Autism Assessment Service Information 

Referral

In order to complete an Autism assessment, we will need a referral from a medical professional such as a letter/email from your GP, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Therapist, Counsellor or any other professional (including SENCo’s from schools) working to support the person seeking assessment.

Once a referral is received, an introductory call is arranged to ensure that an Autism Assessment is appropriate for the person seeking assessment. Once more background information has been obtained, we will look to book you in for your assessment.

There are 3 elements to the assessment.

1)Questionnaires

Questionnaires will be sent to the client to complete. In the case of an assessment for a child, this is to be completed by the parent. Questionnaires will also be sent to school and must be returned within 2 weeks of receipt.

2) ADOS-2 Clinical Observation Assessment

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - Second Edition (ADOS-2) provides an accurate assessment and diagnosis of autism  for all ages. This element takes place face-to- face with the client. The ADOS-2 Assessment lasts for 1 hour. If the person for assessment is below the age of 8 years when completing the ADOS, a parent will be in attendance for the session. Aged 8 and above, this will happen without a parent present. Assessments take place in Colchester, Essex.

3) ADI-R Clinical Interview-

The Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R) is considered to be one of the gold standard clinical diagnostic instruments for assessing autism in children and adults. The ADI-R is a clinical interview is completed with the parent of the child or in the case of an adult assessment, with an informant who has known the person from their early years e.g., parents, siblings, grandparent etc.  This element of the assessment is a virtual appointment and lasts for 2 hours.

Outcomes

Once all three elements have been completed, clinicians will meet to discuss their findings. They will formulate all their findings and cross reference to the DSM-5 clinical criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The findings will be shared with the client/parent at a suitable time for both clinician and client usually within days of the final assessment. A report, with recommendations for further support, will be submitted to the client within 1-2 weeks following the assessment.