Developmental History
This is an appointment to discuss you/ your child’s developmental history and background. Usually, the best opportunity for us to get an accurate history of development is to meet with parents/guardians, if they are available. In some situations, we could meet with other family members or a spouse as an alternative. The interview lasts up to four hours and usually takes place by telephone, or video consultation. The clinician undertaking this appointment will use one of two gold standard assessment tools; the Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview (3di) or the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R)
Standardised observation
Our assessment of choice is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, second edition (ADOS-2), which takes place at our clinic in Paignton, Devon. You/your child will normally be seen on your own with one of our therapists (usually a Speech and Language Therapist), and we will ask for your consent for the session to be recorded. The assessment can involve games, looking at books, cartoons, puzzles and some simple questions. Most people find the ADOS enjoyable and this session usually takes about an hour.
Additional assessments
Sometimes our core assessments will not give us as much information as we need to come to a decision about a diagnosis. In this situation we ask your permission to carry out further assessments, at no cost to you.
Cognitive assessment
This can take place with a qualified Clinical Psychologist. They will ask you or your child to do some other puzzles/games and answer questions which will help them to understand you or your child’s strengths and areas of need. A cognitive assessment can help to inform recommendations after the assessment. This test would be the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) or the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) . The assessment would take up to about an hour and a half.
Language Assessment
We may think it is necessary for you or your child to have an assessment to understand strengths and difficulties with understanding and expression of language. This would take place with a Speech and Language Therapist. This would typically involve administration of the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF-5). It may involve listening, talking and looking at pictures.
Observation in a social setting
We may need to observe you/your child to look at approaches to interaction with other people. This could be completed by any professional from the team. This could be at school, workplace, at a club or in the community (such as in a park).
Feedback
During the feedback appointment, the team can discuss the results of the assessment with you. Our feedback appointments are usually completed via telephone, but can be completed by video or in person if you choose. After the feedback appointment, you will receive a detailed summary report, which includes specific and bespoke recommendations, as well as, all of the reports from each appointment, in PDF format via encrypted email. We recommend the assessment findings is shared with relevant parties. This could include, for example, your GP, school or employer. We understand that it is sometimes difficult to take in all the information at one feedback appointment. If you request it, we are also able to offer a second feedback session where you have the opportunity to ask any further questions and reflect on the reports/findings.