​Dual Clinician Assessments
About the clinicians
Rachael has been providing autism assessments for three years, and has undertaken training in the assessment and diagnosis of Autism with the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Rachael is certified in ADOS-2 assessment from La Trobe University.
Rachael is very fortunate to partner with speech pathologist, Ondrea Ballinger, a highly skilled clinician with 25 years of clinical experience including many years providing Autism assessments for organisations including the Women's and Children's Hospital. Ondrea is also certified in ADOS-2 assessment.
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​​What information is required for the assessment?
Assessments are conducted using best-practice methods during an in-person session lasting approximately 3 hours.
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Assessments include:
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collating comprehensive background information
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a clinical interview with the parent/carer
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provision of an ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition), considered the gold standard tool to assess Autism.
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What is the process?
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Complete the contact form or email directly to rachael@fordpsychology.com.au
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Rachael will contact you to arrange an appointment time (a $500 deposit applies at the time of booking).
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You will be provided with a client form and two background questionnaires to be completed:, including a questionnaire for a parent/carer and a teacher/other
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On the day of the assessment the session will begin with the ADOS-2 assessment activities with the child. The parent will take part in a clinical interview. The total time for the assessment is approximately 3 hours. There is no need to prepare.
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The outcome of the assessment is usually provided verbally (by phone) in the afternoon on day of the assessment.
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A full report is provided approximately four weeks following the assessment.
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Is the report eligible to be used for NDIS funding?
Reports are eligible for submission to NDIS for funding applications.
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What is assessed?
When assessing if a child meets the criteria for Autism and making a diagnosis, Rachael and Ondrea are required to seek evidence which fits with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The criteria for this is outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition TR (DSM-5-TR). This is a deficit-based assessment and requires specific difficulties to be present. More information about the assessment and diagnosis of Autism can be found here:
Autism Assessment and diagnosis - Amaze
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How much does it cost?
​Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment total: $2000+GST including GST.
($500 deposit at time of booking and balance due prior to receiving final report).