ASD Assessments
WHAT WE OFFER
Welcome to the ASD Adult Program, designed for individuals 16 years of age and older (Children and youth 15 years old and younger may be assessed for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through the General Psychiatry Program). This program is tailored to provide thorough support and guidance for adults seeking assessment and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The PMVC connects clients and their therapist with a psychiatrist via a secure online platform. This facilitates an ASD psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, medication recommendations, and psychotherapy recommendations. Follow-up consultations with your psychiatrist are available as needed, and your therapist can schedule these for you. As part of our collaborative care model, a medical report will be sent directly to your family physician.
HOW IT WORKS
COLLABORATIVE CARE MODEL OVERVIEW:
COLLABORATIVE CARE MODEL OVERVIEW:
- The Therapist’s Assessment:
Clients will start out by seeing their therapist for at least three initial sessions. This allows your therapist to gather information, complete their own assessment on their client while also providing psychotherapy treatment. This enables the therapist to have a very thorough understanding of their client, equipping them to best support the client during the psychiatric assessment appointment. Please note that both the client and their therapist must agree that the client is a good candidate for a psychiatric assessment in order to move forward with the process.
- The Psychiatric Assessment:
Your therapist will coordinate for a psychiatrist to join you both during a 2 hour session, as a consultant regarding your treatment. The psychiatrist’s consultation will provide diagnosis, potential medication recommendations and reviews, as well as psychotherapy recommendations.
- The Feedback Session:
Following the assessment, your therapist will schedule in a feedback session with you to review the report from the psychiatrist. This session is 1 hour long. The report is typically ready after a couple of weeks. If your situation is urgent, and you will require the report to be ready sooner than this, please let your therapist know so that they may request a rush on the report. Please note that there are no guarantees on reports being rushed or the time it will take for them to become available, and the typical timeframe to receive the report is 2-3 weeks. Clients are welcomed to schedule in additional follow up sessions with their therapists for ongoing psychotherapy treatment in accordance with the recommendations outlined.
WHAT IS ASD?
WHAT IS ASD?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts communication, social interaction, and behavior. While often diagnosed in childhood, many adults remain undiagnosed until later in life. ASD encompasses a wide range of symptoms and can vary significantly between individuals. Common challenges include difficulties with social interactions, sensory processing, and routine-based behaviors.
UNDERSTANDING ADULT ASD
UNDERSTANDING ADULT ASD
Prevalence:
ASD affects individuals across the lifespan. Research suggests that approximately 1-2% of adults may be on the autism spectrum, though this number is likely underestimated due to underdiagnosis.Underdiagnosis and Undertreatment:
Many adults with ASD remain undiagnosed, often due to a lack of awareness, misconceptions about ASD being primarily a childhood disorder, and the subtlety of symptoms in adulthood. Many adults may only realize they are on the spectrum after encountering challenges in their personal or professional lives.Symptoms in Adults:
ASD in adults manifests differently than in children. Common adult symptoms include difficulties with social interaction, communication, restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. Some individuals may also experience challenges with executive functioning, such as managing time or transitioning between tasks.Comorbidities:
ASD in adults is often accompanied by other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders, complicating the diagnostic and treatment process.Impact on Life:
ASD can affect various aspects of life, including relationships, employment, and daily living. Many adults with ASD may struggle with forming and maintaining relationships, adjusting to workplace environments, or coping with sensory stimuli.Diagnosis Complexity:
Diagnosing ASD in adults is more complex than in children due to the overlap with other mental health conditions and the need for a thorough evaluation of developmental history and current challenges.
WHY CHOOSE OTC for an ASD Assessment?
WHY CHOOSE OTC for an ASD Assessment?
Our ASD assessment program is distinguished by its team of highly skilled professionals in adult ASD assessment and management. We use the latest practices, offer comprehensive care, and provide personalized treatment plans within a collaborative care model. The traditional mental health system can be difficult to navigate, and long wait times for psychiatric care are common. Through our collaborative network, clients gain access to psychiatric ASD consultations within weeks after their therapist submits the referral form.
TIMEFRAME
TIMEFRAME
Your ASD assessment appointment may take place just a few weeks after your third session with your Psychotherapist or Psychologist.
COST & COVERAGE
COST & COVERAGE
The program has an administrative fee of $350. Psychiatrist fees are covered through OHIP. Standard Psychotherapy fees apply.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
INSURANCE COVERAGE
Most extended health plans cover Psychotherapy sessions. We offer direct billing to most insurance providers. Please confirm your coverage for Psychologists, Registered Psychotherapists, or Registered Social Workers prior to your intake call.
FAQ’s
FAQ’s
Q. What can I expect from the ASD assessment?
A. The ASD assessment takes a comprehensive approach. It will include completing questionnaires and a consultation with a psychiatrist. The ASD Matters program connects your psychotherapist, family doctor, and psychiatrist to ensure the best individualized care for you.
Q. Why should I get assessed for ASD through OTC and the PMVC?
A. Psychotherapy Matters provides a collaborative care process where your OTC psychotherapist plays a key role. While medication is one part of ASD management, your therapist helps track your progress and can adjust care plans as needed. Additionally, the psychiatrist will collaborate with your therapist and other professionals to make sure all aspects of your care are covered.
Q. What happens after the ASD assessment?
A. After your assessment, your OTC psychotherapist will review the report issued by the psychiatrist in a feedback session. They will continue to support you throughout the process, and follow-up appointments can be scheduled as needed. Your family doctor will review and implement the medication recommendations from the psychiatrist.
Q. I was diagnosed with ASD as a child. Do I need another assessment?
A. If you received a formal ASD diagnosis as a child from a psychiatrist or pediatrician, you may not need a full reassessment. However, we recommend using the ASD Matters program for a comprehensive review. Contact us if you’re unsure how to proceed.
Q. What type of paperwork is needed to move forward with my ASD assessment?
A. You will be given an intake form, consent form, self-reporting questionnaire, as well as a collateral questionnaire which is to be completed by a family member or friend who has known you since childhood.
Q. What if no one from my childhood can fill out the collateral questionnaire?
A. If no one from your childhood is available to provide information, someone who knows you well now can complete the questionnaire. You can also submit documents like school report cards or previous assessments to provide additional information.
Q. What is the $350 fee for?
A. This fee covers the intake process, coordination, and gathering of all necessary information for your assessment, including technology costs. It ensures that your information is well-organized and prepared for the psychiatrist.
Q. Can the $350 fee be covered by insurance?
A. Currently, this fee isn’t covered by insurance, but you can check if your insurance offers Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) or Wellness/Lifestyle accounts.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PSYCHOTHERAPY MATTERS VIRTUAL CLINIC
LEARN MORE ABOUT PSYCHOTHERAPY MATTERS VIRTUAL CLINIC
We work with Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Collaboration (PMVC), an independent Canadian organization that facilitates shared mental health care. Through PMVC, we offer coordinated services with physicians and psychiatrists. Your therapist remains actively involved in any psychiatric consultation.
The Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Clinic allows you to meet with a psychiatrist through secure, confidential video conferencing. Your therapist will be present with you during the consultation to ensure a smooth collaboration.
The psychiatrist will help with medication recommendations or diagnosis if needed. They will fax your prescriptions directly to your pharmacy, and your therapist will work with your family doctor to continue your care.
After the consultation, your family doctor will receive a clinical note outlining the recommended treatments and your care plan. If follow-up consultations with the psychiatrist are needed, these will be included in the initial referral, so you won’t need to make additional requests for care.
PMVC PHILOSOPHY
To make collaborative mental health care easy, so that everyone gets the best care.
PMVC MISSION
To provide a system of care that seamlessly links psychotherapy, psychiatry, and primary care.
COLLABORATIVE CLIENT-CENTERED CARE
Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Collaboration is at the forefront of collaborative care, integrating psychotherapy providers, primary care physicians, and psychiatrists. We provide timely access to mental health services, matched to your needs.
For more information on Psychotherapy Matters, please visit psychotherapymatters.com
PROGRAM PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR Asd MATTERS PROGRAM
To be eligible for an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) assessment through the ASD Matters Program, clients must meet the following requirements:
- Age Requirement:
- The program is designed for individuals aged 16 years and older.
- For children 15 years old and younger, assessments are available through the General Psychiatry Program.
- Primary Care Referral:
- A referral from a primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) is required to initiate the ASD assessment.
- The primary care provider must complete the consultation referral form to begin the assessment process.
- Primary Psychotherapist Engagement:
- The client must be engaged in individual psychotherapy with one of OTC’s licensed psychotherapists, social workers, or psychologists. Clients must be receiving psychotherapy treatment though only their OTC therapist.
- Together, both the client and the OTC therapist will determine that the client is a good candidate for an assessment, to move forward with the process.
- The therapist will be providing ongoing support before, during, and after the psychiatric consultation.
- Informed Consent:
- The client (or their legal guardian) must provide informed consent for participation in the ASD Matters Program.
- Availability for Consultation:
- Clients must be available for scheduled consultations with their psychiatrist, which will take place virtually. While assessments appointments are typically available within a few weeks of the client’s third psychotherapy session, no guarantees can be made regarding the psychiatrist’s availability.
- Commitment to Follow-Up:
- Clients must commit to attending follow-up sessions with both their OTC psychotherapist and psychiatrist as needed.
- Ongoing collaboration between the psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and family doctor will be necessary for effective management of ASD.
- Client Information:
- Clients must provide accurate information regarding their developmental history, medical history, and any previous assessments.
- If relevant, clients may be asked to submit additional documents such as school reports or previous diagnostic assessments.
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