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1,900
£
An Autism assessment for children can offer several benefits, such as helping others understand their unique differences, providing a sense of belonging, offering educational accommodations, and supporting positive family life and mental health.
Child Autism Assessment
What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental difference that affects how a person experiences the world, particularly in areas like social interaction, communication, sensory processing, and behaviour. People with autism often have unique strengths and challenges. Autism is often referred to as a 'Spectrum' as it presents differently in every individual.
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Autism can be considered a type of neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is a concept that recognises neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others, as natural variations of the human brain rather than 'conditions' that need to be "fixed." This perspective values the diverse ways people think and process information.
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When we consider autism and neurodiversity together, it suggests that being autistic is a way of being and is not
inherently defective or disordered. This approach encourages acceptance, inclusion, and support rather than trying to "normalise" autistic people.
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The Autism Pathway is passionate about embracing neurodiversity and difference
Core features of Autism
Differences in language and communication:
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Valuing interest-based conversations as opposed to "small talk."
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Having a direct and honest approach to interactions
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Wanting to share lots of detailed knowledge about interests and passions
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Sensory speech (e.g. repeating details or shifting topics)
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Preferring not to sustain eye contact
Preferring to use words instead of gestures or facial expressions
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Differences in Social relationships and emotions:
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Prefering to play independently and being happy spending time in their own company
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Peer relationships can be a source of stress and uncertainty
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Preference for small numbers of friends (e.g. one-to-one interactions)
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Finding group situations overwhelming
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Difficulties identifying and managing emotions
Sensory Preferences and Interests:
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Having one or more passions or interests that lead to intense focus
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Having exceptional skills for recalling facts, building, logical thinking, and categorising
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Sensory aversions (e.g. to noise, light, temperature, food, clothes)
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Enjoying repetitive body movements
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Preferring routine, structure and planning
Want to find out more?
The Autism Pathway recognises an individual's strengths as well as differences and challenges.
Strengths of Autism:
Great Attention to Detail leading to a thorough and metilulous approach to tasks.
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Creativity due to an ability to "think outside the box".
Dependability driven by a desire for routines and structure.
Exceptional Knowledge in interests and passions.
What to expect from a Child Autism assessment with us
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1. Screening Information
The first step of our assessment process is to complete some screening information so that we can find out more about your child and determine together if an assessment is the right next step. It's also an opportunity for you to ask more about our assessments and let us know of any needs or preferences your child may have. This can be done by telephone or via a form.
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2. Questionnaires
We will ask you to complete Questionnaires that screen for autistic traits and highlight your child's skills and strengths. Depending upon the age of your child, these may include the Autism Quotient (AQ), Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST), Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) and a strengths questionnaire.
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3. Parental/Informant Interview
Using the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R), we will explore your child's developmental history and current presentation. We will discuss early milestones, verbal and non-verbal communication, play, friendships, interests and behaviours. This appointment lasts two to three hours and takes place online. Generally, children do not need to attend this meeting.
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4. ADOS-2 Observation
We will use the (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) ADOS-2, which is a mixture of talking and task-based activities. This will be completed face-to-face with your child at one of our clinics. If your child is over 14 years old, we can also complete an adapted observation remotely.
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5. Liaison with School
With your permission, we will ask your child's school to complete a questionnaire about their presentation in school.
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6. Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Meeting
Once all the assessments are complete, an MDT meeting will be held to review all the information gathered. The information will be considered alongside the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to conclude.
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7. Outcome & Feedback
You will receive a copy of the full report to read at your own pace. We will then arrange an online feedback meeting with a clinician you met previously to review the findings and discuss the recommendations for the 'next steps'. We also offer child-friendly and summary reports if you would like them.
Support
Our reports will outline recommendations for the best next steps for your child following your assessment.
This may include signposting to relevant services, including those who offer post-diagnostic support and further information to aid the understanding of autism.
Suggestions for school-based accommodations and EHCP. We will also provide information about specific aspects that arise during your child's assessment (e.g., emotion regulation, communication preferences, sensory differences, peer relationships, learning challenges and sleep difficulties).
These supports aim to help you and your child cope with daily challenges.
