Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of autism?
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition characterised by marked difficulties in social interaction, impaired communication, restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours and sensory sensitivities. Some of the following may be the early indicators of autism. However, it is important to note that no single indicator necessarily signals autism – usually a child would present with several indicators from some of the following categories:
- Behaviour
- Sensory
- Communication
- Social Skills
- Play
The following is only a guide to what your child should typically be doing at 18 – 24 months of age:
- Shows interest in his / her siblings or peers
- Brings you items to show you
- Follows your gaze to locate an object when you point
- Engages in “pretend play” (e.g. feeding a doll or making a toy dog bark)
- Uses many spontaneous single words and some two-word phrases
The effects of autism can often be minimised by early diagnosis and with the right interventions, many children and adults on the spectrum show marked improvements. To this end, if you are concerned that your child may be showing early signs of autism, it is important that you consult with a qualified medical professional. This would be your General Practitioner and/or Paediatrician in the first instance.
My Doctor suspects that my child may have autism. How can I find out more and/or obtain a confirmed diagnosis?
BLS Assessments conducts comprehensive evidence-based assessments for autism in children, adolescents and adults. The assessments are provided by Clinical Psychologists and Psychologists with experience and post-graduate training in the diagnosis of autism. The assessment process includes:
- Comprehensive parent interview using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)
- Formal observation using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS2)
- Assessment of functional skills (everyday living skills and independence)
- A feedback session outlining the assessment outcomes, including an opportunity for questioning and clarification
- Recommendations for intervention and follow-up
- Written report within one month of the assessment date
Children and adolescents who have already been diagnosed with autism can also be referred to the BLS Assessments for review assessments at times of transition and for cognitive or developmental assessments.
I am concerned about my child’s development; how can I find out more and what should I do next?
Medical & Health Issues – Where to start?
As part of the ongoing medical care of your child, it is important to have a good local doctor or general practitioner (GP) with whom you feel comfortable, and who listens to you and your family. General practitioners make referrals, when necessary, to specialists. If you have a concern about your child’s development, you have the right to be referred to a specialist.
When consulting doctors, it is important to establish good communication. You should be able to talk freely about your child’s condition and needs, about your needs and feelings, and about the situation for the family as a whole. The doctor or specialist should be able to explain things in detail and in words that you can understand.
Make a list of the things that are concerning you about your child, and write down questions. Take the list with you when you see the doctor. Take your partner, a friend or relative with you to the appointment to provide support and help in understanding the discussion. They can also share the responsibility of weighing the advice and making any decisions.
Many families who have a child with a disability or developmental delay find it helpful to regularly see a paediatrician. Paediatricians are doctors who specialise in caring for children. They understand about the nature, severity, long-term outlook and causes of disability in children, and they manage any complications that may arise. Access to paediatricians is via referral from your local GP.
Searching for a Diagnosis
Some conditions are evident at birth or soon after. Others can occur as a result of an accident or sudden onset of illness. For many families, the identification of a child’s disability is a gradual process that occurs over many months or years. For some children, a clear diagnosis of a specific condition or disability (or multiple disabilities) is possible. For others, the diagnosis of a specific condition may not be possible or may be reliant on further tests and observations in future years.
It is often wise to have further assessments as your child grows, as technology and expertise are constantly advancing. Keep a diary or log of your child’s development and behavioural characteristics as over time it becomes difficult to remember and report things accurately at future medical appointments.
I suspect that my child may have autism. What should I do next?
If you suspect that your child may have autism, it is important that you consult with a qualified medical professional. This would be your General Practitioner and/or Paediatrician in the first instance.
Many families who have a child with a developmental condition or developmental delay find it helpful to regularly see a paediatrician. Paediatricians are doctors who specialise in caring for children. They understand the nature, severity, long-term outlook and causes of disability in children, and they manage any complications that may arise. Access to paediatricians is via referral from your local GP.
For many families, the identification of a child’s developmental condition is a gradual process that occurs over many months or years. For some children, a clear diagnosis of a specific condition or disability (or multiple disabilities) is possible. For others, the diagnosis of a specific condition may not be possible or may be reliant on further tests and observations in future years.
It is often wise to have further assessments as your child grows, as technology and expertise are constantly advancing. Keep a diary or log of your child’s development and behavioural characteristics as over time it becomes difficult to remember and report things accurately at future medical appointments.
What are the options for someone about to leave high school or who has recently left?
There are many options for someone on the spectrum once they leave school. In terms of further education and training, some young people on the spectrum are able to go to university and complete tertiary degrees with some support. Others may pursue a traineeship or apprenticeship or additional vocational studies. In terms of employment, some people with autism are able to work in open employment while others will need support through programs such as Transition to Work or Disability Employment Services to obtain suitable employment. Some young people with autism may not be able to work in open employment settings and are more suited to supported employment options. The difficulty for many parents and young people is knowing which option is the most realistic and suitable pathway. Finding information about the various services and supports available can also be challenging.
A comprehensive assessment around the time of this transition can provide important information that will be helpful in making decisions. BLS Assessments conduct review assessments that include a current measure of autism symptoms, learning ability and everyday living skills. This allows for a tailored profile of the young person’s strengths and weaknesses to be developed, including areas that will benefit from continued intervention into adulthood to help them achieve their potential. We are also able to provide information regarding the various supports and services available in the young person’s local areas.
