Autism Assessment Newcastle
Holistic Mental Health Support
Child-Friendly Waiting Room
Committed to Ongoing Support
ASD Assessments & Care
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves a variety of social, emotional, and behavioural challenges. Oracle Psychology in Newcastle supports children, adolescents, and their families by working to offer assessments, diagnosis, and tailored follow-up care. Our psychologists aim to help individuals with ASD identify strengths, develop emotion-based social skills, and enhance functioning at home and school.
Children and adolescents with ASD often face difficulties understanding social interactions, jokes, and sarcasm. By teaching social and emotional skills directly and explicitly, psychologists assist families and individuals in improving communication and relationships.
Oracle Psychology's child psychologists provide compassionate care, understanding, and evidence-based strategies. Our team works collaboratively with families to support meaningful progress and positive outcomes.
We offer:
- Individual Treatment
- Social Skills Groups
- Parenting Strategies
- Assessment and Diagnosis
Autism in Children & Teens
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are estimated to affect up to 1 in 68 individuals. These conditions typically begin in early childhood, but symptoms may not become fully apparent until a child starts school.
Children and teenagers with ASD often find the social world difficult to navigate, struggling with understanding social interactions and adapting to change. Common challenges include difficulties making friends, heightened sensory sensitivity, becoming fixated on specific topics or details, and experiencing anxiety when routines change.
It is important to recognise that social and emotional development varies among children, and a comprehensive assessment is essential to identify ASD accurately.
Autism in Children & Teens
Oracle Psychology provides comprehensive Autism assessments at our Newcastle-based offices in a calm, supportive setting. The process begins with an in-depth interview with parents or carers to help gather a thorough understanding of the child’s developmental history, needs, and daily functioning. Teacher feedback is collected through norm-referenced questionnaires to assist in providing insight into how the child compares to peers at school. Additional evaluations of cognitive abilities and other relevant areas are conducted with the aim of identifying the child’s strengths and challenges. Clinicians use formal diagnostic tools alongside observations to assess how the child interacts and communicates, aligning findings with internationally recognised diagnostic criteria.
Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorders early in life can help enable families to access intervention services, such as psychologists, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists. Early intervention can lead to significant functional gains and improved outcomes later in life. Additionally, some individuals with an ASD diagnosis may qualify for government or school-based funding support. If you are concerned about your child’s social, emotional, or behavioural challenges, call Oracle Psychology’s Newcastle office on 02 4929 2223 (select option 3) to discuss assessment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is involved in an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment?
An ASD assessment typically includes interviews with caregivers, observations of the child’s behaviour, and standardised questionnaires. It aims to understand developmental history, social and emotional functioning, and cognitive skills to determine whether the individual meets the criteria for ASD.
How can therapy support children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
Therapy can help children with ASD by teaching social, emotional, and communication skills. Sessions often focus on improving relationships, managing anxiety, and enhancing flexibility in thinking. Strategies are tailored to the child's needs, supporting growth at home and school.
What role do families play in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) treatment?
Families play a crucial role by reinforcing strategies at home, supporting emotional growth, and creating consistent routines. Collaboration with therapists helps parents understand ASD and develop tools to manage challenges while promoting the child's strengths and independence.
