Autism is a wide and varied condition, no two people are the same. Each young person has their strengths and differences and these are very individual.
Here is a screening tool you may find useful. We dont see your responses. This is not diagnostic.
Without a diagnosis, the child's behaviour can often be misunderstood. They may be seen as rude or oppositional, and be given consequences within the school or home setting. They may be excluded by their peer group who don't understand them. They can go on to develop negative thoughts about themselves and become socially withdrawn in order to manage these difficult feelings.
They may retreat into a rich fantasy world, become depressed, spend lots of energy mimicking others, and socially masking their difficulties at the expense of gaining their full potential within the education setting.
If a diagnosis is pursued, it can give clarity and validation for the young person in terms of their struggles. It can help them identify which aspects of life they find the most difficult and receive targeted and focused help and support.
Diagnosis allows them to manage their expectations about what they feel comfortable with and be able to say no to things too.
A young person who understands themselves better, can be more comfortable with decision-making about friendships, careers and relationships.
A diagnosis can also bring a sense of belonging when meeting other families and young people who share the diagnosis.
Most of the young people that we see describe a sense of relief at the time of diagnosis. They have often spent large periods of time on the internet looking up symptoms for bipolar, psychosis, OCD and other concerning mental health difficulties, trying to work out what is going on. When they find something that makes sense it allows the right help to be put in place for them and it's good to feel understood.
You are always seen by a psychiatrist for your first appointment. Here we take a detailed history and exclude important diagnoses.
We will share a working diagnosis with you and let you know if we think an autism assessment is needed or not.
You will then meet one of our therapists to complete an ADOS - autism diagnostic observation schedule - this is a face-to-face one hour appointment. This looks at a number of factors including their use of eye contact, social communication skills, gesture and imaginative play.
3Di an extended neuro developmental questionnaire completed by parents or someone who knows the child well. This can be completed at home.
School questionnaire - to look at social communication issues and pick up difficulties within the school setting. Completed by a teacher.
Taking all of this information together a diagnosis can be made when appropriate and recommendations are made. A report is compiled and shared with yourself and your GP (with your permission).
You receive a follow up appointment to review the report and give you time for any questions or queries. The team are available for
further follow up appointments and ongoing care.
All of our assessments adhere to NHS and NICE guidelines and are accepted by NHS providers and local education authorities.
Many adults who meet diagnostic criteria for ASD may have been misdiagnosed with a different condition (perhaps OCD, social anxiety or depression) or they may have masked their difficulties and not found help.
There are potential benefits of a formal diagnosis such as employment and accommodation rights, increased self understanding, peace of mind and making sense of past personal experiences. A diagnosis may provide helpful information that allows better coping or quality of life by recognising strengths and difficulties. It can help others to understand you.
These assessments are carried out in three parts.
The first part of the assessment is always carried out by a psychiatrist. A full developmental and psychiatric history is taken. It
is important to rule out overlapping or additional issues. These can be missed by using questionnaire based assessments only and are
important. We will share a working diagnosis at the end of this appointment and let you know if we think an autism assessment is
needed, or not.
An assessment called an ADOS which is a specialist interview lasting one hour. This explores use of eye contact, gesture and
communication skills.
A 3Di developmental questionnaire, with input from a family member or close relative. An informant questionnaire (someone who knows you well) to ask about your social interactions skills and need for routine.
A full written report will be provided for all patients, with recommendations for ongoing care and support. You are also seen for a follow up appointment to review the reports and allow time for questions.
All of our assessments adhere to NICE and NHS guidelines. They are accepted by NHS services and employers / DLA.
Please see more detail above
1. Appointment with a consultant psychiatrist (face to face or online if you prefer).
2. Face to face assessment with a member of our therapy team (ADOS)
3. Developmental questionnaire completed (you can do this at home)
4. School questionnaire (or relative questionnaire if you are an adult)
4. We discuss the results as an MDT and compile your reports.
5. Follow up meeting for you to ask anything you want about the reports and next steps.
6. We offer a number of ongoing services for aftercare and support.