Understanding autism
I carry out autism assessments with a broad, in-depth view of the child’s or adolescent’s developmental, emotional and social functioning. Autism is a developmental condition that appears in early childhood and accompanies a person throughout life, so accurate identification at an early stage makes it possible to tailor the right support and contributes significantly to learning, functioning, independence and social relationships.
In the assessment process I examine different areas, including language and social communication, cognitive functioning, social skills, adaptive behaviour and patterns of behaviour, in line with the DSM-5 criteria. Because autism can present very differently from person to person, I make sure the assessment is comprehensive, integrative and research-based, using professional assessment tools and combining information from the child, the parents and the educational and therapeutic settings, in order to reach as accurate an understanding of the clinical picture as possible.
Signs worth paying attention to
If you notice signs like these in your child, it’s worth considering an assessment.
- Repetitive behaviours
- Repeating words (echolalia)
- Delayed or absent speech
- Insistence on routines, objects or particular interests
- Difficulty with daily activities and following instructions
- Difficulty making eye contact
- Lack of shared enjoyment
- Lack of facial expressions or emotional expression
- Difficulty reading facial expressions and social cues
- Sensitivity to touch, smells, temperature, light or noise
- Picky eating and avoidance of certain textures
- Difficulty making and keeping social relationships
How is an autism assessment carried out?
An autism assessment is based on research-based tools, and usually includes:
An autism assessment is a comprehensive process designed to understand your child’s strengths and needs in depth. It is based on research-based tools, and usually includes:
- A structured parent interview based on the principles of the ADI-R.
- An assessment of the child with a psychologist using dedicated tools such as the ADOS-2 and purpose-designed activities
- A cognitive assessment of the child
- Questionnaires for parents and educational staff
- Consultation with the school, paediatricians and other professionals
- A comprehensive written summary report
- A feedback meeting to review the findings and recommendations
This thorough process allows for an accurate diagnosis and clear, personalised recommendations to support your child’s development.
The clinic’s expertise in ASD assessment
An autism assessment relies on dedicated tools — and on someone who knows how to use them.
- ADI-R — a structured developmental interview with the parents, mapping the course of development over the years
- ADOS-2 — a structured real-time observation, in four modules plus a separate toddler module
- Questionnaires for parents and educational staff, to see the child in all the settings they are part of
- A detailed feedback meeting, with practical recommendations and direction for next steps
- Ameer Salameh is a certified ADOS trainer and delivers trainings for psychologists in ASD assessment
- The assessment is adapted to age and language level — from toddlers to adults
- An official diagnosis in Israel also relies on a complementary medical opinion
- We explain exactly what is needed for recognition and for claiming rights
Why awareness of autism is growing
Rising prevalence and the power of early intervention
Awareness of autism is growing, and diagnosis rates have risen in recent years. The increase is largely due to better assessment tools, greater awareness and a broader understanding of the spectrum — which is why early identification and tailored intervention matter more than ever.