Diagnostic assessments
The diagnostic assessment requires a 2 hour appointment. The appointment involves interviews with the child, adolescent or adult, and his/her family or partner (if possible). Parents are encouraged to bring along previous reports from other health professionals, and the child’s teacher or guidance officer. During the appointment the clinician will spend much of the time asking questions and listening. Standardised questionnaires are frequently used. Following assessment, strategies and advice are given.

Problem-solving
One-hour appointments are offered for advice about managing problems associated with autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. During the appointment the problems will be explored and a plan of action devised. The plan may include further assessment or therapy.

Group therapy
Group therapy sessions to teach social skills and emotion management are run throughout the year. Please telephone Minds & Hearts for details of topics, times, and ages. Read more about our programs on the Groups page.

Intellectual and behavioural assessments
All our psychologists are skilled in behavioural assessments and the assessment of cognitive abilities, including intellectual assessment and assessment for learning disability.

Therapy
Therapy sessions are generally 55-minutes and spaced once per week or once per fortnight. Initially a thorough assessment is conducted to allow the development of the best treatment plan. Therapy options will be discussed during the initial appointment. Cognitive behaviour therapy is most commonly used.

Therapy provided for:
• Emotional problems including anxiety, anger, aggression and depression
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Behavioural problems
• Eating problems
• Grief and bereavement
• Couples or families experiencing problems
• Repetitive behaviours
• School problems including school phobia, behavioural problems, and bullying and teasing
• Social communication problems
• Unemployment and workplace problems
• Social skill development and friendship skills
• Sexual problems and sex education

Information Sessions
Our staff are available to travel to schools and workplaces to provide informational sessions on Asperger´s Syndrome to teachers, students, employers and employees.

Workshops
Michelle and Tony present workshops across Australia and Internationally. They provide workshops on all aspects of Asperger’s Syndrome and autism. Topics include assessment and diagnosis, classroom and workplace accommodations, social skills training, anger management, relationship development, bullying and teasing, and workplace issues.