Today I was asked if using the GARS-2 (Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-Second Edition) was enough for an adult diagnosis of autism or Asperger's Disorder. I have a new copy of the GARS, and have used it many times in the past, especially when working in California. With children we would do a dual interview, two professionals asking questions, and we would score separately to make sure there was evaluator agreement. The GARS is used for individuals from age 3-22, and most of us would use a version of it for older individuals. But in British Columbia the GARS simply isn't good enough.
Usually a diagnosis of either autism spectrum disorder, or Asperger's Disorder, sometimes called Asperger's Syndrome , in adults can be complex. It requires not just using a checklist/interview like the GARS, but also ruling out the many other possible disorder that could be causing the symptoms of concern. I usually do this with a structured personality assessment and structured mental health history/health history.
In BC, with children and adolescents (teens) who are suspected of having autism spectrum disorder or Asperger's (yes, I know they are now considered to be on one single spectrum, however many individuals still find it useful to distinguish between these two disorders) we use the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale) and the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Inventory). These are considered the gold standard here in BC, and are a required part of any autism assessment that will be accepted by either a school district or the Ministry for funding. So, I try to follow these guidelines as much as possible.
Often people need a diagnosis for "legal reasons." For instance, they may require a diagnosis to obtain services, or to make a tax credit claim, or sometimes they are having social problems at work and a diagnosis is part of keeping their job and getting appropriate accommodations. As you might suspect, when this is the case we need a very comprehensive assessment. One that rules out other possible causes for their symptoms, and one that shows both their strengths and weaknesses so we can make specific accommodation recommendations. That's why a simple check off list of symptoms doesn't make for a good diagnosis!
A diagnosis of Asperger's Disorder or autism in an adult takes several hours of face to face time, the collection of historical information (much of the diagnosis is based upon behaviours and concerns at an early age) and some period of time to observe the individual doing tasks that we consider important markers for the disorder.
For more information you are welcome to contact me in my office at 778.998-7975. There is a short waiting period for adult and child assessments, but usually you can be seen within a week to ten days. For more information visit my website at www.relatedminds.com
I have offices in both Burnaby and Vancouver, British Columbia.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
What does research say about treatments for adolescents and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Aspergers?
A 2012 publication"Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism spectrum Disorders" was published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. It is an excellent report, 374 pages of data, and would be useful to any parent of a young adult, and should be part of the collection of literature in any school district, private practice or mental health program that works with young adolescents (teens) or young adults with Asperger's Disorder/Syndrome.
The full report can be found here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK107275/
For instance, many school districts provide "Music Therapy" for student's with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Aspergers. Often this is provided by a "Registered Music Therapist" here in British Columbia. How does this government report look at music therapy for students with autism?
For instance, many school districts provide "Music Therapy" for student's with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Aspergers. Often this is provided by a "Registered Music Therapist" here in British Columbia. How does this government report look at music therapy for students with autism?
" 2 poor-quality case studies. Some gains in social skills reported using unvalidated and largely subjective measures. No comparison groups or measures of treatment fidelity; participants not clearly characterized; assessors not masked; differences in concomitant interventions not reported.”
If music therapy is being offered to your child, but no behavioural program, small group social learning group (using materials such as ABA for some or "social learning" programs such as Michelle Winners for others), you need to know that the evidence for using music therapy with autism is weak.
While the report is long it can be downloaded in PDF format and read on your computer or iPad screen. At least those professionals designing, approving and supervising the programs out children use should be familiar with this compendium of research and it's implications as to where to put our effort, money and hearts when dealing with our children, students and clients.
The study comes to this rather bleak conclusion:
"Few studies have been conducted to assess treatment approaches for adolescents and young adults with ASD, and as such there is very little evidence available for specific treatment approaches in this population; this is especially the case for evidence-based approaches to support the transition of youth with autism to adulthood. Of the small number of studies available, most were of poor quality, which may reflect the relative recency of the field. Five studies, primarily of medical interventions, had fair quality. Behavioral, educational, and adaptive/life skills studies were typically small and short term and suggested some potential improvements in social skills and functional behavior. Small studies suggested that vocational programs may increase employment success for some individuals. Few data are available to support the use of medical or allied health interventions in the adolescent and young adult population. The medical studies that have been conducted focused on the use of medications to address specific challenging behaviors, including irritability and aggression, for which effectiveness in this age group is largely unknown and inferred from studies including mostly younger children."
Another example of overused interventions are sensory interventions. Some schools are full of these programs, with specialized rooms that children are taken to when they are having behavioural or emotional difficulty. Many times this is the primary intervention on an IEP for a child, in spite of the lack of supportive research for using these techniques. Here is what the American Paediatric Association says:
"Sensory-based therapies using brushes, swings, balls and other equipment are increasingly used by occupational therapists to treat children with developmental and behavioral disorders. However, it’s unclear whether children with sensory-based problems have an actual disorder related to the sensory pathways of the brain, or whether these problems are due to an underlying developmental disorder. In a new policy statement, “Sensory Integration Therapies for Children With Developmental and Behavioral Disorders,” published in the June 2012 Pediatrics (published online May 28), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that pediatricians not use sensory processing disorder as an independent diagnosis. When sensory problems are present, health care providers should consider other developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, developmental coordination disorder and anxiety disorder. Occupational therapy with the use of sensory-based therapies may be acceptable as one component of a comprehensive treatment plan. The AAP recommends pediatricians communicate with families about the limited data on the use of sensory-based therapies, and help families design simple ways to monitor the effects of treatment and discuss whether the therapy is working to achieve their goals for their child. Occupational therapy is a limited resource and families should work with pediatricians to prioritize treatments based on problems that affect a child’s ability to perform daily functions. - See more at: http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/AAP-Recommends-Careful-Approach-to-Using-Sensory-Based-Therapies.aspx#sthash.ORoTzKDN.dpuf
So what is a parent (or spouse) to do?
First of all, do not rely on the overly optimistic reviews from practitioners. Many school and mental health facilities use the least trained ( meaning cheapest) staff available to work with these students and clients. Start by making sure you have a licensed or registered professional involved. High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Disorder are neurologically based. In many ways they are first and foremost language disorder and disorder of executive function - inability to move from one subject to another, accept changes, "read" other people, demonstrate mental flexibility and control their emotions. These are issues familiar to both behavioural psychologists and speech and language pathologists. (Remember, there is a reason the leader in this field, Michelle Garcia Winner, is a speech and language pathologist!) Start with experts in the behaviours you are most concerned with. Not with a "program."
Next, develop a clear outline of what you want to deal with, what are the problematic symptoms, deficits and concerns.
Then develop a program to address those.
What this study clearly shows is that too much effort is spent on ancillary treatments, that happen to be available, or for which their is a "workbook" that a para-professional can follow. Treatments address deficits and concerns, and whether it be in an IEP meeting (individual educational Plan) or a one to one meeting with your therapist, an appropriate assessment is the best way to find a path to appropriate treatment!
For older teens and young adults these group sessions are not available, and often inappropriate, as higher functioning teens and young adults are more likely than not to be suffering from co-morbid disorders such as anxiety, stress, depression and low self esteem. These, like many of the specific symptoms, can be addressed individually use adaptations of familiar, well researched and evidence based treatments.
While the problem of poor research for treatment of autism and Aspeger's is real, there are still many treatments which we know work, and work well, for most people, and if properly modified by a mental health professional who is familiar with autism spectrum disorder in children, adolescents and adults, the odds start to change.
For more information on diagnostic assessments for autism spectrum disorder (I am an approved provider with Autism Community Training -ACT, and a member of the RASP provider's list) which I provide as a private practitioner, contact my at 778.998-7975. My website is www,relatedminds.com and I have offices in both Burnaby and Vancouver. Most testing is done in Burnaby, as that is where most of the testing materials are.
My waiting list for autism assessment for children over 6 through adults is fairly short, about 10 days to start the process.
I also provide therapy for adolescents/teens and adults with Asperger's Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Autism Diagnosis for Children in BC
How can I get a diagnosis for my child if I think they have autism or Asperger's Disorder?
Diagnostic services are provided both by the government through programs at facilities such as Children's Hospital, and through private practitioners. Usually licensed or registered psychologists trained in administering specialized tools to help in the diagnostic process. These include the ADOS and ADI-R. Not all psychologists have these tools available. With many children a psychoeducational assessment is also necessary, in order to provide information necessary to develop an Individualized Education Plan in his or her school.
Do you provide these diagnostic services? And is there a long wait?
I provide these services for children from the age of 5 up, including services for teens and adults as well. The process is very time consuming, however I am usually able to see children on the weekend, and complete the parent portions in the evenings. There is usually a 3-4 week wait, sometimes less, and the full report is completed in about 10-14 days after the assessment. This includes a psychoeducational assessment so your child can be "coded" by the school and receive appropriate support there.
How much does a diagnosis cost?
A full diagnostic battery costs approximately $3,400.00 This can vary, as some children need additional assessments to rule out speech and language disorders (auditory processing for instance) and others may need less. The battery of tests are designed to meet your child's needs.
What experience do you have with children with autism spectrum disorder?
I have been working in this field for over twenty years, including working with Michelle Winner (Social Thinking) in California, serving as a SELPA (several school districts combined) behaviour management specialist, a classroom teacher, school psychologist and BC provincial consultant on autism and related disorders through POPARD. For the past 5 years my work has been in private practice and consulting with various government agencies here and in the US. Additionally I have been focusing on working with adults with high functioning autism and Aspergers in both the college/university setting and workplace for several years. Being familiar with autism over the lifespan has greatly increased my understanding of both the assessment process and interventions.
What supports are available for children in BC who have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder?
The BC Ministry of Children and Family Services provides a list of services that are available. Primarily the Ministry provides funding which parents are able to direct to appropriate services for their child with autism. You can click here to see what expenses are covered: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/autism/pdf/eligible_expenses.pdf
A more comprehensive Handbook for Parents of Children with Autism can be found at this webpage:
http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/autism/pdf/autism_handbook_web.pdf
For children under 6 years of age the Ministry provides $22,000 of services. For children over 6 they provide $6,000.00 per year.
In addition to these services (which can include family therapy, parent training and in home consultations) your child should also be eligible for "coding" in the school which provides for school based funding leading to appropriate supports, and often parents are additionally eligible for tax benefits.
How can we arrange an assessment?
Assessments provided by the government are arranged by calling the appropriate agencies. There are often waiting lists. If you are interested in a private assessments please feel free to contact me for an appointment. Appointments for autism assessments usually start with a one hour interview where we meet and develop a plan together. I can be contacted through my web page at www.relatedminds.com, or by phone at 778.998-7975 emails are sent to relatedminds@gmail.com
My autism specific webpage is found at: http://www.relatedminds.com/autism/
Diagnostic services are provided both by the government through programs at facilities such as Children's Hospital, and through private practitioners. Usually licensed or registered psychologists trained in administering specialized tools to help in the diagnostic process. These include the ADOS and ADI-R. Not all psychologists have these tools available. With many children a psychoeducational assessment is also necessary, in order to provide information necessary to develop an Individualized Education Plan in his or her school.
Do you provide these diagnostic services? And is there a long wait?
I provide these services for children from the age of 5 up, including services for teens and adults as well. The process is very time consuming, however I am usually able to see children on the weekend, and complete the parent portions in the evenings. There is usually a 3-4 week wait, sometimes less, and the full report is completed in about 10-14 days after the assessment. This includes a psychoeducational assessment so your child can be "coded" by the school and receive appropriate support there.
How much does a diagnosis cost?
A full diagnostic battery costs approximately $3,400.00 This can vary, as some children need additional assessments to rule out speech and language disorders (auditory processing for instance) and others may need less. The battery of tests are designed to meet your child's needs.
What experience do you have with children with autism spectrum disorder?
I have been working in this field for over twenty years, including working with Michelle Winner (Social Thinking) in California, serving as a SELPA (several school districts combined) behaviour management specialist, a classroom teacher, school psychologist and BC provincial consultant on autism and related disorders through POPARD. For the past 5 years my work has been in private practice and consulting with various government agencies here and in the US. Additionally I have been focusing on working with adults with high functioning autism and Aspergers in both the college/university setting and workplace for several years. Being familiar with autism over the lifespan has greatly increased my understanding of both the assessment process and interventions.
What supports are available for children in BC who have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder?
The BC Ministry of Children and Family Services provides a list of services that are available. Primarily the Ministry provides funding which parents are able to direct to appropriate services for their child with autism. You can click here to see what expenses are covered: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/autism/pdf/eligible_expenses.pdf
A more comprehensive Handbook for Parents of Children with Autism can be found at this webpage:
http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/autism/pdf/autism_handbook_web.pdf
For children under 6 years of age the Ministry provides $22,000 of services. For children over 6 they provide $6,000.00 per year.
In addition to these services (which can include family therapy, parent training and in home consultations) your child should also be eligible for "coding" in the school which provides for school based funding leading to appropriate supports, and often parents are additionally eligible for tax benefits.
How can we arrange an assessment?
Assessments provided by the government are arranged by calling the appropriate agencies. There are often waiting lists. If you are interested in a private assessments please feel free to contact me for an appointment. Appointments for autism assessments usually start with a one hour interview where we meet and develop a plan together. I can be contacted through my web page at www.relatedminds.com, or by phone at 778.998-7975 emails are sent to relatedminds@gmail.com
My autism specific webpage is found at: http://www.relatedminds.com/autism/
Monday, September 30, 2013
Adult Autism Diagnosis (Asperger's)
I am often asked about how to get an adult autism diagnosis, this might mean the individual or a family member has concerns about autism Asperger's Disorder (in spite of the fact it is no longer part of the official DSM-5 diagnostic categories it is still what people ask about and talk about) or sometimes they have previously been told they might have a "non-verbal learning disorder."
The short answer to their questions is, yes, I do adult assessments for the diagnosis of autism, Asperger's and other related disorders. You are welcome to look at my website at www.relatedminds.com to find out about the process.
The longer answer is complicated. A diagnosis of autism, Asperger's or any similar problem can be simple, or it can be complicated. And what you need the diagnosis for makes a difference. How can that be?
If you are having difficulty at work, socially, and perhaps are in some sort of trouble due to what you suspect is Asperger's Disorder we need to do a very complete assessment. That means not only looking for the symptoms of Aspegers or autism, as you likely did on line somewhere, but also look at other possible reasons for the same symptoms. And there are many of those. Sometimes a personality disorder or anxiety looks like Asperger's or autism. Sometimes ADHD does. Or these disorders might mask the symptoms. For a comprehensive assessment that you can use in a situation such as a legal case we need to follow the same guidelines as we would for a child or teen applying for funding with the Ministry of Children and Family Services. That means several lengthy tests, self reports and collecting a comprehensive history from someone who knew you at a pretty early age. This can be a long and expensive process, and one that is not necessarily important to you.
At other times wives bring in their husbands, or husbands bring in their wives, or brothers bring a brother in, to find out why there has been such ongoing, long term social difficulty between them. This does not always need to involve all these steps, and sometimes it's best to get right to work and spend our efforts on dealing with immediate symptoms and relationship issues. We would undertake a briefer assessment, and deal with problems as we find them. This doesn't mean that we don't do an assessment, but the standards and requirements are different when your involved in possible legal issues - including having difficulty at work.
So it's hard to answer these questions directly, as the situation is different from person to person. It's best to set up an initial visit with a professional, have a brief assessment done and then together make a determination about where you are going and what needs to be done after all the choices are put in front of you.
Uncertainty is hard to deal with, it causes anxiety for individuals with Asperger's and related disorders. But it's better to start from a position of knowledge than to just guess at what the final goal might be.
For more information about my services for adults with Asperger's, autism and related disorders please visit my website at: www.relatedmings.com.
You can also find out more about me at my Psychology Today webpage: http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/name/Jim_Roche_JD,PhD,CAGS,RPsych,RMFT_Burnaby_British+Columbia_70682
Dr. Jim Roche email: relatedminds@gmail.com phone: 778.998-7975
The short answer to their questions is, yes, I do adult assessments for the diagnosis of autism, Asperger's and other related disorders. You are welcome to look at my website at www.relatedminds.com to find out about the process.
The longer answer is complicated. A diagnosis of autism, Asperger's or any similar problem can be simple, or it can be complicated. And what you need the diagnosis for makes a difference. How can that be?
If you are having difficulty at work, socially, and perhaps are in some sort of trouble due to what you suspect is Asperger's Disorder we need to do a very complete assessment. That means not only looking for the symptoms of Aspegers or autism, as you likely did on line somewhere, but also look at other possible reasons for the same symptoms. And there are many of those. Sometimes a personality disorder or anxiety looks like Asperger's or autism. Sometimes ADHD does. Or these disorders might mask the symptoms. For a comprehensive assessment that you can use in a situation such as a legal case we need to follow the same guidelines as we would for a child or teen applying for funding with the Ministry of Children and Family Services. That means several lengthy tests, self reports and collecting a comprehensive history from someone who knew you at a pretty early age. This can be a long and expensive process, and one that is not necessarily important to you.
At other times wives bring in their husbands, or husbands bring in their wives, or brothers bring a brother in, to find out why there has been such ongoing, long term social difficulty between them. This does not always need to involve all these steps, and sometimes it's best to get right to work and spend our efforts on dealing with immediate symptoms and relationship issues. We would undertake a briefer assessment, and deal with problems as we find them. This doesn't mean that we don't do an assessment, but the standards and requirements are different when your involved in possible legal issues - including having difficulty at work.
So it's hard to answer these questions directly, as the situation is different from person to person. It's best to set up an initial visit with a professional, have a brief assessment done and then together make a determination about where you are going and what needs to be done after all the choices are put in front of you.
Uncertainty is hard to deal with, it causes anxiety for individuals with Asperger's and related disorders. But it's better to start from a position of knowledge than to just guess at what the final goal might be.
For more information about my services for adults with Asperger's, autism and related disorders please visit my website at: www.relatedmings.com.
You can also find out more about me at my Psychology Today webpage: http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/name/Jim_Roche_JD,PhD,CAGS,RPsych,RMFT_Burnaby_British+Columbia_70682
Dr. Jim Roche email: relatedminds@gmail.com phone: 778.998-7975
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Adult and Adolescent Therapy for Autism and Asperger's Disorder
ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT FOR ADULTS WITH ASPERGER'S DISORDER AND HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM
In addition to services for children and adolescents I am one of the few providers in BC with extensive experience working with young adults and adults with autism and Asperger’s Disorder / Syndrome. As a matter of fact, over the past few years more and more of my practice has focused on working with young adults and social/work place issues. This includes social coaching, workplace evaluations, intervention planning and family consultations. Full comprehensive evaluations and diagnosis of adult Aspergers is also available. Some of the aims of therapy for adults with Asperger's or high functioning autism are:
- to teach new cognitive and behavioral skills that were never learned
- to teach compensatory strategies for deficits that cannot be changed
- to facilitate self-acceptance
- to teach strategies to decrease or prevent symptoms of co-morbid mental health problems, such as anxiety disorders and depression
SERVICES FOR AUTISM AND ASPERGER'S DISORDER / SYNDROME
- Assessment and Diagnostic Services (autism, Asperger’s, ADHD and related disorders)
- Workplace consultations and site based education programs
- Community based social coaching programs for individuals with high functioning autism and Asperger’s Disorder / Syndrome
- Educational / Social coaching for young adults in the workplace, college and similar settings
- Social coaching for adults with high functioning autism, Asperger's Disorder / Syndrome
- Couples counselling for couples dealing with adult autism, adult Asperger's Disorder / Syndrome
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS):
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND FOR PROVIDING TREATMENT FOR ADULTS WITH ASPERGER'S AND HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM?
My background for working with adults starts with my work with children and adolescents for over two decades. Understanding adult symptoms requires being familiar with the developmental issues of Asperger's and high functioning autism. I have worked as a teacher of special education, a school psychologist, a district behaviour specialist for autism and a provincial consultant for autism and related disorders providing consultation throughout the province of British Columbia.
Three other important skills and experience also come into play in working with adults with Asperger's Disorder or high functioning autism. First, several years of experience working as a neuropsychological consultant with Rehab Without Walls in California provided me with experience in working with workplace related problems. Second, many adults come to me with concerns about their relationships, including couple relations and relations as a parent. Before becoming a registered psychologist I was a licensed and registered Marriage and Family Therapist and have worked as a couple and family therapist for several years. This includes advanced training in the Gottman Couple's Therapy technique. Third, one of the most commonly used individual therapy techniques when working with adults with Asperger's or High Functioning Autism is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT. I hold an advanced certificate in CBT from the Albert Ellis Institute in New York City.
DO YOU WORK WITH ADHD (ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPER ACTIVITY DISORDER) AND EXECUTIVE DYSFUNCTION?
ADHD is now often diasgnosed along with Asperger's Disorder of High Functioning Autism. Much of my work with children, adolescents and adults focuses on ADHD and deficits of executive function. Executive function is the concept referring to the cognitive processes required to plan and direct activities, including what we refer to as task initiation and follow-through, working memory, sustained attention, performance monitoring, inhibition of impulses, and goal directed persistence. It also effects an individuals ability to control and modulate their emotions.
Many clients I see have deficits in executive functioning which prevents them from having the necessary skills to perform well in school, work or in social settings. With these clients we often need to make diagnostic decisions through testing and assessment, and then develop an individualized treatment plan addressing school, home and work. This might involve individual behavioural therapy, school or work consultation, referral to medical professionals, and psychoeducation. I often work closely with schools and employers in Burnaby, Coquitlam, Vancouver, New Westminster and Port Moody.
I often provide reading material, training videos and demonstrate and practice specific intervention techniques with clients. Much of the work we do in the area of ADHD is based upon the research and treatment programs developed by Dr. Russell Barkley. Please refer to my ADHD/ADD page on my website for more information.
WHAT ABOUT ANXIETY, DEPRESSION OR FAMILY ISSUES?
Adolescents and adults are also seen for both diagnostic assessment and treatment of depression, anxiety and behaviour problems that might arise out of environmental or other situations. These individuals might take part in cognitive based therapy or counselling, or they might be provided with more traditional supportive therapy. I have provided child, adolescent and adult therapy for over twenty years using scientifically sound treatment techniques to meet the child or adolescent’s needs. Anxiety and depression are frequent co-morbid disorders for adults with Asperger's Disorder or high functioning autism and need to be addressed in treatment.
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND IS THERE A WAITING LIST?
You may phone my office at 778.998-7975 or email me to begin setting up an appointment. The home page of this website has an email form you may use. Fees for sessions follow the guidelines of the British Columbia Psychology Association ($175.00 per session) and may be paid by cash, check or through PayPal. Often extended health care covers the cost of seeing a registered psychologist. Long term therapy is usually provided at a reduced rate. There is usually no longer than a one to two week waiting period.
More information can be found at my website: http://www.relatedminds.com
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Child, Adolescent and Adult Testing for Autism / Aspeger's Disorder
This week two patients came to me and said they wanted an assessment for autism. Actually one said autism, this was an assessment for a teenager, and another wanted an assessment for Aspeger's Disorder. Both were sent by their family physicians, which is how I usually get my referrals.
Both wanted to know what it consisted of and how much it would cost. Those are very reasonable questions, but not so easy to answer. An assessment usually is completed to answer a specific question, and most of the time a diagnosis alone isn't worth spending time or money on. So I usually ask, "What do you need this diagnosis for?"
With a child an autism diagnosis, and it doesn't matter if we are looking at "classical autism" or Asperger's Disorder, High Functioning Autism or whatever term you may be using (it is now all one diagnosis on a spectrum in the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, the DSM-5) if it's to help with education you often need both an assessment for autism using the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) and the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised) to qualify for school and provincial services here in British Columbia, as well as a full psychoeducational assessment. This is necessary to help determine what interventions to use in the school to help the student learn. This is a very comprehensive procedure and can cost between $2,600 and $3,400.00
I ask about this because the school may be able to complete the psychoeducational assessment component, which significantly reduces the cost. Or, maybe a psychoeducational assessment has already been completed!
Adults, on the other hand, often come to me for an assessment and diagnosis because they want to understand themselves and be able to explain behaviours. They just want to know why they might be doing the things they are doing. In this case I'm often reluctant to conduct a time consuming and expensive assessment. An assessment should not just tell you what you have, it should tell you what to do about it! Adult assessments often are used in employment as well, to get accommodations and consideration at the work place.
A diagnosis of adult autism or Asperger's Disorder (sometimes called Asperger's Syndrome) means not just seeing if you meet a list of criteria or symptoms, it means ruling out the many other possible disorders that look very much like Asperger or High Functioning Autism. This means completing not only the usual assessment for autism/Aspergers but also personality assessments, some neuropsychological tests and often speech and language assessments, as some specific speech and language deficits can look just like autism/Asperger's.
Just like a student, who would use the assessment/test results to develop an educational plan (an IEP or Individual Education Plan is developed by the school based upon the assessment results) an adult should also expect to be able to use their test results to make a life intervention plan, use the results to come up with a plan to improve issues at work, home, in relationships or recreation.
Assessments are used to make plans and look forward, not just to diagnose. I would agree with parents who object to getting a "label" but would urge them to get a good diagnosis and use it to make a plan.
For more information about the diagnostic services I provide you can visit my web page at www.relatedminds.com. You will find information about autism services for children, adolescents and adults and assessment services. You can also call me at 778.998-7975 or email me at relatedminds@gmail.com
I provide assessment services, diagnosis of autism/Aspergers for provincial funding, parent education, behaviour management programs and individual and couple therapy for adults with high functioning autism and Asperger's Disorder.
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