Assessments
Autism Assessments
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a diagnosis given to an individual with difficulties in a variety of areas, such as social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behaviour. The challenges experiences by those with ASD vary widely, but can usually be seen by the time the child is 2 or 3 years old.
How Do Autism Assessments Work?
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Step 1: Parent Consultation
The first step of the process is to speak to the individual's parent/caregiver to help us understand the child's development, such as when they started talking. For adults being assessed, we can also speak to your parents or someone who knew you well when you were young. We may also speak to a teacher who knows the child well, or a friend/colleague for adult assessments.
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Step 2: ASD Assessment Meeting
For children: During the meeting we will play with some toys and books. We will also want to get to know you a little bit and will talk to you about your interests and your home and school life. There are no right or wrong answers. You might feel a bit nervous to start with, but we hope the appointment will actually be quite fun!
For adults: We use an adult version of the assessment in order to better understand the difficulties you experience and whether you meet criteria for a diagnosis of ASD. -
Step 3: Feedback and Report
After the observations and interviews are completed, we see if ASD is the best explanation for your difficulties. We will organise a meeting with you a few weeks after the interviews to explain what we have found.
In this meeting, you can ask any questions you want to about what we have said. Even if ASD isn’t the most helpful explanation for what is difficult for you, we will still offer advice and suggestions of how we think things could get better for you – that’s why we are here! -
Step 4: Support
Whether you receive a diagnosis or not, you may benefit from additional support from one of our Psychologists to help you with the difficulties you are experiencing.
In the event that you do get a diagnosis of ASD, you may also want help coming to terms with the diagnosis and any impact it may have on your life moving forward.
Where Can I Get An Autism Test Near Me?
Connect Psychology provides autism diagnosis in Dubai from our clinic at Fortune Executive Tower, Suite 1009, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Cluster T. Our clinic is conveniently based near many other locations such as:
Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, Internet City, Media City, Al Furjan,
Jabal Ali Second, The Greens, Discovery Gardens Palm Jumeirah,
Al Sufouh, Al Barsha, Emirates Hills, Dubai Hills, Jumeirah Park,
Meadows, The Springs, Barsha Heights, & Arabian Ranches.
There is also the option for those based further afield to undertake parts of the autism spectrum test remotely. Telephone consultations or online zoom sessions can be arranged if you would prefer testing or autism treatment at home. Get in touch today to find out more!
What Are Common Autism Symptoms?
Signs of Autism in Babies
Signs of autism in babies can be subtle, such as not responding to their name or showing limited interest in cuddling. These infants may not participate in shared activities like smiling back or babbling to caregivers. Recognising these early symptoms allows for timely intervention, which can support developmental progress.
Signs of Autism in Toddlers
In toddlers, ASD symptoms may appear as delayed speech, limited eye contact or a lack of interest in playing with peers. Repetitive behaviours like hand-flapping or lining up toys are also common signs of autism in this age group. Parents might notice their child has a strong reaction to sensory stimuli, such as loud noises or textures.
Signs of Autism in Adults
Autism symptoms in adults often include difficulty with social interactions, such as maintaining conversations or understanding non-verbal cues. Many adults with autism may also exhibit repetitive behaviours, have intense interests in specific topics or struggle with changes to their routine. The signs of autism in adults may become more noticeable in work or social settings.
Do You Offer Autism Treatment?
Yes, Connect Psychology offers autism therapy services tailored to individual needs. Our experienced autism psychologists implement effective strategies to teach you the best way to deal with autism and navigate its challenges.
Our team offer appointments from 7am to 10pm on Monday to Sunday. Whether you are seeking support for mild autism symptoms or looking for autism treatment near you, we are here to help. Simply complete our contact form, call us on 050 123 6170 or email hey@connectpsychology.ae to get started!
Frequently asked questions
See the answers to frequently asked questions to learn more information. Or get in touch if you have any queries!
Are There Different Types Of Autism?
Is Autism In Infants Common?
Autism can be diagnosed in infants, though it is more commonly identified in toddlers as signs become more apparent. While early signs of autism in infants may be present, they are often subtle and can be harder to distinguish from typical developmental milestones. Contact us today if you would like to arrange a private autism assessment, our dedicated team would be delighted to assist!
Can You Help Me Cope With Autism Difficulties?
Yes, at Connect Psychology, we offer tailored support to help individuals cope with ASD difficulties. Our therapists work with you to develop strategies that improve communication, social skills and overall wellbeing. We can teach you useful coping mechanisms on how to manage autism effectively.
What Are Common Social Characteristics Of Autism?
Common social characteristics of autism include difficulty with social interactions, such as challenges in understanding social cues or maintaining conversations. Individuals with autism may also struggle with forming and maintaining friendships or engaging in group activities.
These difficulties are often linked to differences in social communication and emotional reciprocity. Connect Psychology offer private autism diagnosis and support for those facing social challenges due to ASD.
Are ASD Assessments Covered By Insurance?
It is possible for ASD assessments to be covered by insurance as we are a Pay & Claim clinic. Please contact your insurance provider to check if Connect Psychology is covered by your policy. If so, we can sign and stamp your claim form following your visit.