Comprehensive assessments tailored to your child’s unique strengths and challenges.
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Understanding Your Child Through A Comprehensive Autism Assessment
At More Than Able Therapy, we provide comprehensive autism assessments for children across the Sunshine Coast. Our goal is not simply to identify challenges but to gain a deeper understanding of your child’s strengths, needs, communication style, sensory preferences and unique way of experiencing the world.
We take a neuroaffirming approach to autism assessments, recognising that every child is different. Our assessments are designed to support the diagnostic pathway with your child’s paediatrician or psychiatrist while providing valuable insights and practical recommendations for home, school and everyday life.
Based in Maroochydore, our team supports families from across the Sunshine Coast, including Buderim, Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Nambour, Sippy Downs, Kawana and Noosa.
What Is An Autism Assessment?
An autism assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that helps determine whether a child meets the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Autism can present differently in every child. Some children may experience challenges with social communication and interaction, while others may have sensory sensitivities, intense interests, emotional regulation difficulties or differences in how they process and respond to the world around them.
An assessment helps identify your child’s individual strengths and support needs, providing families with a clearer understanding of how to best support their development, wellbeing and participation in everyday life.
Our autism assessments are designed to support children from early childhood through to adolescence.
Signs Your Child May Benefit From An Autism Assessment
Every child develops differently, however some signs may indicate that an autism assessment could be beneficial.
These may include:
- Difficulties with social interaction and friendships
- Challenges understanding social cues
- Delayed or different communication skills
- Repetitive behaviours or routines
- Strong interests in specific topics
- Sensory sensitivities to sounds, textures, foods or environments
- Emotional regulation difficulties
- Anxiety in social situations
- Challenges with transitions or unexpected changes
- Demand avoidance behaviours or PDA profile characteristics
- Difficulties participating at school or in community settings
If you have concerns about your child’s development, seeking an assessment can provide clarity, guidance and support.
Our Autism Assessment Process
Initial Parent Consultation
We begin by getting to know your child and family. This includes gathering information about developmental history, current concerns, strengths, school experiences and family goals.
Clinical Assessment
Our experienced clinicians use evidence-based assessment tools to gain a comprehensive understanding of your child’s presentation.
Assessment tools may include:
- ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
- MIGDAS-2
- Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS)
- Parent interviews and questionnaires
- Functional and observational assessments
Functional Assessment
We look beyond diagnosis to understand how your child functions in everyday environments.
This may include exploring:
- Sensory processing
- Emotional regulation
- Social communication
- Play skills
- Daily living skills
- Executive functioning
- School participation
- Behaviour and support needs
Comprehensive Report
Following the assessment, families receive a detailed report outlining assessment findings, observations and recommendations.
Our reports are designed to support both families and medical professionals throughout the diagnostic pathway.
Recommendations may include:
- Therapy supports
- School accommodations
- Sensory strategies
- Emotional regulation supports
- Community participation recommendations
- NDIS supporting evidence where appropriate
Assessment Tools We Use
ADOS-2
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) is considered one of the gold-standard tools used in autism assessment. It provides structured opportunities to observe communication, social interaction and behaviour.
MIGDAS-2
The Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum (MIGDAS-2) offers a strengths-based, sensory-focused approach to understanding autistic experiences and characteristics.
Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS)
The SRS helps identify social communication differences and behaviours associated with autism across home, school and community settings.
By combining multiple assessment tools with clinical expertise, we develop a comprehensive understanding of your child rather than relying on a single assessment outcome.
Meet Our Dynamic Duo
Jamine Gardner
Senior OT, Director, and certified ADOS-2 assessor. With extensive experience in early intervention and complex disability presentations, she leads our clinical team. When she’s not in the clinic, she’s being a fabulous bonus mum and dog-mum to Ted, the clinic’s unofficial goodwill ambassador.
Simone Bursey
Founder of Bounce Back Co., registered Clinical Social Worker, and NDIS registered Behaviour Practitioner. With a background in psychology and extensive experience in autism and ADHD, she’s our mental health and disability guru. Want to know more? Hop over to her website!
Want us to contact you with more information?
Let’s talk about it.
If you’re unsure if our support is right for your child, fill out the form below, and one of our team will contact you to help.
How We Can Help
More than able therapy is dedicated to partnering with families through their therapy journey. We provide family-centered occupational therapy, physiotherapy, paediatric services for children with a variety of neurological and developmental disabilities.
FAQs
Do I need a referral?
In many cases, a referral is not required to commence the assessment process. Our team can discuss your circumstances and guide you through the most appropriate pathway.
What Age Can A Child Be Assessed For Autism?
Children can be assessed from an early age when developmental concerns are present. Our team can discuss whether an assessment is appropriate based on your child’s age and presentation.
How Long Does An Autism Assessment Take?
Children can be assessed from an early age when developmental concerns are present. Our team can discuss whether an assessment is appropriate based on your child’s age and presentation.
Will My Child Receive A Diagnosis?
Our assessments support the diagnostic pathway and provide detailed clinical information. Formal diagnosis is typically provided by a paediatrician or psychiatrist.
Can NDIS Funding Be Used?
Depending on your child’s circumstances and plan, funding options may be available. Our team can discuss this with you.
What Happens After The Assessment?
Following the assessment, families receive a detailed report and recommendations outlining next steps, therapy supports and practical strategies for home and school.
