Autism Diagnostic Assessments for Children and Teenagers
We understand how frustrating it is when you cannot access the right support for your child either because of lengthy assessment waiting lists or because those supporting them do not recognise their needs.
Parents and carers can access our autism diagnostic assessment without a professional referral.
Our super-friendly referrals manager and clinical assessment coordinators will support you throughout the process.
Veritas Children and Teenagers Diagnostic Assessment Process
When you decide to go ahead with your assessment, you will be allocated a Clinical Assessment Coordinator, who will support you through the assessment process. The stages of the assessment are as follows:
During this stage of the assessment we will ask you (and your child depending on age) to complete some questionnaires.
The questionnaires that we use will depend on individual age and circumstances. All questionnaires are validated tools that are used internationally to assist in the screening and diagnosis of autism such as:
Autism Quotient (AQ)
The Autism-Spectrum Quotient Test (AQ) is a diagnostic questionnaire designed to measure the
expression of Autism-Spectrum traits in an individual, by his or her own subjective self-assessment (completed by parents for younger children).
Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)
The M-CHAT is validated for screening toddlers between 16 and 30 months of age, to assess risk for
autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST)
The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) is a questionnaire aimed at parents for assessing autism
symptoms.
At this stage we will also gather relevant personal information such as family background and medical history. We will ask you to share any relevant reports you have with us.
We will also seek information your child’s early years setting, school or college.
At the assessment stage we will complete two formal assessments, one with your child and one with you as parent(s).
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule -Second Edition (ADOS 2)
The ADOS-2 is a semi-structured, standardised assessment of communication, social interaction, play, and restricted and repetitive behaviours. It presents various activities that elicit behaviours directly related to a diagnosis of ASD. By observing and coding these behaviours we can obtain information that informs diagnosis.
Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)
The ADI-R is one of the most widely used diagnostic algorithms in determining whether or not someone has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The ADI-R does not directly involve the child or teenager being assessed; it is an interview conducted with the parents. In certain circumstances the interview can be conducted with someone else who knows the child very well to gather information.
When we have gathered the information our multi-disciplinary team will review it and decide whether your child meets the DSM 5 criteria for a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
The DSM 5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is the handbook used by health care professionals across much of the world as the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental health issues and neurodevelopmental conditions. The DSM contains descriptions, symptoms and other criteria for diagnosing these conditions, ensuring a standardised approach to diagnosis.
The DSM 5 criteria for autism spectrum disorder are:
A. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as manifested by all of the following, currently or by history:
- Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity
- Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviours used for social interaction
- Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships
B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities, as manifested by at least two of the following, currently or by history:
- Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech
- Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behaviour
- Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus
- Hyper- or hypo reactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment
C. Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period (but may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities, or may be masked by learned strategies in later life)
(Must be met)
D. Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning
(Must be met)
E. These disturbances are not better explained by intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder) or global developmental delay
(Must be met)
When we have reached our diagnostic conclusion we will arrange a feedback meeting with you. During the feedback meeting one of our clinicians will explain the diagnostic outcome and the reasons for this. The clinician will provide advice on any presenting issues and next steps and answer any questions.
A detailed report of our findings which summarises all the information gathered will be provided.
When you choose Veritas Assessments for your private autism diagnostic assessment, you can rest assured that our professional team will look after you throughout the assessment process. Our clinical team have worked with local authorities, healthcare providers and the NHS. Their years of experience in the field will contribute to a comprehensive approach to your diagnostic assessment. At the end of the assessment, you will receive a professionally compiled report with recommendations for how to move forward post-assessment.
Autism Assessment Cost
£1995
If you would like more information about our service please call us Mon-Fri 9am-5pm on 01302 630444 or complete our enquiry form.