What is Autism?
Autism is a term used to describe a ‘brain type’ that highlights differences in how a person experiences and interacts with the world around them. An autistic person’s brain processes information differently from the ‘majority’, also commonly referred to as a ‘neurotypical’ person. Being autistic is just one example of how a person’s brain can differ from a neurotypical person; for example, another well-known difference is dyslexia, which can co-occur. Autism is something you are born with but may not be identified until later in life. It is not something to be ‘cured’ or ‘treated’ but some autistic people may need support with certain aspects of their life.
Here are some common differences autistic people may experience:
● Differences in social interactions and conversation styles
● Differences in experiencing and expressing emotions
● Differences in understanding and using body language
● Differences in experiences of sensory information
● Differences in approaches to interests/hobbies
Our Autism Assessment Stages
01
Screening
For every autism assessment we initially conduct a Screening appointment. This is a chance for your Child/Young Person and family to discuss early childhood, family background, and any current worries or difficulties. When arranging this appointment, we will determine with you whether it is appropriate to have a separate appointment away from your Child/Young Person as some topics may not be appropriate to discuss with them present (e.g. previous trauma, safeguarding issues).
Prior to this appointment, we will request that you fill in our Welcome Pack questionnaire.
Following this appointment, the clinician will discuss with you whether a full autism assessment is indicated or if there are other local agencies which may be better suited to meet your needs. It is a chance for you to make an informed-decision about next-steps and a full understanding of the assessment process potential outcomes.
You will then receive a summary report of the screening appointment and recommendations made.
Please note, an indication that a full autism assessment is appropriate is NOT a guarantee a diagnosis shall be given. Only after under-going a comprehensive assessment and an extensive information gathering process, can an outcome be reached. The clinician will use their specialist expertise to advise whether further exploration of neurodevelopmental differences is appropriate. It is the parent/carer's responsibility to decide whether they would like to proceed with a full autism assessment.
02
Main Assessment and Information Gathering
A further appointment is made with parents/carers to complete a parental interview. This is an opportunity to discuss what you see of your Child/Young Person at home and build on what has been discussed in your Screening appointment.
Where appropriate given your Child/Young Person’s age and ability, we shall arrange an appointment for them to share their experiences.
Where appropriate, we will liaise with your Child/Young Person’s school/college to gather information. This can include a school observation of your Child/Young person and/or a questionnaire completed with staff that know them well.
A face-to-face appointment is arranged to complete the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) assessment. This is semi-structured activity-based appointment with your Child/Young Person.
Please note, some assessments may require additional elements than those mentioned above; if this is the case, these will be discussed with you fully.
03
Multi-disciplinary Team Meeting
After all of the information has been gathered from the relevant people involved in the your Child/Young Person’s life (including the child/young person themselves where appropriate), a meeting is then arranged with multiple professionals.
During this meeting all of the information is discussed and a decision is made about the outcome of the assessment.
04
Feedback, Recommendations, & Report
Following all assessments, a feedback appointment will be held. This is where your lead clinician will discuss the outcome of your assessment, explaining whether a formal diagnosis is given or not. Please note, in unique circumstances an assessment outcome can be classed as ‘inconclusive’; your lead clinician will discuss with you what this means. They will then also discuss individualised recommendations based on all the information that has been gathered as part of the assessment. This can include suitable signposting to local organisations and whether further assessments would be appropriate.
All assessments include a full comprehensive report of all the information gathered as part of the assessment. This will be then shared with you, your GP, and any other organisation you choose (e.g., school).
Why choose Wellcare Health?
At Wellcare Health we pride ourselves on providing gold standard autism assessments, informed by NICE guidelines. This means that we conduct thorough assessments, gathering wide ranging information from multiple settings to ensure we have accurate information about the Children and Young People we assess. Not only this, but our highly experienced clinicians also conduct their own observations. This information is then discussed in our multi-disciplinary team meeting, bringing together different clinicians’ expertise.
This means that when a diagnosis is not indicated, we can offer a clear understanding of the Children and Young People we assess. In every case where a diagnosis is not indicated, the lead clinician will offer recommendations on how the Child/Young Person can be best supported and if any further assessments are appropriate.
Pricing
Our pricing structure is designed to be simple; one price for all the appointments, assessments, and reports needed for a full autism assessment.
Full autism assessment price: £2,250
Screening appointment price: £350
Please note, if you decide to proceed with a full autism assessment after your screening appointment, your screening appointment price shall be deducted from the total full assessment price (£1,900 to pay). Full payment must be received before the start of any first appointment. Once the assessment has started, this is non-refundable.
Please contact us below to arrange your screening appointment.
