Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments in Kanata & Nepean

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a difficult condition to diagnose. A family doctor can’t rely on diagnostic tests to determine if a child has it. They have to rely on developmental history and observed behaviour to make a diagnosis. This is challenging for a few reasons, and misdiagnoses can be common if not done by a doctor who specializes in ASD diagnosis. Waystone Psychology has the expertise in ASD diagnosis to accurately determine if a child has Autism Spectrum Disorder, and where on the spectrum they fall.

2 young autistic boys playing at their desk

The Signs of Autism Show At A Young Age

With Autism Spectrum Disorder, getting an official diagnosis as early as possible is crucial for getting them the support and treatment they need to reach their full potential later in life. Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder can appear at a very young age and can be detected in children as young as 18 months old, yet the disorder can sometimes go undiagnosed until they are teenagers or even adults. The following are some of the most easily identified signs that a child has ASD.

They avoid eye contact.
They show little interest in other children or caretakers.
They only display a limited amount of communication.
They get upset at minor changes to their routine

If you notice any of these behaviours in your child, contact us right away for a discreet and professional assessment to determine if your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Waystone’s Straightforward but Powerful Process of Growth

Our experience enables us to offer clients a straightforward process to recovery. Having said that, you can rest assured that we do not use a cookie-cutter approach but rather treat each client with the individualized care and attention that you deserve.

Book an Appointment
With Us

Now that you’ve gotten to know us,
why not schedule an appointment
to get the journey started?

Start the Assessment
Process

We begin with an assessment by discussing and exploring your anxiety including symptoms and possible causes.

Identify Areas for Improvement

After the assessment, we will begin
working on areas for improvement & coping strategies.

Improve Functioning and Quality of Life

We’ll do a deep dive together,
isolating specific challenges and
finding effective solutions.

a young boy sitting in a circle on the floor in class

Waystone: Caring Psychologists With a Unique Vision for Success

Emotional concerns can have a substantial impact on our daily functioning, even beyond their moment-to-moment impact. Emotional difficulties can also affect our concentration, self-respect, and enthusiasm for previously pleasurable activities. The concerns can also spread to other areas of one’s relationships, professional life, and health.

At Waystone Psychology, our role as psychologists is to work together with the client to develop coping strategies and provide support. We help our clients develop new ways of adapting to life’s challenges in order to promote healthy functioning.

Accurate Diagnosis and Early Identification

Autism varies widely in its severity and symptoms. A correct diagnosis and early identification considerably increase the odds of optimal results by providing appropriate educational supports, treatments, and intervention at an early stage.

Autism can only be officially diagnosed by an expert. Getting your child an official diagnosis is vital for two reasons. First, the government and insurance companies may be able to provide your child with assistance and services. Second, there are additional disorders that are linked to autism but require distinct therapies that need to be watched out for. Following an autism diagnosis, Our Waystone psychologists will work with the healthcare team for evaluation and therapy recommendations.

When a child is diagnosed with autism, speech and behaviour therapy, medical advice, and other supports are often recommended to help with prognosis and quality of life. According to research, early intervention is more likely to result in favourable outcomes than treatment received later in life or not at all. Contact us today if you think you child might need an autism evaluation or one has been recommended for your child.

a frustrated boy looking down at his homework

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Autism Spectrum Disorder a lifetime illness?

What areas of life are most affected by ASD?

Can symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder get worse?

Is there a typical age where Autism Spectrum Disorder becomes present?

What are some symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Is Autism Spectrum Disorder a lifetime illness?

Yes, ASD is a lifetime illness that has no cure. However, with a proper support system and ongoing treatment, a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder can grow up to lead an independent, productive and fulfilling life.

What areas of life are most affected by ASD?

All children with Autism Spectrum Disorder are greatly affected in three core areas of development including:

Social interaction
Verbal & Non-verbal communication
The presence of repetitive & restrictive patterns of behaviours and interests

Can symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder get worse?

If left untreated, symptoms of ASD can worsen as the child gets older. Early childhood (Age 0-5) is when the most rapid development happens in a person’s life. This is also the time when the most drastic changes in ASD symptoms can be experienced. That is why it is extremely important to catch the signs of ASD as early as possible, get a diagnosis and treatment if necessary.

Is there a typical age where Autism Spectrum Disorder becomes present?

There is no set age where Autism can be detected for each child, however many children with autism will start presenting signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder as young as 18 months. With that said, children can go undiagnosed into their teens and adulthood.

If you think you or a loved one may have Autism Spectrum Disorder, and would like to receive a professional assessment, contact Waystone Psychology to learn more about our assessment process today.

What are some symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

There are several symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder including but not limited to:

Avoiding eye contact
Demonstrating little interest in other children or caretakers
Only displaying a limited amount of verbal and nonverbal communication
Getting frustrated or upset at minor changes to their routine

To learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder, treatment plans or our assessment process, contact Waystone Psychology today!

Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments in Kanata & Nepean

The Signs of Autism Show At A Young Age