OUR ASSESSMENT PROCESS
ADOS
THE AUTISM DIAGNOSTIC OBSERVATION SCHEDULE (ADOS) IS A STANDARDIZED DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR DIAGNOSING AND ASSESSING AUTISM. IT IS CONSIDERED TO BE A “GOLD STANDARD” IN DIAGNOSING AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD). THE PROTOCOL CONSISTS OF A SERIES OF STRUCTURED AND SEMI-STRUCTURED ACTIVITIES, THAT INVOLVE SOCIAL INTERACTION BETWEEN THE EXAMINER AND THE PERSON UNDER ASSESSMENT. DIFFERENT AGES AND LANGUAGE LEVELS HAVE DIFFERENT ASSESSMENT MODULES.
THIS PORTION TYPICALLY TAKES 30-60 MINUTES AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL TIME TO SCORE AND INTERPRET DATE. THE PARENT MAY OR MAY NOT BE REQUIRED TO BE IN THE ASSESSMENT ROOM WITH THE INDIVIDUAL BEING TESTED.
WE CAN COMPLETE AN ADOS ON TODDLERS (FROM 18 MONTHS) TO ADULT.
THIS PORTION TYPICALLY TAKES 30-60 MINUTES AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL TIME TO SCORE AND INTERPRET DATE. THE PARENT MAY OR MAY NOT BE REQUIRED TO BE IN THE ASSESSMENT ROOM WITH THE INDIVIDUAL BEING TESTED.
WE CAN COMPLETE AN ADOS ON TODDLERS (FROM 18 MONTHS) TO ADULT.
ADI-R
THE AUTISM DIAGNOSTIC INTERVIEW- REVISED (ADI-R), IS A STRUCTURED INTERVIEW CONDUCTED WITH THE PARENTS OF THE REFERRED INDIVIDUAL, AND COVERS THE SUBJECT'S FULL DEVELOPMENTAL HISTORY. THIS COVERS PRIMARILY THE INDIVIDUAL'S HISTORY BETWEEN 4-5 YEARS OF AGE. ALL RELEVANT HISTORY IS COVERED, FROM LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, SENSORY INTERESTS AND REPETITIVE OR RIGID BEHAVIOURS. THIS PROCESS TYPICALLY TAKES 2 HOURS WITH A 1 HOUR DEBRIEF AFTERWARD TO GO OVER THE RESULTS AND ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THE CLIENT OR FAMILY MAY HAVE.
rEPORT
A FULL REPORT WILL BE COMPLETE WITHIN 6-8 WEEKS FOLLOWING ASSESSMENT. INFORMATION INCLUDED:
ONGOING SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES AFTER ASSESSMENT:
- DIAGNOSITIC INFORMATION:
- To determine if diagnosis of Autism is present and requiring how much support
- To determine if dual, concurrent or alternative diagnosis (if present)
- If IQ assessment completed: A unique cognitive profile of the client will be provided
- INDIVIDULAIZED RECOMMENDATIONS AND STRATEGIES:
- For school aged children: General home and school strategies, strategies on how to teach to the child's unique strengths, as well as specific recommendations for programming and interventions in each specific area for Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Speech Language Pathology based on developmental profile of current needs
- For adults: resources pertaining to specific questions they may have
- All clients receive a one page resource page at the end of the assessment day (before report is complete) of websites, blogs, Instagram, and/ or Facebook accounts that they may find helpful for information and community
ONGOING SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES AFTER ASSESSMENT:
- COMMUNITY SUPPORTS AND ONGOING SERVICES:
- DTC (Disability Tax Credit) forms can be completed by Psychologist (booked separately at cost)
- Letters of support for medical professionals (if required)
- Summary of diagnosis letter to use for other applications for support, such as FSCD, PDD, etc.
- PRIVATE THERAPY OPTIONS
- Occupational Therapy
- Private therapy options for individualized interventions
- Consultation, intervention and further assessment services available for home- based programming for: sensory regulation, self-help skills (i.e., feeding, toileting, dressing, bathing, etc.), emotional awareness and play skills
- Therapy program aide packages available for ongoing sessions
- Psychology
- Neuro-affirmative individual counselling available to meet individual goals
- Family counselling for building neuro-affirmative supports and connection
- Occupational Therapy