What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex, but common condition that affects both boys and girls. Autism is NOT a disease or an illness. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. People with autism have a unique way of thinking, learning, and processing information.
What are the symptoms of Autism in children? How might they differ from one child to the next?
While some common symptoms are seen across children with autism, each child experiences autism differently. This is what is meant when we use the term ‘spectrum’. The spectrum nature of autism implies that the set of symptoms and the way they impact a child’s day-to-day life can vary from one child to the next. Here are some common areas of difference that are experienced by young people with Autism and examples of how they might impact a child differently.
Differences in Communication
Some children with Autism may struggle with verbal communication, expressing themselves fluently or understanding language. Some children might have an extensive vocabulary and be able to communicate in complex sentences, but they could struggle with the pragmatic aspects of communication, such as understanding social cues or engaging in reciprocal conversations.
Differences in Social Interaction
Children with Autism may struggle to pick up on social cues, understand sarcasm or humor, and find it challenging to make and maintain friendships. This doesn't mean that they don't want friends or that they are uninterested in others; it's just that social situations can be confusing.
Sensory Processing
While sensitivity or aversion to specific sensory stimuli is a common characteristic of Autism, the specific triggers and reactions can vary between children. For instance, some children may show an intense dislike of loud noises or bright lights, while others may have a high tolerance for sensory input or even seek sensory stimulation.
Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behaviors
Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors are commonly observed in children with Autism; however, the nature of these behaviors can differ. While some children may develop narrow but intense interests like trains or Geography, others may exhibit repetitive movements such as hand flapping or rocking. Some may show repetitive verbal behaviors such as echolalia (repeating words or phrases). Some children may find new places or unexpected changes in routine uncomfortable.
Is an Autism assessment right for my child?
There are many reasons why a young person may struggle in the areas outlined above, so it is important to ensure a comprehensive overall assessment of a young person is done first to ensure other causes of these symptoms are not missed.
During the initial assessment, the clinician will gather information about the child's developmental history, observed behaviors, and gain an understanding of how symptoms impact a child's day-to-day life. This preliminary assessment may involve both the young person and parents/caregivers.
If the initial assessment is strongly suggestive of Autism and other causes are unlikely, then we would recommend an Autism assessment.
Knowing what the cause of a young person’s difficulties are can help them make sense of why some things are more difficult for them. It can help the young person’s teachers put things in place to help and can aid others in understanding the young person’s behavior.
Difficulties at home and school related to Autism can be eased with appropriate support and adjustments, so it is important to assess for the diagnosis if it is there.
What does an Autism assessment entail?
If, following an initial general assessment, an Autism assessment is recommended then the next stage in the diagnostic process involves a comprehensive evaluation. This typically includes a multidisciplinary team approach, meaning professionals from various fields will be involved in the process.
This comprehensive assessment aims to gather a broad range of information to establish a formal diagnosis. It may involve standardized tests, observations, interviews, and questionnaires to further explore a child's communication skills, social interactions, abilities, behavior patterns, and sensory processing.
A key part of the process is an observational assessment. This can be done using an observational assessment tool called an ADOS, or alternatives. It entails a selection of short tasks that the young person will complete with a clinician which will last between 30 minutes to an hour. The process is typically done in person and can also be completed remotely where the circumstances allow and an evidence based tool is used with the appropriate supervision.
After this, a clinical assessment with a consultant psychiatrist or Clinical Psychologist will be offered, which lasts about one hour. All the information is put together and reviewed to make the diagnosis. The diagnosis and its implications are then discussed with the young person and parents, then a plan is made for going forward.
Following the assessment, we send out a report outlining the assessments, diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
If my child is diagnosed with Autism, what support is available?
We can offer education and support sessions to parents; liaison with schools; as well as individual sessions with young people.
How much does assessment cost? How long will it take?
An initial assessment is £545 and takes 90 minutes.
An ASD assessment is £2,500.
The process can take 2 weeks to a month from start to finish and can depend on how quickly questionnaires are returned.
How can I find out more or book an initial assessment?