Seminar topic: Assessing individuals on the autism spectrum: Diagnosis, functioning and support needs
Workshop Overview
The assessment of individuals on the autism spectrum encompasses a wide range of concepts, timepoints and service delivery systems.
While clinicians working with this population may not always complete assessments, they still require a thorough knowledge of the relevant concepts and processes to support their clients.
This presentation will give an overview of diagnostic, functioning, and support needs assessment processes relevant to autistic individuals, including the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and the new National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia.
Information will be presented in light of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and the role clinicians play in assisting clients in accessing support.
Clinicians can use the knowledge presented to improve their assessment practices, better understand and utilise information provided by other clinicians, and assist clients with navigating clinical pathways (including NDIS access).
Learning Outcomes
- To understand the International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability and its application to the assessment of individuals on the autism spectrum
- To gain an overview of the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia and how it applies to attendees’ clinical practice
- To understand considerations when selecting assessment measures for individuals on the autism spectrum, using illustrative case studies.
Date & Time: Thursday 23rd June 2022, 6pm (with light refreshments on arrival) for 6.30-8.30pm seminar
Venue: Boulevard Centre, Floreat (Lake Monger Room) – 99 The Boulevard, Floreat
RACGP Points: 4
Cost: Free (Light refreshments will be provided)
Meet our Presenters
Professor Sonya Girdler is the director of the Curtin Autism Research Group. She has extensive experience in the field of autism research and neurodevelopmental disorders more broadly. Sonya is particularly interested in understanding functioning in autism using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (WHO), the development, evaluation and translation into practice of evidence-based interventions (particularly social skills, strengths-based programs and mental health), and research directed at improving the participation of autistic individuals in major life areas such as employment and education.
Ms Emily D’Arcy is a final year PhD candidate in assessing the functioning of young children with neurodevelopmental conditions and the Occupational Therapy Department Research Coordinator at Perth Children’s Hospital. Emily holds a Graduate Certificate in Autism Diagnosis and is a West Australian Autism Diagnosticians Forum member. She has worked as an occupational therapist in the community disability setting, including assisting clients in accessing the NDIS.
