour, communication, and social interactions.
   • Standardised Tests: The specialist uses standardised tests to assess various aspects of the child’s development.
5. Multidisciplinary Team: Often, a multidisciplinary team conducts the evaluation. This team might include a psychologist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, and peadiatrician. Each professional assesses different areas of the child’s development.

Tools and Tests Used in Assessment

1. Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS): ADOS is a standardised test that assesses communication, social interaction, and play. It involves structured activities that allow the evaluator to observe behaviours associated with autism.
2. Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R): ADI-R is a structured interview conducted with parents. It gathers detailed information about the child’s early development, language, and behaviour.
3. Speech and Language Assessment: A speech therapist evaluates the child’s language skills, including understanding and use of language, as well as nonverbal communication.
4. Occupational Therapy Assessment: An occupational therapist assesses the child’s fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living skills.
5. Cognitive Testing: Cognitive tests assess the child’s thinking and problem-solving abilities. These tests help identify strengths and areas that need support.

After the Assessment

1. Diagnosis: Based on the evaluation, the specialist determines if the child meets the criteria for autism. They provide a detailed diagnosis, explaining the child’s specific strengths and challenges.
2. Individualised Plan: The assessment results help create an individualised plan. This plan outlines the interventions and supports the child needs to thrive.
3. Early Intervention Services: Children diagnosed with autism can access early intervention services. These services include speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural therapy, and educational support.
4. Parental Support and Training: Parents receive support and training to help them understand autism and learn effective strategies for supporting their child’s development.
5. Regular Monitoring: Regular follow-ups with the specialist ensure that the child’s progress is monitored. The support plan can be adjusted as the child grows and their needs change.

Conclusion

Autism assessment in young children is a vital process that helps identify the disorder early. Early recognition of signs, thorough evaluation by specialists, and the use of specific tools and tests are essential steps in the assessment process. Early assessment leads to early intervention, which significantly improves the child’s chances for better development. Parents play a crucial role in observing early signs and supporting their child through the assessment and intervention process. With the right support and intervention, children with autism can develop essential skills and lead fulfilling lives. An autism assessment is not an IQ assessment. However, children with children with autism may have an IQ assessment around the time they start school.

Meet Elizabeth

Elizabeth is now 10 years old but she first came to our clinic when she was 3 years old. Her parents were concerned about her from the age of 18 months. They spoke to family members and the daycare who assured them that everything was fine. However, they weren’t. Elizabeth continued to have difficulty following the routine at daycare and there were lots of meltdowns. She always wanted to wear the same dress and refused to wear other clothing. Her language was delayed and she was a fussy eater.

When Elizabeth came to our clinic, we raised our concerns about autism. Her parents were very surprised. They knew something wasn’t quite right but they had no idea that Elizabeth may have autism. The next thing was to do an autism assessment. Our psychologist and one of our Speech Pathologists did the assessment and Elizabeth was diagnosed with Level 2 autism.

Elizabeth completed the ESDM program in our clinic. They chose this program because of the success rates of ESDM. She took part in our school readiness groups and did speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy. Her parents were thrilled when she moved from a support class to a mainstream class in Year 3! Elizabeth is a happy, fun, well-adjusted young girl, The assessment and diagnosis of autism helped her parents support her needs because they knew what was happening.

We’re here to support you

At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive.

Our clinics are not just a space for therapy – it’s a place where children can discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.

By combining innovative therapy techniques with a stimulating and supportive environment, we’re proud to offer a child led, holistic approach to autism therapy and early intervention that addresses the unique needs of each child we support.

Reach out for support

If you’re concerned about your child’s development and want to how an autism assessment and  the ESDM can help your child, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is here to help. Our Speech Pathologists can also tell you whether your chid has autism or a language delay.

Call us on (02) 80657837 or email. You can book a free 30 minute phone call with us to discuss how we can support your child’s unique journey.

We are a dedicated team of Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Certified ESDM Therapists, and Psychologists, serving families in Bondi Junction and Mascot, Sydney’s Eastern suburbs. Our clinics are tailored to provide exceptional intervention for children with autism, developmental delays, disabilities, and learning difficulties, ensuring they receive the best possible care and support.