Listening to Families Videos

Catherine Swan (Developmental Paediatrician) and Sharyn Gousmett (Educational Psychologist) explain the process to get a diagnosis. Catherine notes that the process varies depending on the age of the child and whether the family uses the public system or other avenues. She explains where referrals come from.

Sharyn confirms that private psychologists are able to do a diagnostic assessment and notes that families can self-refer.

Catherine Swan (Developmental Paediatrician) notes that the time for young children and older children varies. In some cases it’s not possible to make a definitive diagnosis, additional information is required and it can take 1 to 2 years. Sharyn Gousmett (Educational Psychologist) talks about the private process, collecting information and the role of assessments. If all of the information is available a diagnosis can be made in 4 to 8 weeks.

Sharyn Gousmett (Educational Psychologist) notes the important role that parents and the extended family plays in getting a diagnosis – they have the knowledge of the child!.

Catherine Swan (Developmental Paediatrician) explains why a child would be seen by a paediatrician. She talks about co-occurring conditions that run alongside autism.

Sharyn Gousmett (Educational Psychologist) notes that private specialists will refer to a paediatrician if they have questions that are not fully explained by autism.

Sharyn Gousmett (Educational Psychologist) explains that children are seen by a psychologist if there are learning difficulties – these are not things that paediatricians or psychiatrists look at. Psychologists also look at things like anxiety.

Catherine Swan (Developmental Paediatrician) explains when a child might see a psychiatrist.

Kim Russell (Mother of two autistic children) notes the benefits of having a formal diagnosis. Helen Wagstaff (Autism coordinator) notes that some organisations want confirmation of a diagnosis - talks about the positive way that children often respond to having a diagnosis. She notes a book that she often refers to families – Just right for you by Melanie Hayworth

Sharyn Gousmett (Educational Psychologist) explains that a diagnosis validates parents’ concerns.

Catherine Swan (Developmental Paediatrician) explains why an interim diagnosis may be given. She talks about environmental factors that might influence a decision and notes that time is part of the diagnostic process. She also covers global developmental delay and notes that a diagnosis is not required to access Child Development services or Early Intervention services from the MoE.

Sharyn Gousmett (Educational Psychologist) notes that waiting to confirm a diagnosis doesn’t mean doing nothing.

Sharyn Gousmett (Educational Psychologist) explains the services that are available to families while they wait for a diagnosis.

Catherine Swan (Developmental Paediatrician) notes further services and Helen Wagstaff (Autism Coordinator) confirms services that are available prior to a diagnosis. They note that self-referral is an option for many of these services.

Helen Wagstaff (Autism Coordinator) confirms services that are available once a diagnosis has been made and talks about who makes referrals to her and her colleague. She talks about the services that they provide including group sessions and individual visits.

Catherine Swan (Developmental Paediatrician) refers to LifeLinks and others that provide services

Kim Russell (mother of 2 autistic children) shares the services that have helped her and her family.

Catherine Swan (Developmental Paediatrician), Helen Wagstaff (Autism Coordinator) and Sharyn Gousmett (Educational Psychologist) acknowledge the services for families, talk about the gap in services for autistic individuals and make some suggestions to help families. They talk about what to do when a family doesn’t gel with a provider.

Helen Wagstaff (Autism Coordinator) talks about the support that she and her colleague provide for 2 years after diagnosis. She notes a resource package that has been developed to help families as the child ages.

Catherine Swan (Developmental Paediatrician) explains when a child up to age 16 would interact with a paediatrician. Sharyn Gousmett (Educational Psychologist) encourages families to address what’s on top for them at that time.

Sharyn Gousmett (Educational Psychologist) talks about the different presentations linked to gender. She talks about internalised autism and explains masking and scripting and the impacts of this. Helen Wagstaff (Autism Coordinator) talks about masking and the impact at home when a child is masking at school.