Autism Assessment

TL;DR: Insight Psychological offers multidisciplinary autism assessments combining psychology, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy to provide a complete, accurate diagnosis. Through our partnership with From Play to Words, families receive a collaborative, cost-effective, and streamlined assessment and testing process that supports access to care and funding.

Multidisciplinary Autism Assessments

At Insight Psychological, we offer a comprehensive, team-based autism assessment model that integrates the expertise of psychology, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy. This collaborative approach ensures a complete understanding of each individual’s cognitive, behavioural, and developmental profile through a shared clinical formulation across disciplines. 

Understanding Diagnostic Assessments

Psychologists and other healthcare practitioners conduct formal diagnostic assessments to gather essential information that helps individuals understand themselves, the challenges they may be experiencing, and ways to support their well-being. A clear diagnosis helps guide appropriate supports, accommodations, and next steps for individuals and families.

This information allows practitioners to make personalized clinical recommendations that meet individual needs, enhance strengths, and improve overall quality of life. Insight Psychological’s trained therapists provide screenings and diagnostic assessments for individuals of all ages. When needed, additional testing is used to better understand cognitive functioning, behaviour, and development.

Assessments may include standardized tools, clinical interviews, observations, and consultations. While screenings can be used within therapy to determine whether a formal assessment is appropriate, a formal diagnosis requires a more structured and multidisciplinary process.

What Are Autism Assessments?

Insight offers a variety of screening tools and formal assessments to assist in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Each assessment is selected based on the individual’s age, concerns, and presenting needs. To better understand an individual’s behavioural, social, and developmental profile, our team uses a combination of psychoeducational, behavioural, academic, and ASD-specific assessments tailored to the client’s needs.

Our experienced clinicians carefully select and administer assessments to provide accurate and meaningful diagnostic information that supports each individual’s personal growth and overall well-being.

Why Are Autism Assessments Used?

Autism assessments help individuals, families, and healthcare providers gain clarity and understanding around unique strengths, needs, and challenges. Testing can provide valuable insight into learning profiles, adaptive functioning, and areas of support.

An accurate diagnosis can:

• Support personalized therapy and educational planning
• Improve access to funding and community supports such as Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)
• Provide a clearer understanding of behavioural and developmental patterns
  

Assessments, along with a detailed clinical interview and background review, help guide effective interventions and supports. For families, the process often brings relief and direction, helping them better understand and support their loved one.

The Assessment Process May Include:

• Wechsler Intelligence Scales (WPPSI, WISC, or WAIS)
• Wechsler Individual Achievement Tests (WIAT)
• Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale – Second Edition (ADOS-2)
• Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)
• Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (ASRS)
• Gillian Autism Rating Scale – Third Edition (GARS-3)
• Childhood Autism Rating Scale – Second Edition (CARS-2)
• Ages & Stages Questionnaire – Third Edition (ASQ-3)
• Autism-Spectrum Quotient Test (AQ Test)
• Behaviour Assessment System for Children (BASC)
• Connors Scales
• Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)
• Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (ABAS)
• Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF Scales)
  
  

Our Partnership: From Play to Words x Insight Psychological

We are proud to offer a multidisciplinary autism assessment option through a partnership between From Play to Words (FPTW) and Insight Psychological.

This collaboration brings together professionals from psychology, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy to deliver a more comprehensive and assessment and diagnosis experience. By evaluating communication, behaviour, sensory processing, and cognitive functioning within a single coordinated process, families receive a unified and well-rounded diagnostic picture.

Key Benefits of This Integrated Model

• More comprehensive: The inclusion of multiple disciplines ensures the assessment meets funding and support criteria often required by programs such as FSCD.
• Easier access to funding: Reports from our integrated team are widely accepted for funding applications and community support.
• More cost-effective: Conducting all components within one coordinated team makes this approach less expensive than traditional autism assessments that involve multiple separate providers.
• Collaborative and efficient: Shared findings and team-based case discussions ensure accurate results and a smoother experience for families.
  
  

Contact any of Insight Psychological’s locations to learn more about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment, diagnosis, and testing services.

Each individual has unique needs, and our intake and administrative specialists can provide you with an estimated quote and timeline for your autism assessment.

To book an assessment, call 780-461-1717. 

References

Assessments for developmental disabilities. Insight Psychological. (2022, February 11). Retrieved August 

16, 2022, from https://www.insightpsychological.ca/assessments/assessments-for-developmental-disabilities/ 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 6). Screening and diagnosis of autism spectrum 

disorder for healthcare providers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved August 

16, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/hcp-screening.html 

Huerta, M., & Lord, C. (2012). Diagnostic evaluation of autism spectrum disorders. Pediatric clinics of 

North America, 59(1), 103–xi. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcl.2011.10.018

Personality & Behaviour Assessments. Insight Psychological. (2022, March 30). Retrieved August 16, 

2022, from https://www.insightpsychological.ca/assessments/personality-behaviour-assessments/