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:




http://www.psychologists.bc.ca/users/jimroche