Autism assessment
Parent interview
What is the parent interview?
The Parent Interview is a chance for you to share your concerns and highlight information that is relevant to the assessment of autism. This includes an in-depth history of your child’s development, as well as how they are getting on currently.
You do not need to prepare anything for this session. It can take place either over the phone, or via online video.
Either one or both parents can attend, and it should take around an hour.
Next: Child session
You and your child will be invited to come in and meet with our autism specialists to enable your child to become familiar with our team.
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer post autism diagnosis support?
Yes, we offer autism discovery sessions for children, to help them to discover what being autistic means for them. These are strengths based sessions, focusing on developing a positive sense of self, in light of an autism diagnosis.
What is the cost of an autism / psychological assessment?
We believe our prices are fair and very competitive when compared with other services. Please contact a member of the team to discuss further.
Are you able to offer therapy for private referrals?
Yes, we will review each individual case and advise whether or not we can offer support or have the capacity.
Can I come into the assessment with my child?
Yes, where appropriate, parents or guardians will be allowed into the child’s assessment appointment with a maximum of two adults. This is at the discretion of the assessing clinician. Siblings and other children are not permitted into the assessment, and will be asked to wait outside if they attend.
My child is feeling very low in mood and I’m worried about their well-being / mental health, can you advise?
If you have any concerns regarding the well-being or safety of your child, then please contact the GP, or if the risk is immediate, please go to the nearest A and E department for medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, please contact your local CAMHS duty team https://camhs.mpft.nhs.uk/south-staffordshire. If you have any safeguarding concerns about your child please contact the Staffordshire safeguarding team 0300 111 8007 and select option 1. We are unable to give specific advice prior to an assessment.
How long is your waiting list?
Our waiting lists can vary, but on average are much shorter than other available services. Please contact our coordinators for further information.
How long does your assessment process take?
On average, from the first appointment, our assessments and feedback are completed within two weeks. If we are awaiting further information, for example from school or other professionals, the assessments can take longer.
Are your offices accessible for wheelchair users/pushchairs?
Yes please contact our coordinators prior to your visit to advise the most suitable way to access the building.
Do you assess for ADHD?
No, we do not give out formal diagnoses of ADHD, but we may give specific recommendations for school and home about how to support with thinking skills challenges (otherwise known as executive functioning difficulties). For further consideration of ADHD, families may wish to request further assessment by the paediatrician via the GP if appropriate.
Where on the spectrum is my child?
We don’t comment on the “Severity” of Autism, we highlight whether the child is Autistic or not and focus on their individual needs which can vary from child to child. We are a neuro affirmative service and feel passionate about focusing on the strengths and differences that an individual might have, and how changes around the child can help to support them.