Child Autism Assessments

What is Autism?

Autism, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, manifests in various ways and is characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and difficulties in communication. This condition, typically identified in early childhood, exists along a spectrum, hence the term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), recognizing the diverse range of strengths and challenges individuals may experience. Each person with autism is unique, displaying distinct abilities and interests. While some might excel in specific areas like mathematics, music, or art, others might face challenges in processing sensory information or navigating social interactions. Early intervention and support tailored to individual needs can significantly enhance the quality of life for children with autism, fostering their abilities and empowering them to thrive in their own remarkable ways.

More information on The National Autistic Society - What is autism

Being Diagnosed

Upon receiving a diagnosis of autism, navigating this new understanding involves a personalized approach, often involving a combination of strategies and support. Creating a structured routine and environment can provide stability and predictability, easing potential anxiety or sensory overload. Learning coping mechanisms tailored to individual sensitivities helps manage overwhelming situations, while communication strategies, like visual aids or social stories, aid in clearer interaction. Accessing therapies—such as behavioral, speech, or occupational—can assist in developing social skills, managing emotions, and refining daily tasks. Embracing strengths and fostering interests within a supportive community also plays a crucial role in self-acceptance and confidence. Ultimately, acknowledging and understanding one's unique traits and seeking support tailored to those needs form the cornerstone of effectively managing life with autism.

You may book a pre-screen Autism Assessment, which will be stage 1 of the process. You will spend around an hour with the Clinical Psychologist.

Prior to this appointment, you will be sent a questionnaire, for you to fill out and bring to this appointment. The Clinical Psychologist will ask a variety of questions to explore your concerns and hopes from potentially moving forward with a full Autism Assessment. A parent/career will need to accompany the child to this appointment, although the Clinical Psychologist may suggest that they meet for part of the session with the child by themselves, depending on their age and how comfortable they may be with this. 

After this appointment, you will receive a letter to either offer you a full multi-disciplinary Autism assessment or a letter to advise that the Clinical Psychologist does not feel that further assessment would be helpful. If you are not offered an appointment, you will receive a letter including a working understanding of your difficulties and recommendations to help you move forward. 

You will have opportunities to ask questions and importantly as many breaks as necessary to support you through the process. A diagnosis is not a medical examination. You will not be examined physically and will not be asked to provide samples, such as blood. 

It is preferable that all appointments are face to face to provide additional information around social interaction. In order to gain a full understanding of the young person, the assessment is comprised of the following steps:

There will be a Parent/career appointment, to complete a comprehensive developmental assessment (using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised ADI-R). This will take approximately 1.5-2 hours and involves discussion around your child’s early development It would be helpful to bring with you copies of any relevant documents from health visitors or other professionals involved. The young person does not need to attend this appointment.

There will be an appointment with the young person to complete the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-II). This usually takes around one hour. It is standard practice for this session to be recorded in order to enable the Clinical Psychologist to re-watch it to provide a more valid and reliable interpretation. There will be a consent form for you to sign to allow a video recording to take place.

It would be helpful for you to provide any relevant written educational information about how the young person is functioning both historically and currently e.g. school reports, pastoral support plans, Education and Health Care Plans. As part of the assessment, the Clinical Psychologist may wish to liaise with the young person’s school directly, but this will be discussed with you during the assessment process.

In order to provide a multi-disciplinary assessment, the Clinical Psychologist will discuss the information gathered with either an Occupational Psychologist or a Speech and Language Therapist depending on which discipline is felt to be the most appropriate.