Getting My Child Assessed for ASD: What To Expect

If you’ve been asking yourself, “Should I be getting my child assessed for ASD?”, we’re here to answer your questions. Deciding whether to pursue an autism assessment can come with many uncertainties.

A neurodevelopmental assessment provides a comprehensive understanding of a child’s development, including their communication, social interaction, behaviours, strengths, and areas where they may benefit from additional support. In this blog, we will discuss what autism is, common signs associated with autism in children, and who can conduct an assessment. We will also explain the assessment process at Adelaide Clinical Psychology and what you can expect during each stage of the assessment process.

Understanding Autism in Children

Autism (also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and experiences the world around them. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide range of ways autism can present from one individual to another. Each autistic child may experience autism differently, with variations in their characteristics, abilities, and experiences.

Some signs may be noticeable in early childhood, while others may become more apparent as a child grows and encounters new experiences in daily life. Common signs of autism include:

Social Communication Differences

• Difficulty understanding facial expressions, gestures, or tone of voice

• Challenges starting or maintaining conversations

• Limited or atypical use of eye contact during interactions

Repetitive Behaviours and Routines

• Repeating specific movements such as hand-flapping or rocking

• A strong need for routine, with difficulty managing unexpected changes

• Deep, focused interest in particular subjects or activities

Sensory Sensitivities

• Heightened or reduced sensitivity to sounds, textures, lights, or smells

• Strong reactions to sensory environments that feel overwhelming

Developmental Differences

• Differences in how or when speech and language develop

• Exceptional abilities in specific areas such as memory, numbers, or visual patterns

Noticing one or two of these signs does not confirm autism. Only a thorough assessment by a registered psychologist can provide a clear picture.

Who Conducts Autism Assessments?

Autism assessments are typically conducted by registered psychologists who have specialist training in developmental assessments. A comprehensive assessment involves gathering information from multiple sources to build a complete picture of a child’s profile. These include:

• Comprehensive Clinical Interview (Migdas) with the parent or caregiver of the child to understand their developmental history and characteristics associated with Autism.

• Cognitive Ability Testing: Assessing verbal comprehension, fluid reasoning, visual-spatial reasoning, working memory, and processing speed

• Executive Function Assessment: Evaluating impulse control, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and planning abilities

• Social and Emotional Functioning Questionnaires: Understanding behavioural and emotional patterns across different settings

• Autism-Specific Standardised Tools: Structured observational and interview-based instruments specifically designed to assess autism characteristics

• Parent and Teacher Input: Information gathered from parents and teachers to understand the child’s behaviours, social interactions, and experiences in everyday environments.

Our Comprehensive Assessment Process

At Adelaide Clinical Psychology, we have structured our child ASD assessment process to be clear and straightforward. Here is a brief overview of our process:

Step 1: Intake Call

The process begins with a welcoming phone call from our Client Concierge, Candy Elliott. Candy holds a Diploma and an Associate Degree in Psychotherapy and brings a warm and knowledgeable approach to every interaction.

During this call, Candy will take the time to understand your concerns, guide you through our assessment process, and answer any questions you may have. She will also help determine whether a child ASD assessment is the right next step for your child’s needs.

Step 2: Online Clinical Interview with Parents

Before any formal testing takes place, one of our experienced psychologists conducts a detailed one-on-one interview with parents. This session gathers important background information that informs the assessment, including:

• Developmental history, including early milestones and behaviours

• Current behavioural patterns and social interactions

• Interests, sensory sensitivities and emotional patterns

• Relevant medical, psychological, and school reports (where available)

• Any academic difficulties the child may be experiencing

• Answers to any questions or concerns parents may have about the process

This interview provides our psychologists with valuable background information about your child, helping them conduct a thorough assessment.

Step 3: Testing and Assessment

During this stage of the process, we begin the formal assessment. Across two structured sessions, our psychologists engage directly with the child using evidence-based testing methods.

The assessment examines cognitive functioning, executive functioning skills, and social and emotional patterns. Where appropriate, parents and teachers may also be asked to complete online screening tools to provide additional context.

Step 4: Analysis and Written Report

Once the testing is complete, our supportive psychologists carefully review and analyse all the collected data. We examine patterns, behaviours, and traits together to form a clear and accurate picture of your child.

A detailed written report is then prepared. This report outlines the assessment findings, along with tailored recommendations and strategies that may benefit the child.

Step 5: Feedback Session

Our final step is an online feedback session, designed to walk you through the findings clearly and thoroughly, ensuring everything is understood. During this session, you can expect:

• A clear explanation of the assessment results and what they mean

• Personalised recommendations for your child according to their individual needs.

• Dedicated time to ask questions and discuss next steps

After the session, you will receive the written report, which can be shared with other health professionals if needed.

Key Points

Getting your child assessed for ASD can provide valuable insight into their development, helping you better understand their strengths, challenges, and the support they may need.

At Adelaide Clinical Psychology, our team of registered and clinical psychologists conduct autism assessments for children using a thorough and evidence-based approach. We aim to create a warm and supportive environment where each child feels comfortable throughout the assessment process. If you’re ready to take the next step, we welcome you to get in touch with our team today.

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