What does an Autism Assessment & Diagnosis look like?

For Children:

• Developmental Background Interview is carried out with Parents/Guardians
• Preschool Observation or Preschool Teacher Interview is completed
• School Observation or Teacher Interview is completed
• Assessment of Adaptive Functioning
• Assessment of Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties
• Cognitive Assessment is completed with the child
• ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition) is administered to the child
• TheAutism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is a structured interview conducted with the parents of the child

For Adults

• Developmental Background Information and current concerns is completed with the client
• Collateral History with a Family Member is completed
• Cognitive Assessment i.e. WAIS is completed with the client
• ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition) is administered to the adult
• TheAutism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is a structured interview conducted with the parents/close family member of the adult if possible

What is Autism:

Autism is a complex condition that affects a child’s development, characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction and the presence of restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities. It is a spectrum disorder (Autism Spectrum Disorder), meaning that a diagnosis of Autism looks different for each individual, varying in severity.

The term “spectrum” is used to emphasize that autism presents differently in every single person. People with autism have a wide range of challenges as well as abilities.

These difficulties might present as some (or all) of the following characteristics:   

1) Social communication and interaction

• Difficulties with social-emotional reciprocity e.g. being unable to maintain normal back-and-forth conversations, having little or no interest in sharing interests and emotions (pointing or showing), displaying little or no interest in social interactions.
• Difficulties with non-verbal communication, e.g. abnormal eye contact, difficulties understanding and using gestures (such as nodding), body language and facial expressions.
• Difficulties in developing and maintaining relationships appropriate to age and development e.g. difficulties with imaginative play and making friends.

2) Restricted and repetitive behaviours:

• Stereotyped or repetitive speech, movements or use of objects, such as lining up toys, flapping hands, toe walking or echolalia (repeating words or phrases).
• Inflexible adherence to routines, patterns or behaviour (e.g. eating the same foods, travelling the same way to school etc.) and becoming distressed at changes.
• Sensory hyper or hypo-reactivity (e.g. to sounds, pain and textures) as described above.
• Restricted or fixated interests e.g. only playing with certain toys or discussing certain topics.

Concerns:

If you are concerned that your child my be presenting with symptoms of Autism in your young child there is an online screening tool, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers or M-CHAT can help identify if your concerns warrant further investigation.

Autism & Adults

As we have learned more and more about Autism over the last number of years it’s not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with autism.

Many people can spend their lives feeling like they don’t quite ‘fit in’. They can struggle with relationships which can be difficult for them, adapting and managing in a workplace can be a challenge, they count find they are not comfortable in social situations and as a result avoid social situations. Some people learn to adapt while for others it can be very isolating and lonely.

As an adult, pursuing a diagnosis is a personal choice. It’s important to remember that it can be a very positive and helpful thing. Most autistic adults say it has helped them to understand their own difficulties, and abilities, and can often bring a sense of relief. It also opens up opportunities to connect with other autistic adults and foster new friendships and support networks.

How common is Autism?

It is believed that 1 in 65 or 1.5% of the of the school going population in Ireland have a diagnosis of Autism.