We are a multidisciplinary team consisting of psychologist Dr. Catherine Barbe and psychoeducator Vanessa Choukroun, specializing in the assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other associated neurodevelopmental disorders (intellectual disability, global developmental delay, attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity) for young people aged 18 months to 18 years. We offer services in French and English.
Holder of a doctorate in psychology since 2009, she developed her expertise in the health and social services network, working as a psychologist in a physical disability rehabilitation center. In this environment, she had the opportunity to assess and intervene with a multicultural pediatric clientele with physical, sensory and neurodevelopmental disabilities (e.g. visual impairment, motor impairment, autism spectrum disorder, global developmental delay).
Since 2019, she has focused on the differential diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and other related conditions. It is important for her to clarify the child's clinical profile in order to formulate recommendations adapted to the child's specific needs, and thus promote and maximize his or her integration and social participation in his or her living environments (home, daycare/school). She is trained in the use of the standardized assessment tools ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Second Edition) and ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised). She offers her services in French and English.
In addition to her clinical practice, Catherine is also a lecturer at the Université de Montréal and supervises psychology interns.
She strongly believes in building on children's strengths to help them develop to their full potential and reach their full potential.
A graduate of Université de Montréal in psychoeducation since 2003 and a member of the Ordre des Psychoéducateurs et Psychoéducatrices du Québec since 2011. Vanessa Choukroun has been developing her expertise in the health and social services network since 2008, as a psychoeducator in the DI-TSA-DPE team and, subsequently, since 2017, in specialized Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment clinics (CLSC and Centre de réadaptation).
She has had the opportunity to support families in a variety of psychosocial contexts, and to maximize the full developmental potential of her multi-age, multicultural clientele. This experience has also enabled her to develop the interpersonal skills needed to accompany families following a diagnosis and direct them to the appropriate resources. She offers her services in French and English.
Vanessa is trained in the use of the standardized assessment tools ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Second Edition) and ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised).
She fully believes in the adaptive potential of people with ASD and in the neurodiversity movement. She is convinced that her expertise, combined with that of other partners, can contribute to improving her clients' quality of life. The Senegalese proverb "It takes a whole village to raise a child" takes on its full meaning with such an approach, in her opinion.
The evaluation process for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) generally involves several important steps:
This evaluation process is embedded within an interdisciplinary framework, drawing on the expertise of both professionals to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the situation. However, it is important to emphasize that the psychologist remains the primary specialist responsible for delivering the final diagnosis. This will be based on an in-depth analysis of the collected data, taking into account the perspectives provided by the psychoeducator.
Initial screening:
- Autism spectrum disorder assessment interview with parents to gather detailed information on the child's development, behaviors and functioning since birth. The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is used to document and understand the child's developmental history, social skills, communication, special interests and repetitive behaviors.
Direct observation and evaluation :
Direct observation of the child across various settings (e.g., daycare, clinical environment) is conducted to assess social skills, communication abilities, and stereotypical behaviors. Standardized assessment tools, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), are utilized to gather specific data aligned with the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Assessment of Intellectual Development and Functioning:
- Assessment of cognitive/intellectual development or skills and adaptive functioning (skills required in activities of daily living) to determine the overall level of functioning of the person being assessed.
Context assessment :
- Gather information from teachers, family members and other key people in the life of the person being assessed, to obtain a complete picture of his/her behavior and functioning.
General and specific recommendations:
- At the end of the assessment, a detailed report will be submitted, including the results of the various assessments, clinical observations and recommendations for specific interventions. This plan may include recommendations for educational, therapeutic and supportive interventions tailored to the individual needs of the diagnosed person.
Each step in this process is essential to establish an accurate diagnosis of ASD and to develop a support plan adapted to the specific needs of the person being assessed.
Post-assessment follow-up available as needed.
Follow-up support after assessment is available as required.
The psychoeducator will contact you at the earliest opportunity to arrange an appointment that suits your availability.
Time slots available over the coming weeks
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Complexe De Santé Reine Elizabeth Suite 414 2100 Av. De Marlowe, Montreal, Qc H4A 3L5