Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Adults Autism Diagnosis & Assessments Melbourne

Our diagnostic assessments deliver precise diagnoses and tailored treatment.

Adult and Kids Autism Diagnosis Melbourne

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

What is It and How It Works?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the collective term for a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, and by repetitive patterns of behaviour and restricted interests.

The behavioural features that characterise ASD are often present before three years of age but may not become apparent until the school years or later in life. The developmental challenges, signs and/or symptoms can vary widely in nature and severity between individuals, and in the same individual over time, and may be accompanied by mental and physical health problems.

Adult Autism Diagnosis in Melbourne

How Adult Autism Diagnosis Works?

Adult autism assessment in Melbourne involves a thorough evaluation by specialists such as psychologists or psychiatrists.

The process includes reviewing developmental history, observing current behavior, and using diagnostic tools like questionnaires or interviews. Clinicians assess social communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities.

In Melbourne, a team-based approach is often used, sometimes involving neuropsychological tests. Getting an accurate autism diagnosis helps adults access therapies and support networks. These resources are tailored to their needs. This can improve their quality of life and daily functioning.

Nexia Healthcare provides expert autism diagnosis and assessments in Melbourne. Our compassionate team ensures thorough evaluations, offering personalised support and guidance to help individuals and families navigate their unique autism journey with confidence.

Common Difficulties

Social Interactions

Many autistic people with autism find busy and complex social settings uncomfortable, often have special interests such as preferring online chat, games, or video interactions. They might face challenges in reading social cues or understanding the perspectives of neurotypical individuals. Emotion regulation can also be difficult, leading some to prefer solitude over social interaction, both during childhood and into adulthood. Consequently, building and maintaining friendships can be particularly challenging.

Sensory Awareness

Individuals diagnosed with autism often have heightened sensory awareness, making them more sensitive to sounds, smells, tastes, and physical touch. This heightened sensitivity can result in:Individuals diagnosed with autism often have heightened sensory awareness, making them more sensitive to sounds, smells, tastes, and physical touch. This heightened sensitivity can result in:

Communication Preferences

Individuals on the autism spectrum often communicate in a manner that is overly honest and direct, which can sometimes come across as blunt. They may show little interest in small talk, find it challenging to understand sarcasm or humor, and struggle with non-verbal communication like gestures and facial expressions. Due to the unique way their brains process information, they might take longer to comprehend spoken information and may repeat words or phrases in a way that seems unusual or out of context.

Strengths and Interests

While personal strengths vary, many individuals diagnosed with autism excel in logical or visual thinking, remembering facts and figures, and having a keen eye for detail. They often have a strong understanding of technology. A common characteristic is a deep and focused interest in a specific topic or activity, often making them experts in their chosen area.

On a personal level, these individuals frequently exhibit strengths such as honesty, loyalty, reliability, persistence, fairness, and kindness. These qualities contribute to their unique and valuable perspectives.

Why Choose Nexia Healthcare?

Our approach ensures that families receive the necessary support and clarity needed to navigate their child’s neurodevelopmental journey. By providing a formalized Autism test and comprehensive assessment report, we empower families to access the care and resources they need.

At Nexia Healthcare, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Let us help you achieve a deeper understanding and a clear path forward for your child’s development.

Nexia Healthcare offers comprehensive Autism diagnosis and assessment services in Melbourne. Our expert team provides personalized care, ensuring accurate evaluations and tailored treatment plans to support individuals in managing Autism effectively.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Levels

Requires Support

Individuals diagnosed with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) require some support but are generally more independent. They might find it challenging to communicate with neurotypical peers, often struggling with timing, social cues, and body language.

Individuals with Level 1 ASD can usually speak in full sentences but may have difficulty maintaining extended conversations. Social anxiety is common, and they might experience burnout from masking their autism to appear neurotypical.

These individuals may also find it hard to transition between activities, try new things, or manage organization and planning. Their level of independence might differ from neurotypical expectations for their age.

Requires Substantial Support

Individuals diagnosed with Level 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) require substantial support and find it more challenging to mask their symptoms compared to those with Level 1 ASD. They often struggle with communication and socialization in ways that are easily understood or accepted by neurotypical society.

Individuals with Level 2 ASD have a harder time shifting focus or transitioning between activities. They may have very specific interests and engage in repetitive behaviors that differ significantly from neurotypical behaviors or seem out of place in typical settings.

For instance, an autistic child or adult might pace back and forth during a class or meeting or repeat the same phrase multiple times. These behaviors, known as stimming (self-stimulation), help autistic individuals regulate themselves internally. Neurotypical individuals also stim through actions like humming, tapping their feet or fingers, or dancing.

Requires Very Substantial Support

Individuals diagnosed with Level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) require very substantial support. They exhibit many of the same traits as those with Level 1 and 2 diagnoses but are entirely unable to mask their symptoms and face significant challenges with self-regulation.

These individuals often have severe difficulties expressing themselves verbally, with body language, or through facial expressions. This can make it very challenging to complete daily tasks, interact socially, and adapt to changes in focus or location. Early access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices can help alleviate some of these communication barriers.

Engaging in repetitive behaviors is a common trait among those with Level 3 ASD. They are less likely to initiate interactions, particularly with neurotypical individuals, and when they do, it may be perceived as awkward. They might be more comfortable with parallel play rather than interactive activities or prefer structured interactions based on scripts.

Limitations of ASD Levels

While the DSM’s ASD levels are useful for understanding a person’s support needs, they don’t provide a full picture of the capacities, strengths, and unique requirements of each individual with autism. These levels do not entirely capture the diverse traits and lived experiences of all autistic individuals, nor do they offer a complete representation of someone diagnosed at any specific level.

A diagnosis of ASD is not a disability; it’s an opportunity for us to engage in a meaningful discussion about how we can best assist and support the young individual in becoming the best version of themselves. We look forward to understanding your child’s unique strengths and needs to tailor our support accordingly.

Our Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment Process Involves:

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 behavior and development.
Mental Health History: Conducting a thorough review of the individual’s mental health history.
Assessment Tools: For ASD evaluations, we utilize the ADOS 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 pediatricians 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: Collowing 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:

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