Assessment Steps

1. Preliminary Consultation: This step is an initial online consultation with parents or caregivers. The primary focus will be to discuss the child's behaviour, developmental history, and any familial background of similar concerns. Additionally, the team will explain the process of an online autism assessment, highlighting both the benefits and potential challenges, to ensure that the family is comfortable and confident with the online approach.
2. Questionnaires/Screening Tools: The team will send online questionnaires like the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and Autism Quotient (AQ) for the parents or caregivers to complete. Additional information about the child's development and any relevant school reports will also be collected. These resources provide vital insight into the child's behaviour across different contexts. Any ambiguous or unclear information will be clarified through additional online communication with the parents or caregivers.
3. Observation and Evaluation: An online observation and evaluation session will be conducted, which may include activities such as play-based interactions, language and communication assessments, and evaluations of social behaviour. These sessions are designed to directly observe and evaluate the child's behaviour and skills in a structured setting.
4. Collaboration: After the observation and evaluation, the psychologist and the speech and language therapist will collaboratively review and discuss the findings. The professionals will compare these findings to the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder as outlined in the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11).
5. Feedback Session: Once the evaluation is complete, an online feedback session will be scheduled with the parents or caregivers. In this session, the team will share the assessment findings, discuss whether a diagnosis has been made, and outline the potential next steps for intervention and support.
6. Report Writing: Finally, the team will create a comprehensive report, which will include the assessment findings, the diagnosis (if applicable), and the recommended interventions or treatments. This report will be produced in a clear, understandable language, ensuring that the family can fully comprehend their child's diagnosis and the suggested steps forward.