ASD Assessment Tailored to Your Needs

At Mind & Health Psychology, we offer comprehensive ASD assessments that include initial screening, differential and comorbid diagnoses, and services aligned with NDIS requirements.

It includes :

-A psychometric Autism Diagnostic Observation (ADOS -2).

-Autism Diagnostic Interview with Parents/Caregivers (ADI - R).

-Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing Autism (MIGDAS-2).

-A clinical Assessment of Behaviour

-A Wechsler measure.

What is the ADOS-2?

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) is a highly regarded tool for assessing communication, social interaction, and play behaviors in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Developed by Dr. Catherine Lord and her team, the ADOS-2 is designed for all age groups, from 12 months to adulthood, and can be adapted for individuals with varying language abilities, from non-verbal to fluent speakers. This interactive assessment involves structured activities that allow the clinician to observe natural behaviors and identify indicators of ASD. The ADOS-2 requires a developmental level of at least 12 months and is not suitable for individuals with significant sensory or motor challenges.

Who Can Benefit from the ADOS-2?

The ADOS-2 is effective for individuals across all age groups, provided they have a developmental level of at least 12 months. It is adaptable for those with different language abilities, but it is essential that participants are free from major sensory or motor impairments, such as blindness, to ensure accurate assessment.

What is the ADI-R?

The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is a comprehensive, structured interview conducted with parents or caregivers. It gathers detailed information about a person’s early developmental history, communication skills, social interactions, and behavior patterns. The ADI-R is especially valuable for confirming or ruling out an autism diagnosis when combined with other assessments like the ADOS-2. The interview typically lasts 90 minutes to two hours and allows caregivers to share key insights into the individual’s strengths, challenges, and any signs of ASD.

Who Can Benefit from the ADI-R?

The ADI-R is suitable for individuals of all ages suspected of having autism. While it focuses on early developmental history, it is effective for assessing children as well as providing crucial insights into the behaviors and history of older individuals.

What is the MIGDAS -2

The Monteiro Interview Guidelines for administering Autism Spectrum - Second Edition (MIGDAS- 2) is a neuroaffirming, strengths-based interview process that supports carers and individuals (children, adolescents, and adults) by focusing on authentic communication, sensory experiences, unique interests (and importantly unique routines in a naturalistic setting), giving additional insight into the individual, and helping each person feel seen and understood during autism assessments.

How Do the ADOS-2 and ADI-R and MIGDAS -2 Work Together?

Using the ADOS-2 and ADI-R in combination is considered the gold standard for ASD diagnosis. The ADI-R offers in-depth background information, while the ADOS-2 focuses on direct observation of social and communication behaviors. This dual approach provides a comprehensive evaluation and helps form a complete picture of the individual’s strengths, challenges, and any potential indicators of ASD.

The MIGDAS-2 works alongside the ADOS-2 and ADI-R by providing a complementary, neuroaffirming, sensory- and strengths-focused narrative that enriches and personalises the structured observational and developmental data gathered from the other two tools, resulting in a more holistic and person-centred autism assessment. While the ADI-R and ADOS-2 provide structured assessments, the MIGDAS-2 adds a narrative, person-centred perspective, capturing the individual's unique sensory experiences and strengths.

Wechsler Intelligence Scale

We also conduct a Wechsler Intelligence Scale assessment to evaluate cognitive functioning and its relationship to ASD symptoms. This assessment also provides the psychologist with an additional opportunity to observe social functioning without placing the client under the social performance pressure that may arise during the ADOS-2. We use The Stanford -Binet Intelligence Scale (Early) - Fifth Edition and The Rossetti , Infant-Toddler Language Scale with younger children in our Assessments to measure cognitive ability, communication and interaction.

Why Choose Mind & Health Psychology?

At Mind and Health Psychology we guide the assessment process by use of the gold standard ASD measures, the ADOS -2 and ADI-R, and in alignment with best practice for ASD assessment, we offer the Wechsler Scale as an assessment tool that evaluates a client's functioning in a comprehensive manner while minimizing social pressure. Lead Clinician Stephen O’Malley has two years of specialised postgraduate Clinical Neuropsychology training in identifying autism in relation to other disorders, WPS Training and Certification in the use of the ADOS-2 and ADI-R, and over 20 years of clinical experience. His compassionate and knowledgeable approach ensures that families receive clarity and guidance throughout the assessment process.

Following the evaluation, we hold a follow-up session to review the results, answer any questions, and discuss the next steps. A detailed written feedback report is provided, highlighting client strengths and individual differences, and is suitable for NDIS use where required.

Our neuro-affirming autism assessment, particularly integrating the MIGDAS -2 into the assessment, is designed to respect and value neurodiversity. The assessment looks to create a supportive and compassionate environment, recognising and valuing different ways of thinking and experiencing the world, and accommodating your individual needs. Our goal is to make the entire process straightforward and supportive for you and your family.