What is ASD?
ASD is a chronic developmental disorder affecting one in 70 Australians, all with varying levels of complexity and severity. Some patients present with mild symptoms, and some which severely affect the child’s learning and development, and social skills.
Wherever patients sit on the autism spectrum all have challenges with sensory sensitivities, social communication and restricted or repetitive behaviours, interests or activities.
ASD tends to impact family functioning and happiness if the condition is not managed effectively.
Pursuing a diagnosis
Some parents are reluctant to pursue an assessment and diagnosis for their child as they are unsure of what it will mean for them; they don’t want their child to be ‘labelled’ with a condition.
We strongly encourage you to seek answers if you start to have concerns your child might have autism. If an autism diagnosis is established:
- you will have an improved understanding of how your child processes the world and learn how to better support their needs
- your child’s teachers and school will have information that will allow them to more effectively support your child
- your child will understand themselves better by learning about their diagnosis and know that they are a part of a wider community on the autism spectrum
- and they will have access to much needed funding.
If your child is assessed and is not diagnosed with autism, the detailed assessment process will help reveal the specific reasons for your child’s challenges and the most effective avenue of support for them.
Try to see diagnosis as a positive step forward and a way for you and your child to receive greater understanding and support.
ASD assessments Brisbane
Paedicare’s qualified and caring paediatricians are available to provide ASD assessments for your child and provide you with advice regarding recommended management.
The assessment will be made using standardised tests and a wide range of information provided by you and your child’s education provider. In most cases assessments are required from some or all of the following health professionals: a psychologist, occupational therapist and speech therapist.
Given that ASD shares symptoms with a number of other developmental conditions assessment can be complex.
Management of ASD
Each child with ASD is different and therefore our paediatricians may work with a range of additional medical professionals to provide individualised recommendations to support your child and the family unit. Building practical skills for positive behaviour support, social relationships, developmental learning, therapy and family-based interventions are important in assisting children with ASD.
By receiving qualified expert advice and treatment children with ASD can live a fulfilled life.
If you are concerned about your child’s behaviour and would like to arrange an ASD assessment in Brisbane please contact us.