ASD Assessments
ASD Pathway
- 1 Consultant Clinical Psychologist, 2 Clinical Psychologists and 2 Assistant Psychologist
- We assess young people aged 5-18. Younger children will be referred to Under 5 CAMHS
- When required we will discuss with you getting the input of other professionals such as Speech and Language Therapists or Occupational Therapists
- We can refer onward to Psychiatrist if needed
Our assessment is based on the Guidance from the National Institute for Clinical Health and Care Excellence (NICE). See https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg128 for more details.
The Assessment
The Assessment will include:
- Detailed questions about parent/carer concerns and if appropriate young person’s concerned
- Details of child or young person’s experiences of home life, education, social care
- Developmental history focusing on developmental and behaviour features
- Assessment (through interaction with and observation of CYP
- A medical history
- Consideration of differential diagnosis
- Systemic assessment for conditions that may coexist
- Development of a profile of CYPs strengths, skills, impairments and needs to create mgt plan
which takes family and educational context into account - Communication of assessment to parents/carers and where appropriate child or young
person
Who is doing the assessment?
Clinical Psychologists are highly trained to doctoral level. We train to use a number of different assessment protocols, models of therapy and support people with a range of difficulties and life challenges. Whilst anyone could call themselves a psychologist, the title ‘Clinical Psychologist’ is protected by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and requires extensive training on an approved programme. The doctoral training is rigorous and to gain a place on a Clinical Psychology Doctorate you must already have significant experience working in the area and have achieved an excellent result at undergraduate level. Many Clinical Psychologists including those in our team, have also done further postgraduate training such as masters degrees or further diplomas prior to commencing doctoral training. We all work or have worked in the NHS with Children, Young people and families for many years and bring those experiences and expertise to our assessments.