Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Our psychologists are accredited specialists recognised by the Australian Psychological Society as meeting the eligibility criteria for assessing and treating Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Medicare allows for four sessions of assessment to be undertaken by Psychologists to make a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children and young people can attend for this purpose with a referral from a Paediatrician or Child Psychiatrist; or parents and carers may elect to pay privately for the same service.

The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) are used at the DANA Clinic for assessments of Autism Spectrum Disorders, including Asperger's Syndrome. These assessments are the "gold standard" tests utilised for diagnosis of these conditions.

The ADI-R is a structured interview conducted with parents or carers of children and young people who have been referred for assessment of possible Autism Spectrum Disorders. The interview covers a full developmental history and current functioning across the domains of social skills, communication skills, and behaviour. The ADI-R can be only conducted by trained professionals.

The ADOS is a semi-structured assessment conducted with children and young people referred for assessment of possible Autism Spectrum Disorders. The ADOS is a companion instrument of the ADI-R and can only be conducted by trained professionals.

Please contact the Clinic on 02 4952 4467 for further information and to make bookings for this specialised assessment service.