Frequently asked questions
Does my child need to know what the assessment is for?
We recommend that all children are aware of the autism assessment, including what autism is and what is involved in the assessment process. We can provide you with an information leaflet and social story that you might find helpful. All children 12 years and over will need to provide informed consent prior to the commencement of the assessment. See below for resources that could support you with this conversation.
Should we take the NHS or private assessment route?
We fully understand the dilemmas parents face when deciding which route to take if they suspect their child has autism. As we also work within NHS contexts, we are acutely aware of the impact on families of having to wait a long time for an assessment. An assessment with our team enables families to gain understanding of their child’s needs in a timely manner and quickly establish the relevant support. It is not advisable to pursue private and NHS assessments simultaneously.
What information should I prepare for the free Initial Phone Consultation?
The initial phone consultation provides a brief space for you to ask questions to clinicians about the assessment process and enables us to gather some brief background information about you and your child. Typically the clinician will enquire about who identified the assessment need, when you first queried whether your child might have autism, whether there are any safety or risk concerns for your child and what your hopes are for the assessment.
Will the assessment be accepted by Statutory Services?
The assessments we offer, at Child Autism Assessment Clinic - Surrey, follow guidelines set out by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and will always be completed by two trained clinicians. The diagnostic reports we offer are comprehensive and match in scope and detail those offered within NHS services. It is therefore unlikely that autism assessments completed by our team would not be recognised by Educational establishments, the Local Authority or NHS Services. We would of course support you if this was not the case and liaise with relevant services if required.
We have heard different terminology for autism, what do they mean?
Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) can all be used interchangeably. ASD is often used by professionals during the diagnostic process as this is the terminology that is stipulated in the diagnostic manual Diagnostic & Statistical Manual, 5th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-V-TR). ASC is also an overarching term used to describe autism.
What exactly is autism?
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition which affects the way in which people communicate with and relate to others and the world around them. Individuals with autism often prefer routine and need plenty of support to cope with change. They may have particular fascinations which can become intense, and may have a good eye for detail and ability to think logically. People with autism may also have sensory sensitivities, including particular sensitivity to noise or touch. Autism is known as a spectrum condition, which means that although there are some common differences shared by people with the diagnosis, those with the condition typically have their own profile of strengths and differences.
What are your policies on Privacy and Data Protection?
Prior to the commencement of any assessment, we will ask you to read, sign and agree to our policies on privacy and data protection. As an added protection, the clinicians who work with Child Autism Assessment Clinic – Surrey are bound by the professional and ethical code of their profession.
Will the assessment take into account gender differences in autism?
The clinicians at the Child Autism Assessment Clinic are trained and experienced in assessing and recognising autism presentations in both boys and girls. We recognise that there can be gender differences in how autism presents and we understand how important this is during our assessments.
I would like to do some reading about autism before considering an assessment, what resources would you recommend?
The National Autistic Society (NAS) National Autistic Society (autism.org.uk) is an incredibly helpful website, which offers a range of information, support and links related to autism.
The NAS have designed a short video clip called "Amazing things happen" (by Alexander Amelines); this is a good video to show your child to help them to understand some of the differences associated with autism.
