Early Autism Support
11 Months to 3 Years:
AUTISM AT THIS AGE:
Autism is a neurotype (brain style) characterised by differences in social and communication styles, differences in sensory experiences and needs, having strong interests, stimming, and having a preference for routines.
In children under two years old, you may notice inconsistencies with use of eye contact and gestures, responding to their name and in imitating others, compared to their same-aged peers. These behaviours may be an indication that a child is autistic.
AUTISM MONITORING:
Brianna Thomas and Dr Jade Goodman at The Psych Hive offer moniroring of autism signs from 11-61 months using the ‘Social Attention and Communication Surveillance’ (SACS) method, developed by Dr Josephine Barbaro at La Trobe University. Early monitoring to determine the likelihood of your child being autistic can ensure early supports, which research shows offers remarkable benefits to autistic children. The earlier we are aware of a brain-based difference like autism, the earlier we can put supports in place.
What’s the process?
MONITORING PROCESS:
A child can be monitored using the SACS from 11 months. This process takes less than an hour and can give insightful information in one session. Before completing a formal assessment, we may repeat the monitoring session after 6, 12 or 18 months to get a continued idea of your child’s likelihood of autism. If they are identified with a “high likelihood” of being autistic, we can offer a formal autism assessment from 3 years of age.
AFTER MONITORING, BEFORE ASSESSMENT:
In this time, we will also support you to apply for the NDIS under the Early Access program, offer you a place in our Circle of Security Parent group program, and recommend other local and web-based early supports to support you and your child.
Assessment (Age 3+):
THE PROCESS:
An autism assessment at this young age uses the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) with elements from the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum (MIGDAS-2). In addition, parents and early educators will be provided a set of questionnaires to complete. A formal assessment takes a number of sessions to complete with parent/s, and then parent/s and child together. A report is written, and a feedback session is offered to help you understand what we have learned about your child in a way that makes sense to you and gives you guidance moving forward.
IS IT NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING?:
Yes it is; The Psych Hive is built on neurodiversity-affirming practice. The Early Autism Support process aims to support you and your child through every step of the process. The clinicians at The Psych Hive don’t view autism as a problem or a deficit, but rather as a natural brain variation that comes with strengths and needs, both of which are communicated to you.
