Concerned your child might have Autism?

Get answers and a clear plan forward.

Contact us now to book an appointment and get an autism assessment completed soon!

Our Psychologist

Leigh is a warm and engaging psychologist with many years’ experience working with children. She has recently added autism assessment to her suite of skills and has availability for conducting assessments in the near future.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder, commonly known as ASD or autism, is a condition that affects the way a person communicates and interacts with others. It also impacts the way an individual perceives the world around them. The word spectrum indicates that autism affects each person in a different way.

Receiving a diagnosis of autism can help people to understand their strengths and struggles and allow them to access support in education, socialization and community participation.

Common features of autism:

• Difficulties with social interaction – struggles to make and keep friends, trouble understanding the perspective of others, difficulties with empathy.
• Lack of understanding of social communication – not picking up on tone of voice, difficulties understanding jokes or sarcasm, overlooking body language cues.
• A high need for structure – strong preference for routine and predictability, can become distressed by unexpected changes.
• Intense interests – A tendency to fixate or obsess on one particular area of interest.
• Sensory sensitivity – Either heightened or reduced responses to sensory input. Could be sounds, light, smells, textures, flavours, and/or sensations on the skin.
• Repetitive behaviours – Engaging in repetitive behaviours such as hand flapping, rocking, tapping etc.
• Difficulties with eye contact – Not enough eye contact, or too much/too intense eye contact.

The process of assessment

Autism assessment is a detailed process but can be completed in approximately 6-8 weeks.

The process involves;

1. A comprehensive parent interview
2. An assessment block with the child
3. Collection of additional information
4. Collation of information and report writing
5. A feedback meeting with the parents where the report and outcome of assessment is discussed
6. Recommendations for ongoing support

What next?

Please scroll down to complete a confidential expression of interest form or contact the office on (08) 9382 3645 to book an appointment or for more information. We look forward to speaking with you soon.