Understanding Autism Assessment and Knowing When to Seek Help for Yourself or Your Child

Autism affects millions of people worldwide, yet many remain undiagnosed or receive late diagnoses. Early and accurate autism assessment can make a significant difference in accessing support, therapies, and understanding individual needs. Knowing when to seek an assessment for yourself or your child is crucial for timely intervention and better outcomes.

What Is Autism Assessment?

Autism assessment is a detailed process used by healthcare professionals to determine whether an individual meets the criteria for autism It involves gathering information from multiple sources, including:

• Developmental history

• Behavioural observations

• Standardised tests

• Input from parents, teachers, or caregivers

  
  

The goal is to understand how the person communicates, interacts socially, and behaves in different settings. Autism is a spectrum, meaning it presents differently in each person, so assessments are tailored to capture these variations.

Why Is Early Assessment Important?

Early assessment can identify autism in young children, often before the age of 3. This early identification allows families to access support services sooner, which can improve communication skills, social interactions, and reduce challenging behaviours. However, for many children, an autism assessment may happen much later depending upon their ability to function well in their environment. Some children are able to mask very well until well into their teens!

For adults, assessment can provide clarity about lifelong challenges and open doors to support networks, workplace accommodations, and self-understanding.

Research shows that children who receive early intervention after diagnosis tend to develop better language and social skills compared to those diagnosed later. This makes recognising signs and seeking assessment as soon as concerns arise essential.

Signs That Indicate It’s Time to Seek an Assessment

Recognising when to seek an autism assessment can be challenging. Some signs to watch for include:

In Children

• Limited eye contact or difficulty engaging with others

• Delayed speech or language development

• Repetitive behaviours such as hand-flapping or rocking

• Strong preference for routines and distress when routines change

• Difficulty understanding social cues or emotions

• Intense interests in specific topics or objects

• Sensory concerns, such as being sensitive to noise, clothing, textures or food

• Difficulty making or keeping good friendships with peers of a similar age

  
  

In Adults

• Persistent challenges in social situations or forming relationships

• Difficulty interpreting nonverbal communication like facial expressions

• Sensory sensitivities (to sounds, lights, textures)

• Strong need for routine or predictability

• Feeling overwhelmed in busy or noisy environments

• Struggling with executive functioning skills such as planning or organizing

  
  

If you or your child show several of these signs, it is worth consulting a healthcare professional, such as a clinical psychologist, who can guide you toward a formal assessment.

What to Expect During an Autism Assessment

The assessment process varies depending on age and individual needs but generally includes:

• Initial screening: Questionnaires or checklists completed by parents or individuals.

• Clinical interviews: Detailed discussions about developmental history and current behaviours.

• Observation: Watching how the individual interacts in different settings.

• Standardised testing: Tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) or Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R).

  
  

The assessment can take several sessions to complete and may feel overwhelming, but it provides a comprehensive understanding of strengths and challenges.

How to Prepare for an Assessment

Preparation can help make the process smoother:

• Keep notes on behaviours or concerns observed over time.

• Gather any previous medical or developmental records.

• Talk openly with the assessor about your goals and questions.

• For children, bring familiar items to help them feel comfortable.

  
  

Remember, the assessment is a step toward understanding and support, not a judgment.

After the Assessment: What Comes Next?

Once the assessment is complete, the professional will share the results and discuss recommendations. These may include:

• Accessing therapies such as speech, occupational, or behavioural therapy

• Educational support plans tailored to individual needs

• Social skills groups or support networks

• Strategies for managing sensory sensitivities or anxiety

  
  

If the diagnosis is confirmed, connecting with local autism organisations can provide valuable resources and community support. If the assessment does not indicate autism, the professional may suggest other evaluations or supports.

Supporting Yourself or Your Child Through the Process

Seeking an autism assessment can bring relief but also uncertainty. Here are ways to support yourself or your child:

• Stay informed about autism and available resources.

• Connect with support groups for families or adults on the spectrum.

• Practice patience and celebrate small progress.

• Advocate for necessary accommodations at school or work.

• Prioritise mental health and self-care.

  
  

Understanding autism is a journey, and assessment is the first step toward tailored support and acceptance.

Broulee Psychology provides clinical assessment for autism in addition to other presentations, such as ADHD and learning difficulties. Our Clinical Director, Stacy Shepherd, has 20 years experience in this area and oversees all assessments at the practice, completing the majority of assessments herself. If you'd like to find out more check out our website here, give our admin team a call on 02 4445 2015 or email on admin@brouleepsychology.com.au. They can provide you with all the information you need to take the next stop, including process, wait times and costings.