Autism & ADHD Assessments explained
We have specialists who carry out diagnostic assessments of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We offer a multidisciplinary approach to ensure our assessments are thorough and robust. We of course make sure that we follow the Now, Next & Then brief of being completely child-centered.
What is the process for an Autism or ADHD Assessment?
The process for either assessment happens in a series of different steps. We need to carefully consider, with your help, how your child or young person navigated everyday life in their early childhood as well as now, and we gain this information from you in an interview or questionnaire. We also ask your child’s school to complete questionnaires too. This enables us to rule out other possible explanations for your child’s challenges as well as gaining a picture across different environments. We also meet and spend time with your child.
If they come to us for an Autism Assessment then we will complete the ADOS with them. This stands for the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scedule and is a standardised, evidence based assessment. It includes a series of activities that we do together which enables us to observe how they interact (verbally and non verbally) through a range of play based tasks.
If they come to us for an ADHD assessment then we will ask them a series of questions using the Young DIVA 5, but will also observe them at school in a classroom situation, so we can assess their sensory functioning. This is not typically offered as part of an ADHD assessment, but as we have the advantage of experienced Occupational Therapists on our team it seems a ‘no brainer’ to make the most of the extra opportunity.
When we have gathered all the information we need, we share our findings internally at a diagnostic meeting with our Clinical Psychologist and jointly come to a decision. We will give you a call afterwards with the outcome, and everything is then written up in a report. We always offer a feedback meeting following this, where you can ask questions and explore next steps.
Does my child need a diagnosis?
This is always an interesting question. A child should not need a diagnosis (of anything) to be given the support they need at school or in everyday life. Some parents/carers find that this is not the case, so opt for an assessment to make it crystal clear and to support their own advocacy for their child. Other times, parents and sometimes the child themselves, ‘just want to know’.
Gaining a diagnosis (if its warranted) can be a truly empowering thing and can greatly help the child or young person to grow in confidence and self esteem, especially if the support around that process is well managed. We sometimes hear families talk about the person ‘growing into their identity’ in response to feeling their experience is validated.
It may be helpful to acknowledge that if your child is autistic or has ADHD, then they are or do whether they have ‘a label’ or not. Understanding, support and problem solving strategies for everyday scenarios can make the world of difference. We offer that type of advocacy too.
We will always put your child first
Whatever your reason for seeking an assessment, we will always show you and your child or young person the optimum respect. The approach of everything we offer at Now, Next &Then is completely child centred, so we are committed to giving you the best service we can.
What happens next?
Following a diagnostic assessment you will have a report that you can show to school, family, and other professionals (if needed). We truly hope that this will lead to positive experiences for your child or young person, and you.
If you’d like further help from us then please don’t hestitate to get in touch. We have Occupational Therapists, Advocacy & Support Specialists, and Parent & Family Specialists available for whatever next steps you need. It’s also worth saying that we support schools too, so whether its child-specific advice or broader training, then we can help them too.