Autism Assessment
Our experienced child psychologists in Calgary specialize in complex autism assessments. We are specifically trained in the early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is crucial in order to obtain services from Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) and access early intervention programming.
The identification and testing of Autism at any age, requires the assessing psychologist to have formalized training in the administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) as well as the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), which are considered to be the gold standard in the assessment and diagnosis of social developmental disorders, such as ASD.
An assessment into ASD also requires the same formalized assessment measures that comprise a typical comprehensive psychoeducational assessment to effectively differentiate between ASD and other possible disorders.
As such, the Autism Assessment Process is as follows:
2 Hour Initial Assessment Consultation With Parents
PARENTS ONLY
(IN PERSON or VIRTUAL)
We begin the assessment process with a 2-hour intake meeting with parents only, in which we discuss the details of some of the challenges you and your child are facing and relevant history. It is in this initial meeting that the psychologist will conduct the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R).
School Observation or Teacher Consult
When there are questions as to the presence of autism spectrum disorder (asd), or any social developmental concerns, it is very helpful for the psychologist to be able to observe the child amongst peers of the same age. Instances of social interaction or lack thereof, initiation, response, and social skills can be observed. In addition, it allows the opportunity to observe non-verbal communication including facial expression and body language, as well as any restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities. Typically, we prefer to schedule the observation prior to initiating the in-office assessment sessions with your child. When a school observation is not possible, we can also obtain any relevant third-party information through a teacher phone consultation.
Standarized Checklists & Document Review
We ask that report cards are provided for the last three academic years, in addition to any previous school documentation such as behavioural support plans or Individual Program Plans, or any previous assessments/reports from allied health professionals. If parents consent, psychologists like to send standardized checklists to notable third parties, such as teachers, in addition to parents.
Standardized Testing
CHILD ONLY
(IN PERSON)
The face-to-face testing portion of the assessment incorporates several standardized testing measures with the child only. This process is typically arranged in three 2-hour appointments (totaling 6 hours), however, that is dependent on the age and needs of your child. The administration of the ADOS-2 is conducted in the third assessment session (depending on the age of the child, sometimes parents are required to be present during that portion of testing.)
Parent Feedback Meeting
The final appointment is a 1.5-hour feedback meeting with parents only in which the parents sit down with the psychologist and discuss the important findings from the assessment process. We'll engage in a comprehensive discussion, covering clinical autism diagnoses and providing guidance, strategies, and valuable resources in Calgary for your path ahead. Often, parents will ask if we can also provide feedback meetings to school personnel, such as teachers and learning strategists.
Comprehensive Psychological Report
Our psychological reports stand out from the rest. They are detailed and thorough and assist parents, schools, and doctors/pediatricians understand the root of issues through a new lens. The psychological report comprehensively summarizes all findings, results, and recommendations. This formal document is shared with parents, who then typically share it with allied professionals. There is a flat rate of 6 hours for report writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Often, family doctors and pediatricians will make direct referrals to Westside Child Psychology for a comprehensive autism assessment, however, a referral is not required. Parents can self-refer for autism assessments if they have queries regarding their child’s social development.
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At Westside Child Psychology, we are trained in the early identification of autism spectrum disorder in toddlers, children and teenagers, and young adults.
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Autism assessments are comprehensive and include parent interviews, social observations, as well as in-person standardized assessments. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) are two of the standardized tests that are administered throughout the process. Typically, autism assessments also include measures of cognitive ability, academic achievement, and neuropsychological functioning. The age and needs of your child determine the length and extent of an autism assessment. The process is generally as follows:
Initial Parent Intake and ADI-R (2 hours)
Daycare, Preschool, or School observation
Assessment 1 of 3: (2 hours)
Assessment 2 of 3: (2 hours)
Assessment 3 of 3: (2 hours)
Parent Feedback Meeting (1.5 hours)