Autism Support

1.        

Concerns are raised about the possibility of the child having an Autism Spectrum Disorder

2.        

The family’s General Practitioner makes a referral to a Paediatrician or Child Psychiatrist with expertise in Pervasive Developmental Disorders.

3.        

The Paediatrician evaluates the child to determine if a multidisciplinary assessment is warranted.

In consultation with the family, an appropriate Psychologist and/or Speech Pathologist is identified. 

If we are the nominated provider, the Paediatrician then writes a referral letter and faxes/posts/emails it to Lewis and Lewis.  This enables a Medicare rebate to be claimed by the parents.  (see www.medicare)

4.        

Lewis and Lewis receive the referral from the Paediatrician (or Child Psychiatrist).

Around the same time, the parent phones the Hoppers Crossing Clinic (9748 9755) to make 2-4 appointments for the assessments. The number of sessions depends on the complexity of the issues and whether other assessments have already been completed.

5.        

An information pack is then posted to the family. Prior to attending the clinic, the family completes a set of questionnaires about the child's early development, current family situation, sensory preferences and current behaviours.  It is usually helpful if the child’s teachers or other carers to also fill in some questionnaires about the child’s behaviour outside the home.

The appointment is confirmed when Lewis and Lewis receive the completed questionnaires. Questionnaires need to be received one week before the appointment. We regret to advise that families who fail to attend a scheduled autism assessment must give 48 hours notice or they will incur a $50 cancellation fee.

6.        

At the first appointment the parents discuss their child’s early development and current concerns in detail with the Psychologist. (90 minutes)

7.        

The child undertakes a Speech Pathology assessment.  If the child has already had the necessary assessments then the Speech Pathologist’s findings will be reviewed by the Psychologist to help determine the most appropriate assessments. This is discussed with the parent.

8.        

The Psychologist undertakes one or more of the following individual assessments (60-90 minutes per assessment):

·         An Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)*or Psycho-educational Profile (PEP-3) and/or semi-structured play- based observation

·         A Wechsler Cognitive Assessment*  and/or

·         An observation of the child at their school or childcare centre or community activity*

9.        

If the child’s presentation is complex, the Psychologist will have a case conference with the Paediatrician, and other relevant professionals to discuss the results of the assessment and agree on recommendations according to the needs of the child. 

10.     

The Psychologist meets with the family to discuss the findings and recommendations with parents and answer any questions or queries.  Educational support and intervention options can also be discussed if appropriate.

11.     

If the diagnosis cannot be confirmed, or if parents wish to apply for funding at school or childcare for the following school year, an additional session may be needed to complete further assessments.  Additional interviews or questionnaires for teachers may be necessary..

12.     

Parents and other professionals receive a report of the assessment and recommended management strategies. Brief, standard or extended reports are available.