Autism Assessment at Sea Spray Psychology

School observation

For primary school-aged clients, the psychologist will visit the school for an observation of the child and discussion with the teacher.

The MIGDAS-2

We pride ourselves on being neuro-affirming here at Sea Spray Psychology, which is why we use neuro-affirming assessments wherever possible. Our Autism assessment of choice is the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2). It is a sensory-based, conversational assessment tool that collects information using the client’s particular interests as a starting point. It explores the client’s strengths and differences and uses non-pathologising language. For children, it includes a parent interview via telehealth, a teacher form, and the child interview, which will be done at school. For adults, it includes a self-report interview via telehealth. However, information from parents and carers can be invaluable in the adult assessment so we may ask to speak with them too. While the MIGDAS-2 is not a standardised assessment tool, it does map on to the DSM-V-TR, the primary reference guide for diagnosing Autism.

ADHD Screener

Autism and ADHD frequently co-exist. As such, standardised ADHD screeners will be administered. For child clients, this will be part of the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA), which is a broad test of behavioural, emotional and social issues. The ASEBA has parent, teacher and youth forms for adolescent clients. For adults, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) is administered via telehealth.

The ABAS-3

We also administer the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (ABAS-3). This is a standardised tool used to evaluate daily living skills, communication, and social functioning, elements of life that Autistic people often struggle with. While not neurofriendly, it is essential if an NDIS application is to be pursued.

The WISC-V

We often administer a cognitive assessment when assessing children for Autism. You can read more about the WISC-V here.

The Report & Feedback session

Once we have all our information, we form an interpretation. We assemble this information and our interpretation into a comprehensive report, including evidence-based and achievable recommendations for home and school for child clients, and home and work for adult clients. A feedback session with be arranged with the client or their parents if it is a child. Occasionally clients or parents remember something additional or deem recommendations as non-achievable. In those cases, the report will be amended. The report can then be provided to the school, paediatrician or psychiatrist, depending on the individual. A report specifically designed for an NDIS application can also be written, noting the language will be more deficits based.