It is not uncommon for people to go through life without a proper diagnosis of autism or another learning difference. The only way to really know is to get a proper diagnosis from a trained professional. If you have not yet been properly diagnosed, a good place to start is the Oasis Place Self Screening Tests. It’s simple, convenient and only takes 5 minutes. From there, you can decide if you want to seek further professional help or not.

Step 1: Screening

If you are an adult and are considering getting a proper diagnosis for autism or another learning difference, a great place to start is the Oasis Place Self Screening Tests. It’s simple, convenient and only takes 5 minutes.

Step 2: Assessment

For an autism or learning difference assessment with our team of experienced psychologists, the following information may be required:

• Family history of the individual
• Home, school, workplace, clinic and/or community observations
• Standardised assessments conducted directly with the individual
• Standardised questionnaires for a parent or caretaker

Step 3: Diagnosis

It is important to remember that autism and learning differences vary greatly from person to person. For an autism diagnosis, psychologists will typically look for the following signs:

• Repetitive and different behaviours, moving the body in different ways
• Strong interest in one topic or subject
• Preferences for routine and dislike of change
• Social interaction challenges - difficulty with relationships or making friends
• Unusual reactions to sight, sound, smell, touch or taste

Our psychological and therapeutic services include:
Psychology Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Music Therapy, Nutritional Advice and Continuous Education

Additional transdisciplinary approaches and Oasis Place tailored programmes include:

• Social Programmes - Quest Buddies and Social Buddies
• School Holiday Programmes - Social Discoverers, Social Code Breakers and Language Camps
• Tailored Intensive Programmes - College Transition and Study Skills
• Independent Life Skills Workshops - Quest Oasis
• Malaysia Day Camp and Malaysia Day Bootcamp
• Peer Support Groups - Being Me, Combatting The Jitters and Parent Circle
• Mental health assessments
• Individual Therapy
• Group support and workshops

Interacting in social settings may cause anxiety for adults with learning differences causing them to retreat or avoid social interaction altogether. Making and maintaining friendships can also be challenging, however, learning the skills to form meaningful and lasting friendships can bring great lifelong benefits. There are many types of therapies that can help individuals navigate their social world and lessen the anxiety that may come with it.

Even without a learning difference, it is normal for people to feel overwhelmed with thoughts and feelings that seem out of control. However, studies shows that people with learning differences are even more likely to experience mental health concerns like stress, anxiety, depression or self esteem issues. Mental health is an essential part of overall well being, and maintaining good mental health is an important part of any healing process. Therapies for mental health are plentiful and can be conveniently accessed online via OPConnect or onsite at our centre in Kuala Lumpur.

With adults, executive functioning skills not only include the basics like personal hygiene, getting dressed, cooking and cleaning, it also includes time and money management skills that are important for independent adult living. Adults with learning differences also need to learn how to manage stress, navigate interpersonal, social and workplace relationships, and manage other aspects of life like transportation and house maintenance.

Employment is an important part of life. It not only provides financial security but also helps to nurture social connections and maintain mental health and wellbeing. People with learning differences can bring a range of strengths and skills to the workforce, however, they often face challenges when it comes to finding and maintaining employment.

Workplace support can include job or life coaches who help people learn and execute specific job tasks, and helps with emotional and interpersonal skills necessary in the workplace. Individuals are taught various life skills like grooming, hygiene, conversation and collaboration that will help in seeking and sustaining employment. Before entering the workforce, individuals with learning differences may benefit from training to learn what to expect in the work environment. A job coach can visit the worksite to understand the requirements of the job and then work with the individual to prepare. A job coach can also accompany the individual to the worksite and directly observe their abilities and areas that need improvement.

A place of love and nurturing, Oasis Place is the heart of change in Malaysia and beyond. We host regular events, workshops and programmes for children, parents, educators and health professionals to help the learning different community grow and thrive. Ready to jump on board? Check out our current and past events here.

Ready to seek help but prefer to do it from home, school or work? OPConnect is your gateway to all the assessments and therapies you need online. All you need is a computer with a camera, a microphone and internet connection. We use a range of videoconferencing applications including WhatsApp, Facetime, Skype and Zoom. You can connect safely and conveniently to all our psychologists and therapists - any time or place that suits you. Sounds good? Reach out to us today. We are here to help.

Oasis Place is Malaysia’s largest transdisciplinary intervention centre specialising in emotional and clinical psychology therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, music therapy and nutritional advice. Our team of experienced psychologists and therapists can assess and treat a range of learning and mental health issues including Autism, ADHD, Asperger's, Dyslexia, Down Syndrome, global developmental delay, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma, stress and more. It’s never too late to seek help. To find out more about how Oasis Place can help you or a loved one, please reach out to us. We are here to help.