Autism Assessments

At Inner Transformations Psychology, we offer neurodiversity-affirming assessments and support tailored to the needs of autistic individuals. Our approach acknowledges the diversity of autistic experiences, including those with less visible or "masked" presentations that may not align with traditional stereotypes. We view autism as a natural variation of human functioning, emphasizing differences rather than deficits, while recognizing the unique challenges neurodivergent individuals face within a predominantly neurotypical society.

Our assessments are designed to highlight each person's strengths and identify appropriate supports to enhance their well-being. They can also facilitate access to funding and resources that promote a deeper understanding of emotions, behaviors, and communication—both within oneself and in interactions with others.

We work collaboratively with clients, their families, and other key stakeholders to deliver thorough and personalized assessments that empower individuals to thrive.

Questionnaires Sent Prior to and During the Initial Assessment

To gather comprehensive background information, several questionnaires will be sent to the client, parent/carer, and relevant individuals (e.g., teacher) as appropriate. These questionnaires are designed to collect detailed information on various aspects of behavior, emotional functioning, and developmental history, and are used to inform the assessment process.

Questionnaires may include:

  • Background Information Questionnaire: Collects developmental and relevant family history.

  • Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-2/BRIEF-A): Assesses executive functioning and self-regulation in daily life.

  • Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-3): Evaluates behavioral and emotional functioning.

  • Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): Assesses a range of emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents.

  • Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2): Measures social communication and interaction abilities.

  • Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (Vineland-3): Assesses adaptive behaviors, such as communication, daily living skills, and socialization.

  • Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (ABAS-3): Evaluates functional skills necessary for independent living.

  • Conner’s Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS): Identifies symptoms of ADHD in adults.

  • PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): Assesses symptoms of PTSD.

Session 1: Initial Interview (90 minutes)

The initial interview involves an in-depth exploration of various aspects of the client's background and current functioning. Key areas of discussion include developmental milestones, medical history, educational and employment experiences, social interactions, behavioral patterns (past and present), psychiatric history, and any history of substance use. With the client’s consent, additional information may be gathered from a family member or close friend through questionnaires to provide a more comprehensive understanding.

For children and adolescents, it is mandatory for a parent or caregiver to attend the initial interview to ensure accurate and detailed insights into the young person's history and needs.

Session 2: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) / Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) 120 minutes

This session involves a formal cognitive and psychometric assessment to evaluate a range of intellectual abilities and cognitive functions. The assessment measures verbal skills such as language comprehension and reasoning, as well as non-verbal skills like visual-spatial problem solving. It also assesses working memory, processing speed, and sustained attention (both visual and auditory).

  • Children and Adolescents (<17 years): The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) is administered.

  • Adults (17+ years): The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) is administered.

Session 3: Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) - 120 minutes

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) is a structured assessment used to observe and evaluate behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). During this session, the assessment is conducted with the participant only and involves a series of activities and interactions designed to assess communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. The ADOS-2 is considered one of the most reliable tools for diagnosing ASD and provides detailed insights into how an individual responds in different social and communication contexts.

This session will focus on conducting the ADOS-2 to better understand the participant’s behavior and communication style, helping to clarify whether they meet the criteria for autism spectrum disorder.

Session 4: Autism Diagnostic Interview Schedule (ADI-R) - 180 minutes

The Autism Diagnostic Interview Schedule (ADI-R) is a structured interview conducted with the parent or caregiver to gather detailed information about the participant’s developmental history and behaviors. It focuses on three key areas: social interactions, communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. The ADI-R helps to assess whether the individual’s behavior aligns with the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

This session is conducted with the parent or caregiver only and is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the participant’s early development and current behaviors. The information gathered helps support the diagnostic process and provides insights into the individual’s needs.

Report Writing

Following the assessment, a comprehensive report will be prepared, which typically takes 3-4 weeks. This process involves 1-2 hours of scoring and thorough data analysis, followed by 3-4 hours of report writing. The final report will include a detailed summary of the assessment results, along with evidence-based recommendations tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals. These recommendations may cover areas such as treatment, support services, and strategies for improvement in key areas of functioning. The report aims to provide valuable insights for ongoing care and development.

Session 5: Feedback Session (50 minutes)

During the feedback session, your Clinical Psychologist will review and discuss the results of the assessment and the written report. This is an opportunity to explore the interpretations of the findings together, address any questions or concerns you (or the parent/carer, if applicable) may have, and ensure a clear understanding of the recommendations. The psychologist will guide you through the key insights and help you navigate the next steps, offering support and resources along the way to ensure a positive and informed journey forward.