Dr. Jim Roche
I am a Registered Psychologist and Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in working with teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and what has been called Asperger's Disorder. My work with teens and young adults addresses school issues, sometimes psychoeducational testing, school observations, emotional issues and behavioural issues.
I am a member of the ACT RASP and am a registered behaviour consultant with them, and therefore can see children below the age of six using provincial funding. I provide autism diagnostic services and help parents become familiar with the many treatment modalities that are available to them. As a registered psychologist my services are also covered by most extended health care plans.
A number of patients see me for weekly 1-2 therapy, often addressing issues of anxiety, stress, depression or behavioural issues. I also see parents for parent education and sometimes for family or couples related counselling relating to the stress of dealing with the many aspects of ASD.
With most clients my focus is on either behavioural training, aimed at parents, caregivers or schools, or on social communications issues. I often use materials from Michelle Winner and her Social Thinking program. This includes curriculum materials such as "Social Behaviour Mapping," and "The Incredible Five Point Scale." I also teach a number of visual support techniques.
The methods I use are those that are considered by most school districts as "research based" and in use in those districts. As a previous POPARD provincial consultant for autism I am familiar with the methods, materials and curriculum used in most schools in the Vancouver/BC area and try to work in a manner that works well with what you should expect from the schools.
I also provide school based observations and consultations in both public and private schools.
I am a registered and licensed psychologist with over twenty five years of experience in this field. I also hold licenses and certificates in school psychology and as a teacher of special education, so I am familiar with what it's like to run a classroom.
For ore information on my services please visit the ACT-RASP web page at http://www.actcommunity.ca/profiles/224/
Or visit my web page at www.relatedminds.com
Other places you can find information about my services include:
http://psyris.com/drjimroche
https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/name/Jim_Roche_JD,PhD,CAGS,RPsych,RMFT_Burnaby_British+Columbia_70682
http://www.psychologists.bc.ca/users/jimroche
Showing posts with label Seattle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seattle. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Monday, October 20, 2014
Adult Autism Testing and Assessment
In my offices in Vancouver and Burnaby I complete assessments / testing for Aspergers and Autism Spectrum Disorder. While until recently these were two different diagnoses they are now, in the DSM-5, combined and what we all would have agreed was "Asperger's Disorder" or "Asperger's Syndrome" last year this year is referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder - a disorder on the autism spectrum.
My practice has focused on teens, young adults and adults with Aspeger's for the past 20 years, since I worked in Souther California and received training in treating Asperger's from Michelle winner through my local school district where I served as the behaviour management specialist.
Why get a diagnosis?
First, I don't always suggest getting a full diagnosis. The problem is the cost. This is not a simple process like going to the doctor to get a diagnosis of a cold or flu. There are many complicating factors and possible causes for Asperger's Disorder/Autism Disorder like symptoms in an adult. These can include a personality disorder, depression, anxiety, OCD or other neurological issue.
This means a couple of days of testing using state of the art methods. I follow the same criteria which the province of British Columbia has set forth for diagnosing children: The ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation System) and the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Inventory-Revised) as the heart of the Asperger's/Autism diagnosis, along with scales and tests that address depression, anxiety, OCD and personality issues. While in some situations someone might use just one test or checklist, this is insufficient for two reasons: First, legally the diagnosis is used to obtain many benefits and legal accommodations, and 2) A good number of individuals with Asperger's/Autism have comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety or ADHD. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common comorbid condition, and not properly treating these disorders, sometimes FIRST, can make treating Asperger's or autism difficult or impossible.
Should you get a formal diagnosis? If you can, yes. Go to your GP and ask for a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist who is familiar with Asperger's / Autism and move forward.
What would symptoms look like?
Most individuals with Asperger's/Autism have difficulty with social communication, difficulty with social interactions, difficulty with social imagination and some repetitive, hyper focused behaviours or thinking processes.
You may want a diagnosis as an adult who potentially has Asperger's or autism spectrum disorder in order to understand yourself, to help you understand your behaviours and difficulties, and to help you understand how treatment - much of it psychoeducation and coaching - can help you.
How much does an assessment cost?
It varies from individual to individual, but usually around $1,200.00 for a full assessment. Some individuals also need a psychoeducational assessment to get appropriate accommodations at college or on the job. That can be an additional few hundred dollars.
How long does the assessment take?
We usually meet for an initial session to go over current symptoms and problems you are having, get to know each other, and gather a medical and behavioural history. Sometimes people make a choice to move right into some type of treatment to address immediate issues, such as problems at work or with a friend or spouse. The assessment usually calls for two more sessions of face to face time, about 2 hours each, and the collection of data from people who have known you for some time. We especially want to talk to someone who knew you at an early age, as the diagnosis release heavily upon behaviour patterns you had at an early age. Usually this entire process is done in 2 weeks.
How long does it take to make an appointment?
I usually see patients for Asperger's and autism assessments within a week to 10 days. I leave a good deal of my time open for adult Asperger's and autism assessment and treatment because I know there are very few practitioners around with the tools, skills and background in the field to help everyone in need.
What's the next step?
The next step would be looking over my web page at www.relatedminds.com and then contacting me by phone or email. Phone is preferred, and it's best not to send extensive personal information over the internet.
Is this covered by insurance?
For my patients in Washington State, usually it is, however you need to contact your provider first. Payments are made at the time of the sessions and you will be reimbursed by your insurance company. But check your coverage! For patients in British Columbia MSP - the government sponsored health care plan - does not cover psychological services. Your extended health care plan may, however each plan is different. Some cover the entire cost, some a minimal amount. Check first.
Some local colleges and universities in BC also pay for services for students. Check with your student health plan provider.
You can find out more about me and my practice at the following webpages:
My practice has focused on teens, young adults and adults with Aspeger's for the past 20 years, since I worked in Souther California and received training in treating Asperger's from Michelle winner through my local school district where I served as the behaviour management specialist.
Why get a diagnosis?
First, I don't always suggest getting a full diagnosis. The problem is the cost. This is not a simple process like going to the doctor to get a diagnosis of a cold or flu. There are many complicating factors and possible causes for Asperger's Disorder/Autism Disorder like symptoms in an adult. These can include a personality disorder, depression, anxiety, OCD or other neurological issue.
This means a couple of days of testing using state of the art methods. I follow the same criteria which the province of British Columbia has set forth for diagnosing children: The ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation System) and the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Inventory-Revised) as the heart of the Asperger's/Autism diagnosis, along with scales and tests that address depression, anxiety, OCD and personality issues. While in some situations someone might use just one test or checklist, this is insufficient for two reasons: First, legally the diagnosis is used to obtain many benefits and legal accommodations, and 2) A good number of individuals with Asperger's/Autism have comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety or ADHD. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common comorbid condition, and not properly treating these disorders, sometimes FIRST, can make treating Asperger's or autism difficult or impossible.
Should you get a formal diagnosis? If you can, yes. Go to your GP and ask for a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist who is familiar with Asperger's / Autism and move forward.
What would symptoms look like?
Most individuals with Asperger's/Autism have difficulty with social communication, difficulty with social interactions, difficulty with social imagination and some repetitive, hyper focused behaviours or thinking processes.
You may want a diagnosis as an adult who potentially has Asperger's or autism spectrum disorder in order to understand yourself, to help you understand your behaviours and difficulties, and to help you understand how treatment - much of it psychoeducation and coaching - can help you.
How much does an assessment cost?
It varies from individual to individual, but usually around $1,200.00 for a full assessment. Some individuals also need a psychoeducational assessment to get appropriate accommodations at college or on the job. That can be an additional few hundred dollars.
How long does the assessment take?
We usually meet for an initial session to go over current symptoms and problems you are having, get to know each other, and gather a medical and behavioural history. Sometimes people make a choice to move right into some type of treatment to address immediate issues, such as problems at work or with a friend or spouse. The assessment usually calls for two more sessions of face to face time, about 2 hours each, and the collection of data from people who have known you for some time. We especially want to talk to someone who knew you at an early age, as the diagnosis release heavily upon behaviour patterns you had at an early age. Usually this entire process is done in 2 weeks.
How long does it take to make an appointment?
I usually see patients for Asperger's and autism assessments within a week to 10 days. I leave a good deal of my time open for adult Asperger's and autism assessment and treatment because I know there are very few practitioners around with the tools, skills and background in the field to help everyone in need.
What's the next step?
The next step would be looking over my web page at www.relatedminds.com and then contacting me by phone or email. Phone is preferred, and it's best not to send extensive personal information over the internet.
Is this covered by insurance?
For my patients in Washington State, usually it is, however you need to contact your provider first. Payments are made at the time of the sessions and you will be reimbursed by your insurance company. But check your coverage! For patients in British Columbia MSP - the government sponsored health care plan - does not cover psychological services. Your extended health care plan may, however each plan is different. Some cover the entire cost, some a minimal amount. Check first.
Some local colleges and universities in BC also pay for services for students. Check with your student health plan provider.
You can find out more about me and my practice at the following webpages:
http://www.psychologists.bc.ca/users/jimroche
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