Diagnosis
Horizon, Aspire's Diagnostic Support Service, has been established to support parents and adults with the diagnosis process and their subsequent post-diagnosis needs.
Often this journey can seem daunting for those new to the condition but it is our intention to help and support you through this process. With this in mind, we have established a follow-on liaison service to ensure that you are aware of the services available and to assist where possible to obtain the services you require. This follow-on service will be conducted by Joan Ryan our Family Support Worker. Once you have received a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome/High Functioning Autism (AS/HFA) we would urge you to get in touch with Joan regarding accessing further services as recommended in your report. Joan, according to her capacity, will liaise with you to discuss the services needed and promote a follow-on service with health or education providers to ensure that the person with the Syndrome is gaining the maximum benefit from the service.
Overview of Interventions
There are a variety of treatments and interventions that may be recommended by your diagnostician.
These include:
- Specialised Educational Interventions
- Parental involvement in the areas of Education and Training
- Social Skills Training
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Psychotherapy or Behavioural/Cognitive Therapy
- Sensory Integration or Occupational training. These treatments are performed by an Occupational Therapist
- Medications for co-existing conditions such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
Where to Start?
Diagnosis and Assessment
It is possible to gain a professional diagnosis and assessment of need through a public or private consultation.
Public
Although many people choose to follow the public route regarding diagnosis and assessment, it should be noted that waiting lists can be long. Psychological assessments can be arranged through consultation with one of the following:
- An Educational Psychologist working with the National Education Psychological services. This is an agency linked to the Dept. of Education and Science.
- A Psychologist working in a local child and family service
In order to make a public appointment, you will first have to be referred to a service by your GP.
The Under Fives Assessment of Need
On June 1 2007, Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 becomes law for children under five years of age. Under Part 2 of this Act, children with disabilities have a right to:
- an independent assessment of their health and educational needs arising from their disability
- an assessment report
- a statement of the services they will receive
- make a complaint if they are not happy with any part of the process
The HSE has produced an information leaflet for parents, which will be available from your GP, Pharmacy, Hospital and Local Health Office. You can view or download this leaflet by visiting the HSE website www.hse.ie.
Private
An alternative route for many people is to seek out a private assessment. Although waiting times will be considerable shorter than the public route, the average cost of consultation can be prohibitive. For those wanting to follow this route, we have a large number of professionals listed on this site.
Please click here to view this list
In an effort to promote the new Aspire Horizon service, Aspire have been in contact with the following professionals:
Dr. Eimer Philbin Bowman M.B., M.Sc., M.R.C. Psych.
Dr. Bowman performs private Assessment and Consultations for adults and adolescents at the following centre:
Dublin Well Woman Centre, 67, Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
T: +353 (01) 668-1108
Dr. Rita Honan, Ph.D., BCBA.
Dr. Honan performs private Assessment and Consultations for children, adults and adolescents at her private practice:
4 South George's Street, Dublin 2, Ireland .
T: +353 (01) 896-3906
E: honanr@tcd.ie
Please contact the relevant professional in question for details relating to availability and fee structure.
Once a professional diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome has been secured with the Assessment of Need, please get in touch with the Aspire Family Support Officer, Joan Ryan to begin the follow-on service.
Joan Ryan, Family Support Officer for Aspire
T: +353 (087) 933 6160
E: familysupport@aspire-irl.org
Diagnostic Rating Scales for Asperger Syndrome
Please note: The following AS Scales are for information purposes only and should not be confused with obtaining a professional diagnosis.
The Australian Scale For Asperger's Syndrome
Tony Attwood, PhD. This is a questionnaire designed to identify behaviors and abilities indicative of AS in school age children. This scale is also available in Dr. Attwood's book Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide For Parents and Professionals. To view this paper in Spanish Click Here
Using the Vinland to predict Autism and Asperger Syndrome
This is a short printed interview with Sara Sparrow, PhD, senior autor of the "Vineland Adaptive Behavioral Scales", considered to by some to be the "gold standard" regarding diagnosis of AS and Autism.
The PDD Assessment/Screening Scale
This is an *experimental" screening tool based on the DSM criteria for Autism located on the Childbrain Pediatric Neurology Web site.
AQ Test: Autism-Spectrum Quotient
This is a test developed by Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen at Cambridge University in the UK as a measurement of the extent of autistic traits in adults. It was featured in the September, 2001 issue of WIRED Magazine. This is a link to WIRED's web site.
ASDS: Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale
Brenda Smith Myles, Stacey Jones Bock, and Richard L. Simpson
This scale consists of several subscales including: Language, Social, Maladaptive, Cognitive, Sensory Motor, and Key Questions. This scale is for use by professionals. It is a new scale, so please consider recommending it to professionals who work with your children. Dr. Myles is the co-author of Asperger Syndrome: A Guide For Educators and Parents, Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments: Practical Solutions for Tantrums, Rage and Meltdowns, Asperger Syndrome and Sensory Issues: Practical Solutions for Making Sense of the World. These books can be found at the OASIS Bookstore
This scale is available now from Autism/Asperger Publishing Company
CHAT TEST
Checklist for Autism in Toddlers Screening Tool
It has been recommended that all Paediatricians administer the chat screening test to all of their patients during the child's 18 month well-baby check-up. This is a link to an ASA webpage.
This information has been sourced from O.A.S.I.S (Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support) - www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/
For more information about this area, you are welcome to contact Aspire at the following details: familysupport@aspire-irl.org
