Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD are developmental disorders, which means the child develops differently from normal. These disorders may be able to be diagnosed from a young age (2-6 years), though each child will have different signs and different needs. Some children will have a number of developmental disorders, such as ADHD combined with Specific Learning Difficulties. Early intervention has been shown to be really effective in improving social skills, learning, behaviour and mental health. That is why it is important to have an assessment if you are concerned about any of these issues.
Catalyst Psychology conducts thorough, professional assessments of Autism and ADHD. Kirsty follows the assessment protocols outlined in the ‘Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for ADHD‘ and the Australian ‘National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of ASD‘.
Kirsty has been specifically trained in identifying developmental disorders in children and young people. You do not need separate assessments for separate developmental disorders if you are concerned your child has more than one. Kirsty is able to assess for this in one assessment. For example, she can conduct an assessment for ADHD and Autism at the same time.
Autism
People with Autism often have difficulties with:
- social, communication and play skills
- narrow and intense interests
- unusual repetitive behaviour or behavioural problems
- learning and achieving at school
ADHD
People with ADHD often have difficulties with:
- paying attention and getting easily distracted
- managing their impulses
- being overly active for their age
- feeling restless and agitated
- learning and achieving at school