CHILD AUTISM ASSESSMENT
We offer specialist child autism assessments in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas. At The Lotus Psychology Practice we comply with NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) guidelines and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. This ensures that all assessments of Autism include a multi-disciplinary team of Clinical Psychologists and Speech and Language Therapists with specialism in neurodevelopmental assessment. We use gold standard, internationally recognised assessment tools. Our approach goes beyond diagnosis, we focuses on understanding strengths, challenges, and individual support needs. Our assessment of autism involves gathering information from schools or tutors, a detailed developmental history from parents/carers and a standardised observational assessment with the young person.
We are able to offer a combined Autism and ADHD assessment.
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Our Evidence-Based Assessment
What to Expect from our Autism Assessment
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STEP 1: Standardised Measures
​An assessment will involve completing standardised and valudated pre-assessment questionnaires about your child, and providing a detailed education history from your child's school.
STEP 5: Report & Feedback
After the assessment you will be offered a feedback session to discuss the findings and answer any questions you may have. You will be provided with a detailed report with individualised recommendations that can be shared with schools. This will include signposting to services and information sources.
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STEP 4: School Information
A clinician will gather information from the school on current symptoms and impairement. This may include a school observation.
STEP 3: Developmental History
A clinician will meet with parents/carers for a detailed developmental history, using a standardised tool (for example, the 3Di or ADI-R).
STEP 2: Assessment Appointment
A clinician will meet directly with your child for an in-depth observational assessment, using a standardised tool (ADOS-2), which will involve some puzzles, play activities and some questions about friendships and feelings. ​