Autism Assessments
Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) is a broad term used to describe a spectrum of neurodevelopmental conditions. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects the way we communicate, interact and understand the world and others around us. As the name suggest, Autism is on a spectrum and therefore it can be different for everyone depending on the difficulties and symptoms experienced and the severity of these. Some people need little, or no support and others may need help every day.
It is important to recognise that Autism is not an illness. It is a condition that means your brain works in a different way and sometimes this means you need support to help you with certain things. Most importantly, it does not have to stop you living a full and good life. Like all people, you will have your own strengths and weaknesses, but there are a few key characteristics which are most commonly seen including:
- Difficulties with social interaction and communication. This can include things like:
- Taking things literally, or needing extra time to process information
- Struggling to make or maintain friendships, not seeking comfort or understanding appropriate social interactions
- Repetitive or restrictive behaviours such as:
- Keeping to routine or becoming distressed at changes in routine
- Repeating movements or using objects either out of enjoyment or to self soothe
- Experiencing sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smell, light, colours
- Focussed or intense interests and hobbies
- Anxiety
This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms and it is important to know that not everyone will experience the same difficulties. The symptoms are divided into two main categories: problems with communication and social interaction, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour or activities (DSM-5). In order to get a diagnosis, a person must display difficulties in social communication and interaction and have some symptoms in repetitive or restrictive behaviours; all of which must be present across multiple contexts (e.g. home, school, work etc)
We don’t know what causes Autism, but we do know that it is not caused by bad parenting, vaccines, diet or an infection you can spread to others.
What does an Assessment Involve?
If you are concerned you or your child may have Autism, there are a number of methods to assess for Autism. The ‘gold standard’ approach to diagnosing Autism is to have a multi-disciplinary approach (i.e. several clinicians) to ensure a comprehensive and objective and to use standardised and validated assessment tools. As a result, I have created a pathway for assessment which reflects this approach. This ensures you only pay for the relevant parts you need, and you can decide at any stage whether you wish to continue.
To carry out the standard assessment, I work alongside Dr Laxmi Budhwar, Clinical Neuropsychologist and an Assistant Psychologist. Sometimes, it is important to involve other professionals, depending on the needs of the assessment, this can include a Consultant Psychiatrist, Consultant Paediatrician, Speech and Language Therapist and Occupational Therapist. If it is relevant to include any of these professionals, I work alongside a number of individuals and will discuss this with you during the initial enquiry.
The package is split into three parts (described below) which includes using screening tools, interviews, assessment tools, observations (where appropriate), post assessment discussions to feedback and on-going support (where appropriate). The team explore the history of the difficulties, yours or your child’s personal and developmental history, understand how the symptoms and difficulties impact on you and determine if Autism is the right diagnosis.
I can offer assessments for Adults and Children of all ages (however for younger children, below 6, there may be a different approach).
Pathway
I have designed pathway to ensure you are getting the best out of the process. It involves three main stages:
Click below for the pathway...
To find out more about the Autism Assessment packages, please Contact Me and I will be happy to provide you with more information and discuss your individual needs.