4,7 of 5 in 5000+ reviews
Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.
Do you find social relationships difficult? Do you have intense interests or difficulties coping with change? Help is available.
What is autism?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neuropsychiatric diagnosis that affects social relationships, communication and behaviour. It is still not known what causes autism, but a combination of genetic, neurological and environmental factors may play a role in its development.
Autism has different levels of severity depending on how much an impact symptoms have on one’s life. It is important to note that each individual with autism is unique.
Here you can learn more about autism and what an assessment might mean for you.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
Our counsellors
Click here to view all psychologists, therapists, and coaches.
What does an autism assessment involve?
An autism assessment involves interviews that identify symptoms of autism in both childhood and adulthood. It also looks at how these symptoms affect different areas of life such as study, work and relationships. The assessment also includes cognitive tests to get more information about current functioning. Additionally, interviews with family members usually take place to gain insight about childhood symptoms and development. The assessment is usually a collaboration between a psychologist and a psychiatrist.
An assessment can be an important part of the journey towards deeper self-awareness and better psychological health. At Lavendla, we want you to get the right help and support.
Why should I get an autism assessment?
Often, people think it over for a long time before initiating an assessment for autism. If you are younger, your school or parent may have brought it up. If you are an adult, you may have noticed that you function in a slightly different way than your peers. Additionally, you may have had some difficulties at school, at work or in relationships. An assessment can provide several benefits and help you gain:
- Understanding: Gain clarity on your situation and understand why some things may be more challenging for you.
- Treatment plan: With a diagnosis, you and your healthcare team can make recommendations for treatment. You can get help with social skills and managing thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
- Support: A diagnosis can give you access to resources and support that would otherwise not be available. For example, you gain access to accommodations at work and school. You may also qualify for government funding and support.
Book a meeting
Fill in the form, choose a counsellor and proceed to payment.
Steps in an autism assessment
If you or a loved one exhibits symptoms of autism, the first step is to seek professional help. As it can be unclear what this means, we have produced an overview of how an autism assessment usually works:
- Assessment by a specialist: A psychologist or psychiatrist will make an initial assessment.
- Tests and interviews: These may include psychological and cognitive tests as well as discussion with family members.
- Diagnostic evaluation: The results of these tests and interviews are combined to give the psychologist or psychiatrist a complete picture of your situation.
Private assessment for autism
Taking the step to find out if you have a neuropsychiatric diagnosis can be an emotional experience, but it is also important to get the help you may need. With a simple and easy-to-understand guide, we make the difficult easier:
Step 1: Recognize the symptoms
Take note of the symptoms you are experiencing. These can include social difficulties, repetitive behaviours, and feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks.
Step 2: Consult a licensed healthcare provider
The next and most important step is to seek professional help. Only a medical specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can diagnose autism. Here at Lavendla, we can help you make that connection.
Step 3: The autism assessment
If autism is suspected after the initial assessment interview, a formal assessment is carried out. This may include interviews, cognitive testing and discussions with family members. If the assessment involves children, the school is usually involved.
Why Lavendla?
Choose your own counsellor
Browse and select a counsellor based on reviews, area of focus, and education, ensuring you find the perfect match.
45, 60 or 90 min sessions
Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.
Step 4: Diagnosis
If you receive a diagnosis, the next step is to discuss interventions. These can vary from person to person, but usually include therapy and other support services.
Step 5: Psychotherapy and support
Talk therapy can help you develop skills to manage the symptoms of autism. This includes social skills training, cognitive behavioural therapy and stress management.
Step 6: Follow-up and adjustments
Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to see how the treatment is working and to determine if there is a need for any changes.
Step 7: Support from organizations and loved ones
Having a support network is important. Talk to family and friends and explain your situation to get the support you need. There may also be family meetings and information sessions if those close to you want to learn more about your diagnosis.
How long does an autism assessment take?
An assessment takes about 8-20 hours and is conducted over a span of 2-3 months. Assessments for children usually take a little longer as the school is included in the assessment.
12 common questions and answers about autism assessments
What is autism?
Autism is a neuropsychiatric disorder. It is characterized by impact on social relationships, sensory sensitivities and repetitive behaviours.
How is autism diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by psychologists and psychiatrists specializing in neuropsychiatry through a comprehensive assessment. This may include interviews and cognitive tests.
What are the symptoms of autism?
Common symptoms include social difficulties with understanding and communication, repetitive behaviours, and sensory sensitivities.
Is there any treatment for autism?
You can receive treatment for autism, which often focuses on social skills training and managing thoughts, feelings and needs in different situations. You are also entitled to support measures, for example at school or work.
Is autism hereditary?
Research shows that there is a genetic component to autism. If one parent is diagnosed, the risk of other family members having it increases.
How much does an autism assessment cost?
The cost of an autism assessment and treatment can vary depending on where you live and the type of care you seek.
Does autism affect school work?
Yes, because autism affects concentration and behaviour, school environments can be a challenge. However, special education support can make a big difference.
Can you have ADHD and autism at the same time?
Yes, it is not uncommon to have both. A neuropsychiatric assessment can diagnose both conditions.
What can I do if I think myself or my child has autism?
If you suspect autism, contact your healthcare provider for an initial assessment. From there, you can proceed with diagnosis and treatment if necessary.
Does autism differ between girls and boys?
Symptoms of autism can present differently between the sexes. It is not uncommon for symptoms to be missed or misdiagnosed in girls and women.
Can you have other psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression at the same time as autism?
Yes, you can have other conditions alongside autism. It is possible to receive treatment for autism, and other conditions like anxiety and depression concurrently.
What rights do you have if you are diagnosed with autism?
If you are diagnosed, you have the right to accommodations, for example at school and work. Based on your needs, you may also qualify for additional supports at home and in the community.
What help is available for people with autism?
Taking the step to find out if you have a neuropsychiatric diagnosis can be an emotional experience, but it is also important to get the help you may need. A diagnosis can lead to you getting the support and resources you need. Below, we’ve detailed some of the treatments available after diagnosis:
1. Autism diagnosis
First of all, it is important to get a correct diagnosis. This can only be done by a specialist, such as a registered psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Psychotherapy
Treatment for autism may include social skills training in a group or individual setting. You can also attend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours to improve your well-being. Lavandla’s psychologists can help you with this.
3. Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes can make a big difference in how you deal with your symptoms. You can get support from a psychologist or therapist to maintain routines such as:
- Regular exercise
- Sleep hygiene
- Structured diet
4. Support and help
A good support system can make a difference to your health. Family, friends and support groups can give you the extra help you need. The Government of Canada has more information on programs and services available to people with autism, including financial support.
As starting treatment can often seem challenging, the best step in the right direction can be just having a conversation with a psychologist or therapist. This is why we offer introductory sessions with our therapists where you can connect over video for 20 or 45 minutes. Do not hesitate to reach out for support. Together, we can make the difficult easier.
Read more
