Understanding the diagnosis pathway for your child
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.
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.
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.
Multi-Disciplinary Team Discussion
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.
5.
Clinical Report
This will usually take up to two weeks from the consensus call. 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.