ASD
Assessments

ASD
Assessments

What Can An Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment Help With?

An ASD assessment at the Purple House Clinic is aimed at helping children or adults who are showing possible signs of an ASD. Assessment is the first step to getting help. Once the challenges are understood- either as ASD or as another type of difficulty, the person is one step closer to understanding themselves, being understood by other people and to getting the support they need. If difficulties are not properly understood and supported, they can cause significant problems socially and emotionally and they can hamper educational or occupational achievement. The symptoms of ASD can overlap with other developmental conditions such as ADHD, as well as emotional difficulties such as anxiety. As such, there is a need for specialist assessment, undertaken by trained clinicians in order that the correct condition can be accurately identified.

Individuals benefiting from this type of assessment may be displaying or experiencing some of the following types of symptoms (not an exhaustive list!):

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Not understanding what other people are thinking and feeling

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Being ‘rigid’ in their structure and routine / not liking change

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Engaging in repetitive play or activities

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Being sensitive to certain sounds/smells/tastes

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Finding it hard to communicate emotions

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Finding it hard to make friends

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Showing atypical communication e.g. repeating the same phrases or not reciprocating eye contact or smiling

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Masking of social discomfort / difficulties in certain settings (commonly seen in females)

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Finding it hard to communicate emotions

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Finding it hard to make friends

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Showing atypical communication e.g. repeating the same phrases or not reciprocating eye contact or smiling

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Masking of social discomfort / difficulties in certain settings (commonly seen in females)

What Does an Assessment at The Purple House Clinic Involve?

An ASD assessment usually comes in two parts:

Part 1

Part 1 is an initial screening assessment to help establish whether it is appropriate for the individual to undergo full diagnostic assessment. It is a general neurodevelopmental screen meaning that ASD as well as ADHD can be considered, as needed. Consideration will also be given to mental health.The initial assessment usually comprises of an appointment lasting up to 1.5 hours during which the clinician will explore the presenting issues and conduct a concise developmental history. If required, screening measures will be administered.

As part of this assessment, the clinician will discuss with you whether there are enough concerns associated with ASD to warrant full diagnostic testing- on our ASD, ADHD or combined ASD / ADHD assessment care pathway. if so, you will then need to confirm whether you wish to proceed to Part 2 of the assessment. 

Part 2

Part 2 is the diagnostic part of the assessment process. Our ASD part 2 assessment usually comprises of several clinic-based appointments where standardised tests are completed, using ‘gold standard’ diagnostic tools. Our part 2 assessments will usually involve more than one clinician in order that professionals can concur on a diagnosis. Our clinicians are all highly skilled and work hard to help children and adults alike feel at ease during the assessment process. Assessments are paced to the individual and rest breaks will be given where needed. Where children are concerned, the assessment process will usually involve a combination of parent/carer and child participation. In respect to adult clients, close relatives or partners can be invited to provide background information, with the agreement of the client. Part 2 of the assessment process usually takes between 4-6 weeks to complete. 

The composition of assessments vary between clients, including some or all of the following:

  • Assessment of communication and social interaction (ADOS)
  • Assessment of skills for daily living (Vineland or ABAS)
  • Structured in-depth developmental history (ADIR or DISCO)
  • IQ assessment (WASI, WISC or WAIS)
  • School-based observations (in the case of child clients)
  • Review of existing professional reports (if available)

Occasionally, additional assessment components may be required. In this case, any additional costs will be discussed with you.

What Can I Expect Following An Assessment?

Following completion of part 2, the clinicians involved will consult with each other, analyse the assessment results and write a comprehensive report detailing the findings and confirming the diagnostic outcome. You will have the opportunity to discuss the outcome with a clinician and ask any questions you may have.

Recommendations within the report may take the form of strategies for everyday living. These may be implemented by the person themselves, family member or carers, schools, college, universities or the workplace. Where emotional difficulties are present, further intervention may take place in the form of psychological therapies. Click here for further information about our psychological therapy services.

Sometimes, ADHD might be identified as another relevant diagnosis for consideration. Where this is the case, we can help facilitate diagnosis or treatment of this condition. Click here for information about our ADHD services.

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