
Autism Assessments in Burlington
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions which result in challenges with social skills, social communication, repetitive behaviors and interests, speech and nonverbal communication. Recent estimates indicate that 1 in 54 children is affected by autism. Every child with ASD is unique. Symptoms vary widely, and may be subtle in some children, and more noticeable in others.
Autism Diagnosis
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be diagnosed as early as 24 months, but is often not diagnosed until around or after age 4. This is sometimes due to lack of awareness of early symptoms by caregivers, educators, and healthcare practitioners. Click here to view a checklist of early red flags for autism in children 18 months to 2 years old. If your child is displaying 4 or more symptoms, consultation with your child’s doctor or with a psychologist is recommended. Early diagnoses lead to early intervention, which is shown by research to have a significant impact on the outcomes for children with ASD.
Autism assessments are a type of assessment that evaluates specifically for symptoms and behaviours associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our ASD assessments are completed by registered psychologists or psychological associates who have years of experience diagnosing ASD in young children and teens.
These assessments usually involve:
- Detailed background interviews
- Structured observations
- Cognitive assessment
- Checklists, rating forms or questionnaires
Autism Diagnosis Report
At the end, a detailed report is provided, along with a diagnosis if one is made, recommendations for support, information on early support services in the community, and the process for registering with the ministry for autism funding.
We understand that considering an autism assessment can feel overwhelming. We are happy to spend time answering your questions and to ensure that you understand and are comfortable with the process. If you would like further information, please call our office to schedule a consultation.