Autism Assessments
We carry out autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessments, based on UK best practice models from 3 years of age.
Within 3CCAA, we carry out autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessments, based on UK best practice models, which are designed strictly in line with the latest research and meet or exceed government standards including the GOLD standard recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Our professionally accredited assessor will use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) techniques, both of which are nationally recognised assessments.
ADOS-2 is a protocol that consists of a series of structured and semi-structured tasks involving interaction between the examiner and the subject. The examiner observes and identifies segments of the subject's behavior and assigns these to predetermined observational categories. The observations are categorised to produce quantitative scores that will allow the potential diagnosis of autism or related autism spectrum disorders, allowing a standardized assessment of autistic symptoms.
ADI-R is a complimentary assessment and comprises a structured interview conducted with the parents of the referred individual and covers the subject's full developmental history.
The Assessment Process
Getting In Touch
Stage 1: After you have contacted us and provided your details, a member of the ASC assessment team will contact you by phone.
We will think with you about your reasons for pursuing an ASC assessment, gather some basic information from you, explain our assessment process, and answer any questions you might have.
This conversation usually lasts around 30 minutes.
Forms Completed
Stage 2: If you decide to go ahead with an assessment we will send some forms via email for you, your child (if appropriate), and your child’s teacher to complete and return to us.
We will also book in a provisional date for your child’s assessment.
Team Meetings
Stage 3: A member of the ASC team will meet with parents/carers to collect a detailed developmental history for your child, focusing particularly on characteristics of ASC. We will also review the questionnaires you returned to us and ask any additional questions we might have. Another member of the ASC team will meet with your child to complete an ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition) assessment.
This is a semi-structured play- and conversation-based assessment designed to elicit behaviours associated with ASC. This generally takes around 1 hour.
Full Report
Stage 4: A full report summarising the information gathered from all sources during the assessment will then follow.
Diagnostic Criteria
3 CCAA uses the DSM-5 criteria when diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder. The diagnostic criteria are available to view via Autism Speaks. The DSM-5 has chosen, based on the most current research evidence, to use an overarching diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder to replace previous diagnoses of autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, or the catch-all diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. The DSM-5 states that most individuals who would previously have received any of the above diagnoses would now receive a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
School Observations
In-school observation provides the parent(s) with an unbiased report on how the student responds to the many and various stimuli within the school environment.
The observation would assess how the student reacts to and behaves during formal teaching and at social times (breaks) in the school day. Should further assessment be needed, this type of observation can provide excellent background material for the counsellor to build a meaningful development plan.
A Parents insight...
"I originally came to Beth to seek an assessment for my little boy a number of years ago and the depth and attention to detail throughout the entire process was second to none.
I have since come back for a second assessment, this time for my little girl.
Beth delivers a personable, compassionate, empathetic and highly professional service. The waiting time for the NHS to assess our children was so long, they would have nearly reached school leavers age if I was to wait. I was delighted after speaking to a number of companies who offer ASD assessments, to have found Beth.
If you are looking for the Gold Standard for Autism Assessments, don't look any further!!
Beth will make you feel at ease, help and support you, and during the assessment with your child, I assure you, they will be made to feel as if they have achieved so well throughout. My daughter was non-verbal at times, however Beth was phenomenal at making my little girl extremely comfortable during these moments and this is what sets Beth apart from others. There was no pressure for my little girl to 'perform' or 'respond', but she was received with such warmth, care, praise and positivity which emits so naturally from Beth.
Beth bends over backwards to support you, she will do what is in the best interests of each client and this was noticeable as what worked for my little boy was very different to my little girl.
The clinical reports you will receive are exceptionally detailed and provide a great insight into the needs and recommendations for your child; I have used this to apply and support securing an EHCP.
In summary, an outstanding company offering a personable, compassionate and professional service that meets the needs of each individual client. This company is second to none!"
Laura-Ann Sheppard
