Autism Child Assessment – Why Get A Diagnosis?

CHILD ASSESSMENT – Why get a diagnosis?

A diagnosis of autism can greatly help in accessing specialist help, tailored to your unique requirements.
Obtaining a diagnosis ensures that reasonable adjustments Obtaining are made in education specially when children undertake examinations.
An autism diagnosis may be a significant factor when applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), helping to secure necessary resources and services.
A diagnosis of ASO can guide treatment planning for therapy and family support. Parents, carers and other family members can learn specific approaches which are helpful in supporting an individual with ASD, and avoid approaches which are likely to be counter-productive.
For many individuals, receiving a diagnosis can provide a sense of understanding themself and being understood. A diagnosis of Autism means being part of a large and active community worldwide. This can boost wellbeing and mental health, reduce isolation, and foster a sense of belonging within the neurodiverse community.

Your assessment will be undertaken by one of our experienced Clinical Psychologists, according to the NICE (National Centre for Clinical Excellence) guidelines for the Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

How does an ASD assessment work?

Step 1: Book a Free 15-minute consultation with one of our team to ask any questions about our service and work out whether a diagnostic assessment might be the right next step for you and your child.

Step 2: Complete our Referral form with relevant information about yourself (or your child) and a screening questionnaire (AQ-10)

Step 3: Initial two-hour Clinical Interview (£500). We will arrange a two-hour online interview for parents (or adult clients) with one of our Clinical Psychologists who will then lead your assessment if you choose to proceed. The interview will focus on symptoms which are part of the diagnostic criteria for Autism as well as other possible explanations. At the end of the interview the Clinical Psychologist will offer advice allowing you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed with a full assessment.

Step 4: In person assessment using the ADOS-2. The ADOS is considered to the the gold-standard measure in the assessment of autism. Conducted and analysed by your clinical psychologist. It helps the clinician to experience how the person communicates and engages with others and the world around them. Whilst your child is completing the ADOS we will ask you to complete some questionnaire measures assessing the domains of Executive Functioning and Social Communication. For children, we will also give you questionnaires for their school to complete and undertake an online interview with someone from school who knows them well.

Step 5: Report writing. All the information collected will be compiled into a comprehensive and detailed assessment report which includes a diagnosis (if appropriate) plus recommendations for home and for your school or workplace.

Step 6: Multi-disciplinary Team meeting and decision. All the professionals involved with your assessment will meet to review the findings, to decide whether criteria are met for a diagnosis of Autism.

Step 7: Report and Feedback meeting. We will send you the completed report and arrange an online feedback meeting with your Clinical Psychologist, along with any other family members or professionals you choose to invite.

Step 8: GP letter. With your permission we will write a letter to your GP, and to any relevant educational settings confirming any diagnosis so that you can access the support you need.

How much does it cost?

Initial 2 hour meeting with a clinical psychologist: £500

Remainder of the assessment including detailed report and feedback meeting: £1,500

Total cost = £2,000 for families who are self-funding.

For children and young adults (under 22, or under 26 with an EHCP) who are adopted or living with Special Guardians we are able to offer a Specialist Trauma and Attachment and ASD diagnostic assessment funded by the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund. These assessments cost £2,500 as they are required by the ASGSF to contain a detailed assessment of the child’s trauma and attachment history and therapeutic needs in addition to the diagnosis of ASD.

Next steps? Ready to book?

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