Enquiry Number: 0203 355 3788
Autism Preliminary Screen
Could this be Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental difference that can impact people in various ways.
The characteristics may be more obvious in one person than another, and children and adults can be misdiagnosed with other conditions if a complete and extensive assessment is not completed.
Many children and adults engage in ‘masking’ or ‘camouflaging’ behaviours to try and ‘fit in’ socially, which can also make autism characteristics less obvious.
No matter how impacted, autistic children and adults must experience core differences in order to meet the diagnostic threshold for diagnosis.
What are the signs of autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, which means that there are differences in the way an autistic person’s brain develops in comparison to the way neurotypical person’s brain develops.
Autism is formally called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and is sometimes referred to as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
Some years ago, another condition known as Asperger’s Syndrome was seen as separate to autism, but now we understand that Asperger’s Syndrome is part of the autism spectrum and the term Asperger’s Syndrome is no longer used as a diagnosis.
What do we mean by the autism spectrum?
Every autistic child is a brilliantly unique individual. They will have core characteristics that are associated with autism, but the way in which these characteristics impact them will vary from one person to another. One autistic child may have no speech and may spend their days living in their own world, whereas another child may have good speech but experience debilitating anxiety in social situations.
Females often experience different characteristics than males and a child’s differences will change as they grow and develop.
What are the Characteristics or Signs of Autism?
The core characteristics of autism are:
- Difficulties with social interaction
- Lack of interest in, or difficulties with relationships
- Communication differences
- Highly focussed interests
- Repetitive behaviours
- Sensory differences
Not all autistic people will experience all these characteristics, and they may change over time.
Autism may not be obvious. Sometimes autism is missed and issues that individuals are experienced are put down to behaviour problems or anxiety and depression.
How Is Autism Diagnosed?
There is no single test for autism. A formal autism diagnostic assessment must be undertaken before an autism diagnosis can be made.
During a gold standard autism diagnostic assessment, a multi-disciplinary team (a team of different professionals) will gather a range of information through questionnaires, interview and direct observation. This information will provide the team with an understanding of the child, adolescent or adult currently and also how they have presented in the past.
The team will review the information and will use DSM 5 criteria to decide whether the child, adolescent or adult is autistic.
If you suspect you or your child is autistic, you will need a formal assessment to clarify this.
Process
1. Initial Evaluation
Our journey begins with an initial evaluation conducted by an experienced Consultant Psychologist. During this session, you and your child will have the opportunity to discuss concerns and experiences and establish a comfortable rapport.
This phase also includes a preliminary screening to assess your child’s developmental and behavioural patterns.
2. Neurodevelopmental Profiling – ADI-R
To comprehensively understand your child’s neurodevelopmental profile, we use validated assessment tools, interviews, and questionnaires. These tools cover a range of areas, including cognitive abilities, social interactions, communication skills, and sensory processing.
The second phase involves a deeper exploration of your child’s history through a neurodevelopmental profiling process, integrating the data from collected questionnaires.
3. ADOS -2
The gold standard ADOS-2 assessment is completed F2F for all children. This is a play-based assessment undertaken with a specialist Clinical Psychologist
4. Child-Centred Assessment
Our holistic assessment approach involves various professionals with expertise in child development. During the child-centred assessment, your child’s behaviour, interactions, and communication are observed through age-appropriate activities and structured observations. Our specialised clinical team, focused on child development, carries out this phase.
5. Diagnostic Review
After completing the assessment, the final appointment includes a feedback session. You will receive a comprehensive report summarising the findings and diagnostic insights. In a subsequent meeting, our child psychiatrist will discuss the results with you, address any inquiries you might have, and offer personalised intervention recommendations tailored to your child’s unique needs.
- Full Assessment for Children: £2000.00
(Assessment, Report, Recommendations, follow-ups, ongoing referrals and school support) - Full Assessment for Adults: £1800.00
- Assessment Screen for Adults/Children: £500.00 (Taken off full assessment charge)
- ADHD & Autism Assessment together: £3000.00
- Letters of Support £250.00
Our assessments are of the highest quality, compliant with NICE guidelines, and widely accepted by the NHS, schools, local authorities.