Autism indicators

Do you suspect that you or someone close to you may be on the autism spectrum?

The following tools aim to help you spot common autistic traits in yourself or others. While they do not take the place of a formal diagnosis, they may assist with self-reflection and provide a basic measure of how closely you or the person close to you identifies with these autistic traits.

ASDetect – a free app that empowers parents and caregivers to assess the social attention and communication behaviours of their children younger than 2 ½ years (between 11 and 30 months). This video-led self-assessment app is based on comprehensive, rigorous, world-class research conducted at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre. The research underlying this app is 81% accurate in the early detection of autism and other related developmental conditions.

ASDetect advises that if, after using the app, your child rates as having a “high likelihood” for autism, or if you suspect that your child may be on the autism spectrum, it is important to consult your doctor (GP or Paediatrician) or Maternal and Child nurse as soon as possible to discuss the results, and begin the formal assessment process. Here, you can discuss your child’s results, any concerns you have, and talk through the various options. Your doctor or MCH nurse will provide you with the next steps. Specifically, if appropriate, your doctor or MCH nurse will provide you with a referral letter for a formal autism assessment. This referral letter is required for two reasons: firstly, a referral letter is often required before you can make an appointment to have your child formally assessed, and secondly, in order to receive Medicare rebates from any specialist consultations, you are required to have a referral letter for a formal assessment.

Information on formal assessment options in Tasmania can be found here.

Autism Spectrum Quotient – a 50 question scale that produces a score showing how closely you identify with autistic traits.

Self-identification in adults often leads to exploration and learning more about autism and consequently a greater self-understanding. A formal assessment can be emotionally demanding and may be financially restrictive. However, a formal diagnosis provides personal confirmation and is necessary to access NDIS funding and many additional supports in employment, education, training and health.
Autism Tasmania recognises people’s right to self-identify. We acknowledge the differing views within the autism community for describing autism and respect the right of individuals to choose the language which they believe most powerfully represents them. Diagnosis is not a requirement to access the services of Autism Tasmania.

Information on formal assessment options in Tasmania can be found here.