CHILD AUTISM ASSESSMENT

Our team has a wealth of experience in providing a seamless diagnostic assessment service for children and adolescents across Ireland. Our assessment process is in keeping with the standards outlined in the NICE guidelines, meeting NHS requirements.

Our assessment process also meets the requirements and standards outlined by the Health service executive (HSE). All assessments carried out at Lancefield private clinic are delivered by a multidisciplinary team. On completion of assessment, a detailed diagnostic report will be provided.

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What does our assessment involve?

A member our team will have a telephone consultation to gather some background information relevant to the assessment.  For children and young people who are still in education, a social communication questionnaire will be provided for the child’s teacher to complete. This will give an insight into their presentation in the education environment. For children who are not previously known to a paediatrician, we will require further information regarding medical status.

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Assessment day

On arrival, the child and family will be welcomed by a staff member. The plan for the session will be explained. It is useful for children to be accompanied by two adults. One adult will go with one clinician to complete the neurodevelopmental history. The child will be accompanied by their second adult to a room with a second clinician. The clinical assessment will take place in this room with an experienced clinician.

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Our assessment is made up of four main components:

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1. Neurodevelopmental History

This is a detailed interview which usually lasts approximately 90 to 120 minutes with a parent or guardian. This interview aims to gather information on the child’s history, with a specific focus on areas relevant to ASD, including communication, interaction and areas of interest.

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2. Clinical Assessment

In a second room, the child will be assessed using an ADOS-2 assessment, which usually lasts approximately 60 to 90 minutes. The ADOS -2 is a semi structured play and/or conversation based assessment, designed to elicit features of autism within a relaxed and relatively informal session.

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3. Social Communication Questionnaire

A questionnaire will be supplied prior to assessment for completion by the child or young persons teacher. 

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4. Medical examination

After the assessment, a medical appointment will be arranged with a paediatrician if required.

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What happens next?

After both elements of the assessment are completed, your clinicians will meet for a case discussion. This will be on the same day as your appointment. They will then discuss their initial conclusions from assessment with you.

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Occasionally, addition assessment may be required. This takes the form of a school observation or a cognitive assessment. When additional assessment is required, you clinician will discuss this with you, including details like rationale and any additional fees.

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The clinical team will then complete a diagnostic formulation and write a detailed report. The DSM5 Criteria for Autism will be used. A draft of this report will usually be shared with the parents at a feedback appointment.

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Feedback

We offer a feedback appointment, either face to face, virtually, or via telephone. These appointments can take place without the child, and usually lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes. These appointments are an opportunity to meet to discuss the final outcome of the assessment. The final report will be discussed, and details within the report clarified. Time will also be spent discussing any onward referrals, or signposting to support agencies to provide ongoing input. We endeavour to support you to understand your child’s unique profile. We will provide suggestions on embracing their diagnosis, building on their strengths, and celebrating their differences.