How parents can prepare for their child’s Autism Assessment.
Parents of children with suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often feel anxious as they prepare for their child’s diagnostic assessment. This is a normal response to an unfamiliar and uncertain situation. To alleviate some of the anxiety, it is important for parents to understand what to expect during the assessment process and how to prepare their child. This article might assist you in that process and outline the procedure that is ahead of you and your family.
When parents take their child for an ASD assessment, they should be prepared to have detailed conversations with the assessor about the child’s development, behavior, and family history. During the assessment, the assessor will observe the child in a variety of settings and ask the parents questions about the child’s communication, social skills, and interests. The assessor may also use a number of standardised tests to assess the child’s language, motor, and cognitive abilities (such as the “ADOS-2” and the “ADI-R”, which are explained in other blog posts on this website).
It is important for parents to provide detailed information about their child’s development and behaviour during the assessment, as accurately as possible. Therefore, it can be valuable to have thought beforehand about their child’s early milestones, language development, social interactions, and interests. For an indication of what information might be discussed, the forms that parents fill out prior to their appointment should serve as a guide. Parents should also be prepared to provide information about any family history of autism or other mental health conditions.
To prepare their child for the assessment, parents can explain to their child in simple language and/or using pictures what the assessment process will involve. They should also provide reassurance that the assessor is there to help the child understand more about themselves and their strengths, so that they can get the right support. Parents can explain to their child that the assessment is not a “test” and that there is no right or wrong answer or response to any of the enquiries. Parents should also prepare their child for the assessment by minimising sensory distractions and ensuring that the child is well-rested and comfortable, if possible. This can help reduce the child’s anxiety and help the assessor get a better understanding of their baseline and routine behaviour.
Parents should also be aware that the assessment process can take several hours and should plan accordingly. At the end of the assessment, the assessor will provide the parents with a diagnostic impression (which may or may not confirm a diagnosis of ASD), as well as an individualised treatment plan. Even if a diagnosis of autism is not made, a treatment plan will be provided to address the symptoms, difficulties, and challenges that parents and families are seeking support for. Crucially, a lack of diagnosis does not mean that funding or eligibility for services will necessarily be denied, and indeed these are geared towards the child rather than any specific diagnostic label. Accordingly, the prescribed treatment plan will outline the best strategies for helping the child overcome their challenges and reach their full potential.
By understanding what to expect during an ASD assessment and how to prepare their child, parents can make the experience less stressful. Having a clear understanding of the assessment process can also help parents better understand their child’s diagnosis and treatment plan, as they journey through the assessment. With the right preparation and support, parents can be confident that they are taking the best possible steps to ensure their child’s future success.