What is an Autism (ASD) Assessment?
This stand-alone adult Autism (ASD) psychological assessment service aims to determine if someone meets the criteria for a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
ASD is a neurodevelopmental difference and can fall into the category of ‘neurodiversity’, which is a term used to consider the natural differences in brain functioning in the human population. ASD affects how people interact with others, communicate, and learn. It is estimated that 1% of the population meets the criteria for a diagnosis of ASD.
Getting an assessment for your child can help with peace of mind, knowledge, advice and support. In the even that your child is diagnosed with ASD, this can open access to a variety of support resources. If your child does not receive a diagnosis, it can still help with providing guidance for exploring alternative assistance which can assist in getting your child the support they need.
For adults seeking an ASD assessment, this can help shed some light on an individual’s difficulties, provide them with a deeper understanding of themselves and can be a step towards moving forward in life in a positive way.
Who should attend the Autism Assessment?
| Adult Assessments | Child and Adolescent Assessments |
| In addition to attending yourself, an informant is also required to attend to provide collateral information. This collateral allows us to provide a more comprehensive assessment.
The informant can include: – A partner – Parent – Family Member |
In addition to meeting with your child or adolescent, it will be important for the assessing clinician to meet with the primary caregivers in the child’s life. In addition to the parents this may also include other family members who have regular interaction with the child.
We ask that for the initial meeting the total number of participants attending is limited to 2 people.
|
How do ASD Assessments work?
The ASD assessments will be completed by one of our psychologists in one of our Dublin clinic locations and will include the following:
Child and Adolescent ASD Assessments
| Pre-Assessment Screening | A set of online questionnaires sent by email for the parents and child’s teacher to complete in advance of the assessment. | |
| Session 1 |
|
|
| Session 2 | A follow up 60-minute meeting with the child to complete an activity-based autism assessment. Please note this session must take place in person and cannot be administered online | |
| Session 3 | A follow up 60-minute meeting with the child to complete a cognitive and sensory assessment. Please note this session must take place in person and cannot be administered online. | |
| Feedback Session | A 45-minute one-to-one follow-up feedback session with parents to review the report and discuss findings. This can be completed remotely or in person. |
Adult ASD Assessments
| Pre-Assessment Screening | A set of online questionnaires sent by email for you to complete in advance of the assessment. |
| Session 1 | An initial 2-hour meeting with yourself and your choice of informant (partner, parent, family member). This portion of the assessment can be completed remotely or in person. |
| Session 2 | A follow up 2-hour assessment session to complete cognitive assessment and standardised diagnostic assessment. This portion of the assessment must be completed in person |
| Feedback Session | A 45-minute one-to-one feedback session to review and explain your results. This session can take place remotely or in-person. |
What will I get from this assessment?
For Adult Autism (ASD) assessments, you will be provided a one-to-one feedback session with the psychologist who will review the ASD Assessment report with you. This report will rule in our rule out a diagnosis of Autism. Within this report you will also be provided with tailored suggestions to improve well-being based around your own strengths and additional resources and/or services. Should you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of Autism, you will be offered therapeutic support through Centric Mental Health. Should you not receive a diagnosis of Autism, your psychologist will discuss further options with you depending on your presentation.
For individuals looking to access third level education, please note that all reports are completed in line with requirements for Evidence of Disability for Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) Scheme. Dare is a third level alternative admission scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.
For Child Autism (ASD) Assessments, you will be provided with a one-to-one feedback session with the psychologist to review your child’s results and tailored recommendations. Should your child meet the criteria for ASD, your child will be offered fast tracked access for psychological support in Centric Mental Health. Additionally, all assessment reports are completed in line with the HSE and Department of Education guidelines. If there are specific concerns around the child’s presentation you would like to highlight prior to your assessment, you will have the opportunity to do so both during the Pre-Assessment Questionnaire and in the initial meeting with your assessing psychologist.
What is not included in the assessment?
Please note that we cannot provide psychiatric medication. If medication is necessary, it will be discussed between you and the assessing psychologist and onward referral to a psychiatrist or paediatrician will be required..
How much does the autism assessment cost?
| Child/Adolescent ADHD Assessment
This service is for children aged 6-17
|
€1,700 |
| Adult ADHD Assessment
This service is for adults aged 18+ |
€1,400 |
*Please note, a cancellation fee of 100% applies if you do not provide more than 5 working days’ notice.
If you would like further information on this assessment, please let us know a time that would suit you for a phone call with one of our psychologists who conducts the assessments by filling out our contact form below, or by contacting [email protected] or 01 611 1719.