ASD AND ADHD DIAGNOSIS

1. Referral

• Obtain referral from Paediatrician under the ‘Helping Children with Autism Initiative’
• Item number 82000: Assessment services for children with Autism or any other PDD
• Ensure referral is addressed to Learn to Shine
• Initiative covers 4 sessions of assessment

2. General Assessment

• Adaptive Behaviour: Vineland Interview assesses functioning in communication, social, play, gross/fine motor and behaviour domains.
• Assessment of Cognitive Functioning (optional)

                           a.  WPPSI (2.6-7.3yrs)

                           b. WISC-IV (6-16yrs)

3. Diagnostic Assessment

• Parent/Carer Interview: ADI-R (2yrs+) obtains relevant developmental information in the areas of social communication and behaviour
• Direct observation:

1. ADOS (2yrs+): a semi-structured assessment of communication, social interaction, and play
2. CARS (2yrs+): rating scale used as a screening tool for                                assessment of characteristics relevant to Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Interview with teacher or other carers: at childcare, kinder, school or other community setting
• Differential Diagnosis: consideration of other potential diagnoses using the DSM-V

4. Post-diagnosis and follow-up

• Report provided
• Discussion and review of findings from assessment

5. Collation and confirmation of assessment information with Paediatrician

1. General Assessment

a) Cognitive       – 2 hours

• WPPSI (2.6-7.3yrs)
• WISC (6-16yrs)
• WAIS (16-90 yrs)

Note the ACID (Arithmetic, Coding, Information, Digit Span) test as indicator of attention difficulties

b) Broadband screening tools

• CBCL
• BASC
• SDQ

c) ADHD Screening Tools

• ATBRS (Child and adult)
• SWAN (Children and adolescents)
• Short Adult ADHD Screening Scale (Adults)
• Conners
• ADDES

2. Diagnostic Assessment

a) Review

b) Parent/Carer Interview or self-report (adults)

• Brown (Adolescent and Adult)
• Clinical interview with parent – 1 hour

c) Direct Observation (child care, kinder, school) or interview with academic staff       – 45 minutes (Travel times of more than 30 minutes will attract an additional charge)

d) Performance: Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) – Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic

e) Differential Diagnosis (if required)

• Mood assessment
• Auditory processing
• Speech and language
• ASD

f) Brain function (Bmap)

g) Key nutrient levels (blood tests)

3. Post-diagnosis and follow-up – 30 minute consult or phone consult