Autism investigation

What is autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neuropsychiatric disability that affects social relationships, communication and behaviour.

There are different levels of severity depending on how much the diagnosis affects areas such as study, work and relationships, but each individual with autism is also unique.

Here, you can learn more about the disability 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

Often, people have thought about it for a long time before assessing autism. If you have a child, the question may have arisen from the school, or you, as the parent, may be wondering. As an adult, you may have noticed that you function slightly differently and have had some difficulties at school, work or in relationships. An assessment can provide several benefits and help you gain:

• Understanding: To clarify your situation and why some things may be more challenging.
• Treatment plan: Once diagnosed, your healthcare team can recommend treatment. You can also get help with social skills training 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 are entitled to extra study support even as an adult.

---

Steps in an autism assessment

If you or a loved one exhibits these symptoms, the first step is to seek professional help. To address any potential confusion, we have created an overview of the typical process for an autism assessment.

• Assessment by a specialist: A psychologist or psychiatrist will make an initial assessment.
• Tests and interviews: These may include psychological and cognitive tests and discussions with family members.
• Diagnostic evaluation: An overall picture of your condition and a diagnosis is established.

Assessment for autism

Taking the step to find out if you have an autism diagnosis can be an emotional experience, but it is also essential to get the help you may need. Here, we explain what an assessment entails in more detail. Dealing with this can seem overwhelming, but with a simple and easy-to-understand guide, we want to make the hard part easier.

Step 1: Recognize the symptoms

Take note of your symptoms. These can include difficulties socially and with routine and feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks.

Step 2: Consult a trained healthcare provider

The first and most crucial 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

After an initial assessment that suggests you may have autism, we can proceed with an evaluation. This may include interviews, cognitive testing, and discussions with family members. If the assessment involves children, the school is usually included.

---

Why Lavendla?

Step 4: Diagnosis

If you are diagnosed with autism, you will receive a written statement, and the next step is to discuss interventions. These can vary from person to person but usually include therapy and other supports.

Step 5: Psychotherapy and support

Talk therapy can help you develop skills to manage the symptoms of autism. These include social skills training, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and stress management.

Having a supportive network is essential. Talk to family and friends and explain your situation. If those close to you want to learn more, there may also be family meetings and training courses.

Step 6: Follow-up and adaptation

Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to see how the treatment works and if any adjustments need to be made.

How long does an autism assessment take?

An assessment takes about 8-20 hours and is usually completed over 2-3 months. If the evaluation concerns children, it usually takes longer as the school is included in the assessment.

Getting help without having to wait

At Lavendla, you don’t have to be on a waiting list. If you or someone you know has lived with undiagnosed autism, it can be a long journey. But remember, it’s never too late to seek help and get the care you need. The first step is to talk to a healthcare provider who can guide you through the assessment and diagnosis.

One step closer to an autism assessment

If you are seeking professional help for ASD or other mental health problems, we have a network of experienced psychologists and therapists who can help you on your journey to better mental health. Because we believe the threshold for assessment and treatment should be low, we have made it easy to contact a specialist via our contact form.

What help is available for autism?

After a diagnosis, it may be time to start treatment. That’s why we want to give you more detailed information about what help is available after the assessment.

1. Autism diagnosis

First, it is essential to be diagnosed correctly. You can read more about the assessment above.

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 manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and improve your well-being. Lavandla’s psychologists can help you.

3. Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes can significantly affect 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

Support and help

A sound support system can make a difference in your health. Therefore, family, friends and support groups can give you the extra help you need.

Autism South Africa (A;SA) raises awareness, provides support, and offers assistance, advocacy, and training for individuals living with or caring for loved ones with ASD.

Starting treatment can often seem daunting or challenging, so the first step in the right direction can be conversing with a psychologist or therapist. This is why we offer introductory sessions with our therapists, where you can be seen on video for 20 or 45 minutes. You can also book a call to get a feel for what a session would be like, all to make the hard stuff easier.