ASSESSMENT FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is considered a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first three years of life. People with ASD often have difficulty with communication and interaction with other people, restricted interests and repetitive behaviours, and symptoms that affect their ability to function in school, work, and other areas of life. Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. ASD is diagnosed clinically, based on information gathered from a variety of sources including parents/caregivers, the child/teen, and school personnel.
At Threshold Psychology we provide assessment for ASD in School-Aged Children (ages 5 to 18). There are two different assessment options available, depending on the nature of the concern and areas of challenges.

OPTION 1: DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT

This assessment is suggested when the child/teen has already received a psycho-educational assessment. It consists of the following process:

Review of the child’s cumulative record (e.g., report cards, school supports).
Review of any reports/assessments previously completed.
Administration of the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R) which is a structured interview designed to provide a full range of information needed to assist in the assessment of ASD. This takes approximately 3 hours.
Administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition (ADOS-2) which is a semi-structured, standardized assessment of communication, social interaction, play/imagination, and restricted and repetitive behaviours for children. This takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
Administration of cognitive assessment (WIS-V). This takes approximately 1 hour.
Administration of parent/teacher questionnaires which examine social-emotional functioning and adaptive functioning.
Interview/consultation with your child’s classroom teacher, as needed.
Consultation with other professionals (e.g., pediatrician, school personnel) as needed.
Feedback session with parent(s)/caregiver(s) to review results and recommendations.
A written report is provided to families.

The fee for this assessment is approximately $2800 which is consistent with other psychologists in Nova Scotia.

OPTION 2: DIAGNOSTIC/PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT

This assessment is suggested when the child/teen has not received a psycho-educational assessment. Individuals referred for an assessment of ASD often have disorders such as learning disabilities/disorders, intellectual disabilities, and communication disorders. In some cases, this information is essential to inform the diagnosis of ASD. This assessment consists of the following process:

Review of the child’s cumulative record (e.g., report cards, school supports).
Review of any reports/assessments previously completed.
Administration of the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R) which is a structured interview designed to provide a full range of information needed to assist in the assessment of ASD. This takes approximately 3 hours.
Administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition (ADOS-2) which is a semi-structured, standardized assessment of communication, social interaction, play/imagination, and restricted and repetitive behaviours for children. This takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
Two 3-hour psycho-educational assessment testing sessions with the child/teen.
Administration of parent/teacher questionnaires which examine social-emotional functioning and adaptive functioning.
Interview/consultation with your child’s classroom teacher, as needed.
Consultation with other professionals (e.g., pediatrician, school personnel) as needed.
Feedback session with parent(s)/caregiver(s) to review results and recommendations.
A written report is provided to families.

The fee for this assessment is approximately $3900 which is consistent with other psychologists in Nova Scotia.