Services

---

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are lifelong developmental conditions that affect approximately 1 in 100 children. 

The common areas of difficulty for children with ASD include communication, socialisation, sensory activities, and restricted or repetitive behaviours, interests or activities. The severity and extent to which a child’s daily functioning is affected can range from mild to severe.

The current diagnosis of ASD as specified by the DSM-V includes what was previously known as Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified.

Behavioural assessments examine whether a child's challenging behaviour falls outside the age-appropriate range. Concerns may include hyperactivity, impulsivity, aggression, difficulty sustaining attention, and disruptions to learning and peer relations.

Cognitive assessments or intelligence tests (IQ tests) are used to determine a child’s learning capability by identifying their cognitive strengths and weaknesses. When interpreted in combination with comprehensive background information and parent and teacher interviews, the results of cognitive tests can assist with the development of individualised intervention and learning plans for children.

Educational assessments measure a child’s academic ability level in a range of areas including oral language, basic reading, reading comprehension and fluency, written expression, mathematics and maths fluency. 

Educational Assessments are used to identify areas of academic strength and weakness. Results acquired through the assessment process provide an indicator of a child’s skill in a particular academic area compared to a normative age- or grade-matched sample.

Independent assessments used to determine the functional level of an individual.

Independent assessments used to determine the functional level of an individual with disability, which is then used to inform what level of NDIS funding that person receives. Under the current system, people demonstrate this by gathering evidence from their own specialists.