Child Autism Assessments in Calgary
Solasta Counselling provides compassionate child autism assessments in Calgary to understand your child’s unique needs.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, socialize, and process the world around them.
It is called a “spectrum” because its impact varies from person to person, with different strengths and challenges. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly help autistic children thrive. Autistic children may exhibit the following common traits:
Differences with Social
Interactions and Communication
Understanding social cues, maintaining conversations, and expressing emotions can be challenging.
Children may prefer solitude or have trouble forming peer relationships.
Intense Focus on Specific Interests or Repetitive Behaviours
Many autistic children develop intense interests in certain topics or activities.
They may also exhibit repetitive behaviours, such as hand-flapping or repeating phrases.
Sensory Sensitivities
Children may be hypersensitive or under-sensitive to sensory input, such as loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures.
These sensitivities can lead to discomfort or emotional distress.
Challenges Adapting to Routines
Predictable routines are important for many autistic children.
Changes in schedule or unexpected events can cause anxiety or frustration.
Early Diagnosis and Intervention
Early diagnosis allows children to access therapies and interventions that support their development.
With the right support, autistic children can develop communication, social skills, and emotional regulation, helping them navigate challenges and thrive.
Why Seek an Autism Assessment for Your Child?
As a parent, noticing differences in your child’s behaviour or development can feel overwhelming. Seeking an autism assessment offers numerous benefits, including:
Understanding Your Child
Fostering Growth
Accessing Early Intervention Services
Strengthening Family Dynamics
Open the Doors to Support
An autism diagnosis is not a label; it’s a pathway to empowering your child and helping them thrive by tailoring support to their unique strengths and challenges.
Signs of Autism in Children
Children on the autism spectrum may exhibit a wide range of traits, which can vary in intensity.
Limited Eye Contact Or Difficulty Understanding Social Cues
Autistic children may avoid making eye contact or struggle to interpret facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language, making social interactions challenging.
Delayed Language Development Or Repetitive Speech Patterns
Many children on the spectrum have delays in language development, and may engage in repetitive phrases or echolalia (repeating words or sentences they’ve heard).
Strong Preferences For Routines Or Resistance To Change
Autistic children may become distressed when routines or familiar settings are altered, as they often find comfort in predictability and structure.
Sensory Processing Differences, Such As Loud Noises Or Certain Textures
Sensory sensitivities are common, with children either overreacting or underreacting to sensory experiences like bright lights, loud sounds, or certain fabrics.
Difficulty or Differences in Forming Peer Relationships Or Playing Cooperatively With Others
Autistic children may have trouble engaging in group play, understanding social rules, or building lasting friendships due to challenges with communication and empathy.
If you recognize any of these signs in your child, an autism assessment can provide valuable answers and direction for supporting their development.
What to Expect from a Child Autism Assessment
We provide thorough and child-centered autism assessments to ensure accurate and helpful results. Our process includes:
Initial Parent Consultation
We begin with a detailed discussion of your child’s developmental history, behaviours, and your concerns. This session helps us understand your child’s unique experiences.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Using evidence-based tools and observation, we assess your child’s communication, social interactions, and behaviours. Our evaluations are tailored to each child’s age and developmental stage.
Collaborative Feedback
Once the assessment is complete, we provide clear and comprehensive results. We’ll discuss what the findings mean and how they can inform next steps, including recommendations for therapy or educational supports.
Ongoing Support
An autism diagnosis is just the beginning. We offer resources and therapeutic interventions to help your child and family navigate this journey together.
Treatment and Support Options After a Diagnosis
Following a diagnosis, we provide a range of resources and therapies tailored to your child’s unique needs, including:
Social And Communication Skills
Developing the ability to interact effectively with others is a foundational step for many children with autism.
We work on enhancing verbal and nonverbal communication, teaching conversational skills, and encouraging positive social interactions.
This support helps children build meaningful relationships with peers, family members, and others in their community.
Emotional Regulation And Self-Awareness
Managing emotions and understanding one’s feelings are critical skills for navigating daily challenges.
Through therapeutic techniques, we guide children in recognizing and regulating their emotions, reducing meltdowns, and building resilience.
This empowers them to face everyday situations with greater confidence and stability.
Coping Strategies For Sensory Sensitivities
Sensory processing challenges are common among children with autism.
We provide personalized tools and approaches to help your child manage sensitivities to sounds, textures, lights, or other stimuli.
By addressing these sensitivities, we aim to create a more comfortable and manageable world for your child.
The Role of Parents in the Assessment Process
As a parent, your involvement in the autism assessment process is vital. At Solasta Counselling, we value your insights and collaboration. During the evaluation, we:
Encourage Open Communication About Your Observations And Concerns
Your knowledge of your child’s behaviour, development, and history is crucial for an accurate assessment.
We actively listen to your observations, concerns, and any specific challenges you’ve noticed, as this helps inform the evaluation and guide the process.
Provide Regular Updates On The Assessment Process And Findings
We believe in keeping you informed every step of the way.
You’ll receive regular updates on the progress of the assessment, including any early observations or emerging patterns, so you are fully aware of your child’s evaluation and what to expect next.
Respect Your Input In Creating A Tailored Plan For Your Child’s Development
After the assessment, we work together to design a personalized plan that addresses your child’s unique needs.
Your insights are vital in identifying areas of focus, potential resources, and the most effective strategies for your child’s growth and support.
Why Choose Solasta for Child Autism Assessments?
We are committed to providing empathetic and thorough assessments that prioritize your child’s well-being.
Expertise in Neurodiversity
Our team specializes in autism and related challenges, offering tailored approaches for each child.
Family-Centered Approach
We work closely with parents to ensure the best outcomes for your child.
Comprehensive Services
Beyond diagnosis, we provide therapy and resources to support your child’s growth.
Take the First Step Toward Clarity and Support
Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping children and families navigate the complexities of autism with understanding and expertise.
Calgary Counselling and Psychology Services
Our Calgary psychologists have a wide range of experience and expertise in understanding the unique needs of our clients and helping you reach your therapy goals.
CAP
All of our psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologist.
PAA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Psychology Association of Alberta.
CCPA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Therapists Specializing in Child Autism Assessments
We’re Located in Calgary, Alberta
We provide counselling and psychological services in-person in Calgary and online counselling throughout Alberta.
Suite 200, 1716 16 Ave NW, Calgary AB
*free parking behind the building
Our Calgary Office Space
Our thoughtfully designed counselling spaces are crafted to create a warm, welcoming environment where you can feel completely at ease.
Get Started With Solasta in Three Easy Steps
Find Your Therapist
Book Online
Choose a date and time that fits your schedule and receive instant confirmation of your appointment.
In-person or Online
Visit our welcoming Calgary office or meet with your therapist online from the comfort of your home.
FAQs
What types of therapy do you offer at Solasta Counselling?
At Solasta Counselling, we offer a wide range of evidence-based therapies tailored to your individual needs.
These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR for trauma, Narrative Therapy, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
Each approach is designed to help address specific challenges, whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, trauma, or other concerns.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy can be helpful if you’re experiencing emotional or psychological challenges that affect your daily life, relationships, or well-being.
Common signs include persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, difficulty coping with stress, or a desire for personal growth and self-discovery.
If you’re unsure, an initial consultation can help you explore your concerns and determine if therapy is a good fit for you.
What can I expect during my first session?
Your first session at Solasta Counselling will focus on understanding your unique situation and goals.
You’ll discuss your current challenges, personal history, and what you hope to achieve in therapy.
This session allows your therapist to tailor a treatment plan that suits your needs, while also giving you an opportunity to ask questions and build a comfortable, trusting relationship.
Do you offer virtual or in-person counselling sessions?
Yes, Solasta Counselling offers both virtual and in-person sessions to accommodate your preferences and needs.
Virtual therapy allows you to access support from the comfort of your home, while in-person sessions provide a private, welcoming environment at our Calgary location and throughout Alberta.
Both options ensure the same level of care and confidentiality.
How long does therapy usually take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals and the complexity of your concerns.
Some clients see improvement in just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support.
Your therapist will work with you to set realistic expectations and adjust your treatment plan as you progress.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, all sessions at Solasta Counselling are confidential.
We follow strict professional and legal guidelines to protect your privacy.
The only exceptions involve safety concerns, such as risks of harm to yourself or others, which your therapist will explain during your initial session.