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GETTING A DIAGNOSIS

ACCESSING FUNDING

The value of a diagnosis.

The most important thing about receiving a diagnosis is greater understanding and acceptance of self. The value of a diagnosis depends upon the age of the person pursuing a diagnosis.

THERE ARE MANY BENEFITS TO RECEIVING AN AUTISM DIAGNOSIS:

Depending on age of child, a diagnosis may provide access to funding supports for interventions and technologies

Early diagnosis supports early intervention, leading to better lifelong outcomes and access to funding in adulthood

Learning supports in the educational system from preschool to university

Provides access to workplace supports and understanding by employers

Protect against the development of comorbid diagnosis such as anxiety and depression that commonly occurs when undiagnosed neurodivergent people spend much time masking, struggling with independence skills or feeling as though they are failing in relationships or education.

If you’re unsure whether to move forward with a diagnostic assessment, we recommend starting with an Initial Consultation with a Psychologist or Provisional Psychologist.

During this appointment, you will:

Learn about the risks and benefits of pursuing a diagnosis
Review the assessment process, timelines, and associated costs

Following the consultation, we can provide:

An accurate quote
A projected timeline for completing the assessments required for diagnosis

If you decide to move forward with the assessment, the process includes:

Families provide any available historical assessments or medical documentation
Completion of family, observer, and self-report clinical assessment tools
Administration of assessments required for the ASD diagnostic process, as well as screening for possible co-occurring diagnoses
Multidisciplinary team consultation to review all assessment results
Results debrief with the family
- A summary sheet is provided at the debrief
- A full written report with recommendations is sent a few weeks later

The assessment battery is selected based on:

The presenting concerns
The age of the client
Any previous valid assessments that may be incorporated into the diagnostic process

Assessments may include:

ADOS-2 and ADI-R to assess the frequency of autistic characteristics
- The MIDGAS may also be used to support the assessment process
Cognitive assessment
Speech, language, and social communication assessments
Sensory and motor assessment
Clinical psychology observer and self-report measures

Next steps after diagnosis.

Depending upon the age of the autistic person and the province in which they live, an early step is to apply for funding supports

Share the diagnosis with medical and educational teams as well as any other people or agencies involved with the autistic individual.

*The results are your private health information; you do not have to share this information unless you choose to*

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Book an initial consult.

INITIAL AUTISM CONSULTATION

A supportive first step for families with concerns about autism, focused on understanding your child’s development, answering questions, and determining whether a formal assessment is recommended.

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