Autism Assessments for Children

Diagnostic assessments are collaborative, and we work with colleagues in specific fields of expertise such as mental health, speech and language therapy and sensory issues to ensure we can answer various questions and create a support plan for you.

What to Expect

The journey to an autism diagnosis can often be complex and overwhelming, requiring a systematic approach and collaboration between various professionals. In this guide, we aim to provide you with a step-by-step overview of the diagnosis pathway to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.

During the initial diagnosis consultation with you we will talk through what a diagnosis could mean, the impact that it may have and why you need one. Sometimes labels can be very useful to put support in place at school, work or home. Sometimes they are a burden, and can weigh heavily unless the right advice and support is available.

Questionnaires will be sent out to parents to fill in alongside teachers from school. These will contribute to the comprehensive developmental history interview with you in person. The interview can take up to two hours with one of our expert team who is trained specifically to gather background information and build up a picture.

The ADOS- 2 stands for Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - Second Edition. It is considered to be the ‘gold standard’ instrument for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our trained expert in ADOS - 2 will take you through a series of activities, none of which need to be prepared for. Younger children may want to bring a snack, as the observation can last for up to two hours. It will be filmed so that the case can be reviewed and coded with team members.

Once the team has reached a joint conclusion, you will receive feedback on the assessment. This will be given to you in a safe and knowledgeable environment that welcomes questions. We will suggest areas that could benefit from ongoing support by one of our expert clinicians to help you in areas that may be an everyday struggle. We aim to inspire people by encouraging inclusive environments for everyone on the neuro-spectrum, helping all autistic people to achieve their potential.

1.

ADi-R with a clinician (up to 3 hours)

This is a developmental history interview which will focus on their early childhood between the ages of 4-5. 

We will need one or both parents for this, it can be completed online if you wish, otherwise we will hold it in our
Wimbledon Clinic.

Please be advised that all information disclosed during this appointment may be documented in the clinical report, as this information is essential for the diagnostic process.

2.

ADOS

The ADOS is a semi-structured activity based assessment administered by a trained clinician (up to 1.5 hours). Your child will be observed in our clinic, they do not need to bring anything or prepare for it. This will be recorded on a video camera so the multidisciplinary team can review it as part of their decision making process.

3.

School Phone Call

One of our clinicians will liaise with your child's school to collect information about their learning and behaviour. This will usually take 20 minutes of their time. We may need to arrange a school observation, this is at the discretion of the team. This will cost £300.

4.

Following the completion of the assessment, the multi-disciplinary team will meet to carefully consider all the information available and make a decision about whether your child does or does not meet the criteria for Autistic Spectrum Disorder. We will let you know the outcome of this meeting via a consensus call.

Multi-Disciplinary Team Discussion

5.

Clinical Report

A clinical report will be sent to you approximately four weeks after your final assessment appointment. You will also receive a Young Person’s report that you may wish to share with your child and where appropriate, a letter confirming a diagnosis. You will be offered feedback appointment times when the report is sent through.

6.

Feedback Session

With the lead Clinical Psychologist to discuss the outcome of the report and their recommendations going forward.