Autism assessment
School observations
Previous: Cognitive assessment
A range of cognitive assessments with children and young people to assess not only cognitive differences that may lead to difficulties, but to also highlight strengths that can be built upon.
Next: Team decision making
Our decision making meetings take place once per week. All members of our team will carefully consider your child and how we might be able to help.
About school observations
If your child is of Primary School age, with your consent, we will undertake school based observations. An assistant psychologist will attend your child’s school and observe them both in lessons and during free play time.
This enables us to observe and gather information about how your child is getting on in school, and how they are managing in different areas.
Our assistant psychologist will be looking for behaviour
that may fit with a diagnosis of autism. They will also be looking for behaviour that may be explained by other difficulties. They will look for strengths as well as challenges that may be taking place at school.
The assistant psychologist will also interview your child’s class teacher and other people who know your child well at school.
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.