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Assessment for ASD

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With the support of a speech therapist, our daughter has a developmental assessment next week due to concerns that she may have autism. We would like some advice about what to expect at the assessment?  

 

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

 Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people and the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain areas of difficulty, their condition will affect them in different ways. Asperger syndrome is a form of autism.

 

 

Who decides if my child has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

The complex presentation of ASD means that no single person is able to make the diagnosis on his or her own. Instead, if a child or adult has a suspected ASD a multi-disciplinary team will work together in collaboration with the family to assess the person’s needs and form a diagnosis.
 

Who are the professionals involved?

The core autism team

  • Paediatrician
  • Speech and language therapist
  • Clinical and / or educational psychologist
Other professionals that maybe involved

The Autism team should either include or have regular access to:

  • Paediatric neurologist
  • Child and adolescent psychiatrist
  • Occupational therapist
 

What are the main features of an autism diagnostic assessment?

Each member of the autism diagnostic team has a key role in assessing the following areas:

Specific ASD case history

This is an interview that takes place over two hours; each professional will ask the family questions about their child’s development and behaviours.

 
Focused observations

Focused observations of the child need to be made across several settings, including home, in clinic and in school for school aged children. As in the ASD-specific history, observational assessment will address the child’s behaviors, communication, interaction and interests.

 
Physical examination and medical tests

The paediatrician will conduct a full physical examination, including appropriate medical tests. The examination will take into consideration any conditions that may coexist with autism.

 
Mental health and behavior

The child’s mental health and behavior will be investigated because some children with ASD may have additional needs such as ADHD. It is important to identify this so the correct support can be put in place.

 
Cognitive assessment
A psychologist will complete a cognitive assessment to identify any potentially difficulties in areas including attention, processing speed, working memory and writing difficulties.

Motor skills assessment
A motor skills assessment will be carried out by an occupational therapist (OT). If the child has any movement impairments the OT will continue to support the family as part of the multi agency team.

 
Communication assessment

Impairments in language and communication are key features of ASD. A speech and language therapist will assess the child giving specific consideration to the following areas: joint attention, readiness to shift attention, social interaction, communicative strategies, play skills and interests, and learning potential.  

 

The possible outcomes of assessment

If a child does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder then there are a number of options:

 
  • If there is uncertainty after the autism diagnostic assessment about the diagnosis, your child will be kept under review, taking into account any new information.
  • Some children and young people will have features of behavior that are seen in the autism spectrum but do not reach diagnostic criteria for definitive diagnosis. Based on their profile, the child will be referred to the appropriate services for support e.g. speech therapy.
  • If the outcome of the autism diagnostic assessment clearly indicates that the child or young person does not have autism, again based on their profile and needs they will be referred to the appropriate services for support e.g. physiotherapy.    
 

How Integrated Treatment Services can help  

If your child has recently been diagnosed with autism, it can be a very uncertain time. Many parents are given a diagnosis without any guidance on what to do next. Here at Integrated Treatment Services (I.T.S) we have a large team of multi- disciplinary professionals including speech therapists, occupational therapists and educational psychologists.

 

Our team can not only support you in getting an appropriate diagnosis for your child but also provide on-going therapy and support for the stages after diagnosis. A therapist at Integrated Treatment Services (I.T.S) is available throughout the week to discuss the ASD assessment process further, answering any questions you may have.

 

We are happy to speak with you over the telephone on: 0845 838 2921 or by email info@integratedtreatments.co.uk.   If you have found this article helpful and have more questions then you can contact us with ideas for topics you would like us to cover in future blogs by simply clicking ‘Ask us a Question’.

 

Alexandra Tolley

Speech and Language Therapist

October 2013

 

© SXC.hu: Image Credit – steveFE– CC Licensed

 

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