A National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Australia
Whitehouse, A., Evans, K., et al. (2018).
Brisbane (Australia): Autism CRC, 1-78.
This guideline provides recommendations on the assessment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in Australia.
Autism CRC (Australia)
It is recommended that information on the following topics should be collected during an Assessment of Functioning:
<ul>
<li>medical and health history (including any current diagnoses);</li>
<li>family history and family functioning;</li>
<li>language(s) used at home and level of writing/speaking proficiency;</li>
<li>developmental and educational history;</li>
<li>autism characteristics;</li>
<li>other relevant signs and/or symptoms;</li>
<li>developmental and functioning abilities/impairments across a broad range of domains (e.g. cognitive, language, social-emotional, motor, and adaptive behavior);</li>
<li>activity-related and character strengths;</li>
<li>environmental facilitators and barriers; and</li>
<li>observed and expressed support needs (CBR-1).</li>
</ul>
"It is recommended that all members of the Assessment Team consider the individual’s behavioural presentation and needs in comparison to other individuals of the same gender, and be aware of how [autism] ... may manifest differently in males and females" (CBR-1; p. 57).
"It is suggested that all members of the Assessment Team have a good understanding of gender diversity and its potential impact on the individual’s behavioural presentation and needs" (CBR-2; p. 57).
The following recommendations were provided for culturally and linguistic diverse populations:
<ul>
<li>It is recommended that all members of the Assessment Team consider racial, ethnic, and/or socioeconomic background of the individual and how cultural factors may influence the assessment of autism. "For Aboriginal people in particular, it is recommended that the role of the family, extended family, and community be acknowledged and empowered by identifying attitudes and beliefs that the individual and family have" regarding autism (CBR-1; p. 58).</li>
<li>"It is recommended that interpreter services and translated educational materials be made available for all clients from a non-English speaking background (including those who speak an Aboriginal language)" (CBR-1; p. 59).</li>
</ul>
The following recommendations were provided for the Consensus Team Diagnostic Evaluation:
<ul>
<li>The Consensus Team Diagnostic Evaluation should include at least one additional clinician with relevant training, such as a speech pathologist who is eligible to be a Certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia (CBR-1).</li>
<li>"It is suggested that all members of the Assessment Team consider the individual’s cognitive/intellectual abilities and verbal language level when choosing standardised assessments and determining the individual’s ability to provide valid consent" (CBR-2; p. 56).</li>
</ul>
It is recommended that an Assessment of Functioning be conducted by one or more clinicians with qualifications relevant to their professional discipline, such as a speech pathologist who is eligible to be a Certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia (CBR-1).
"It is recommended that the use of standardised assessments that cover a broad range of developmental domains (e.g. cognitive, language, social-emotional, motor, and adaptive behaviour) be strongly considered for the Comprehensive Needs Assessment" (CBR-1; p. 32).
For the Assessment of Functioning, it is recommended to:
<ul>
<li>conduct the assessment in a setting or format where the client can comfortably and confidently discuss their level of function and support needs, including level of functioning in all relevant community settings (CBR-1); and</li>
<li>repeat the Assessment of Functioning throughout the client's life and further assessment can be conducted as needed (CBR-1).</li>
</ul>
