Skip to main content

Autism Assessment & Guidance

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with symptoms and disabilities that vary widely, hence the term “spectrum.”

Autism’s impact on daily life can range from mild to severe. Some individuals may need significant support, while others live independently and succeed in their careers. Each person’s experience with autism is unique, with no “one size fits all” approach.

Early intervention and tailored support can greatly enhance outcomes, helping autistic individuals develop crucial social, communication, and life skills.

Contact Us

Key Characteristics of Autism

Autism is characterised by challenges in social communication, repetitive behaviours, and restricted interests, with symptoms that can vary widely among individuals.

Social Communication & Interaction Difficulties

Individuals with autism often struggle with social interactions, finding it difficult to interpret facial expressions, body language, and social nuances like humour or sarcasm. These challenges can make forming relationships more complex.

Repetitive Behaviours & Restricted Interests

Individuals with autism may engage in repetitive movements like rocking or hand-flapping, adhere strictly to specific routines, or develop intense focus on specific interests.

Sensory Sensitivities

Many individuals with autism experience heightened or diminished sensitivity to sensory inputs such as light, sound, touch, or taste. These sensitivities can manifest in various ways, leading some to actively seek out certain sensory experiences for comfort or stimulation.

Understanding Autism Levels

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is categorised into different levels based on the amount of support an individual needs. These levels range from Level 1, where individuals require minimal support, to Level 3, where very substantial support is necessary. Each level reflects the varying challenges in social communication, repetitive behaviours, and daily functioning.

To learn more about the specific characteristics and support needs at each level, use the slider below to navigate through the different levels of autism.

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3

Level 1

High-Functioning Autism

Individuals with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), often referred to as high-functioning autism, require some level of support to navigate daily life effectively. These individuals may experience mild challenges in social interactions, communication, and engaging in repetitive behaviours or routines. However, these challenges may not be immediately apparent to others without close observation.

Level 2

Autism

Individuals at Level 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) require substantial support to manage their daily lives effectively. Social and communication skills are significantly impacted, making interactions with others particularly challenging. Even with support, these individuals may struggle to initiate or respond to conversations appropriately, often finding typical social interactions difficult to navigate.

Level 3

Severe Autism

Individuals with Level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), often referred to as severe autism, require very substantial support to manage their daily lives. At this level, social and communication challenges are profound, and repetitive behaviours can be highly restrictive, severely impairing the individual’s ability to function independently. They may have very limited verbal communication abilities, often relying on gestures, pictures, or assistive technology to express their needs.

Our Assessment Process

Appointment 1

Comprehensive Evaluation

The first appointment is conducted by a clinician from our multidisciplinary team. This one-hour session is designed to evaluate various components of an individual’s profile, including:

  • Developmental History: Understanding the individual’s developmental milestones and any relevant background information.
  • Current Difficulties: Assessing the present challenges and concerns faced by the individual.
  • Environmental Factors: Evaluating the impact of the individual’s environment on their behaviour and development.
  • Mental Health History: Conducting a thorough review of the individual’s mental health history.
  • Assessment Tools: For ADHD evaluations, we utilise the Conners 4 assessment tool to gather comprehensive insights.

Appointment 2

Specialist Review and Diagnosis

The second appointment, lasting 45 minutes, is conducted by our specialist team, which includes paediatricians and psychiatrists. At Nexia Healthcare, the purpose of this appointment is to:

  • Review Reports: Our specialists thoroughly review the reports and information gathered during the first appointment.
  • Discuss Findings: The specialist will discuss the findings with the young individual or their family, ensuring a clear understanding of the evaluation results.
  • Provide Diagnosis: If the individual meets the criteria, a formalized diagnosis will be provided during this session.
  • Recommendations: Following the diagnosis, the specialist will offer a set of tailored recommendations to best support the young individual’s ongoing development and well-being.

This appointment ensures that families receive the expert guidance and formal diagnosis necessary for effective care and support.

Appointment 3

Complimentary Psychoeducation Session

The third appointment is a complimentary psychoeducation session conducted by our multidisciplinary team of clinicians. The purpose of this session is to:

  • Discuss Recommendations: Provide a space to review and discuss the recommendations made by the specialist team.
  • Address Concerns: Offer families the opportunity to raise any concerns or questions they may have.
  • Explore Interventions: Suggest simple interventions that could assist the young individual in their daily life.
  • Highlight Psychotherapy: Emphasise the importance of utilising psychotherapy for ongoing support and the development of crucial skills.

This session aims to ensure that families and young individuals understand the benefits of psychotherapy and feel supported in implementing the specialist’s recommendations.

Book An Appointment

Get In Touch

We are here to support your child’s development and help your family navigate every step of the journey. Whether you have questions, need more information about our services, or want to schedule a consultation, we are always here to provide the guidance and care your child needs.

  • Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm