What is an Autism assessment?

  • An Autism assessment is where two of our specialists check if you or your child have an Autism Spectrum Condition.
  • As part of the assessment, the team will:
  • Ask about the difficulties you or your child are experiencing
  • Observe how you/your child interact with others
  • Contact people that know you or your child well, such as a school teacher, GP or friends/family



What kind of difficulties to people with Autism experience?

  • Having more difficulties communicating and interacting with others
  • Finding it difficult to understand how others thing and feel
  • Have sensory sensitivities- eg. Finding loud noises or bright lights uncomfortable or overwhelming
  • Having strong and very specific interests
  • Experiencing anxiety during unfamiliar events, unexpected changes or social events
  • Taking longer time to understand information
  • Doing the same thing over and over or having repetitive thoughts



How can an Autism assessment be useful?

For parents:

  • It can help you understand the challenges your child experiences and how you can help them
  • Get additional support for your child from school
  • Find out if you are entitled to additional support as parents/carers (eg. Financial benefits)
  • Get a better understanding of your child overall
Adults:
  • Understand yourself better and why you have certain difficulties
  • Be able to explain to others how and why you see the world in a different way to them
  • Get additional support from your workplace or educational institution
  • Identify if you are entitled to financial benefits



What is involved in an assessment?

Here at The Oak Tree we provide the ‘gold standard’ assessment which involves two highly specialist Clinical Psychologists.

  • An initial screening consultation to consider whether a full Autism assessment is required
  • If a full assessment is required: ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) - This test is completed with the child/young person
  • ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised) - This interview is completed with the parent(s)
  • Liaison with your child’s school to understand their view and gather feedback
  • Report with recommendations
  • Feedback session



What will happen during the assessment?

Once we have completed the assessment we will arrange a time to meet with you/your family to discuss the outcome of the assessment. We will also write a report which we will send to you and anyone else you would like it forwarded to. As part of our feedback, we will explain why we came to our decision, what recommendations we would suggest and what the best next steps might be. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.



Fees

Initial screening consultation: £120 (if required) Full Autism assessment: £1,690 (point 2-6 above)



Autism Assessment