Assessment process

A person may be referred to the Adult ASD Service due to concerns they may be experiencing the kind of difficulties often associated with ASD. You may also have a learning disability. Permission will have been sought from the person before a referral is made.

What will happen now?

• Following referral you will receive a letter notifying that the Adult ASD Service has received the referral
• Their name will be added to the ASD Service waiting list and you will be offered an assessment appointment when one becomes available
• The information shared with staff including what is written on the questionnaires is confidential; it will be kept securely and will only be seen by the necessary staff members. For more details please see “How the Trust processes your personal information”
• The team may seek further information from other health professionals if required

The Assessment Process

Assessment for ASD involves a process that may occur over a period of weeks. The assessment will involve meeting with a number of the multi-disciplinary team members. It include a number of stages which will be discussed with the person and their family (if appropriate). We intend that the assessment process is a positive experience and will use the methods of assessment which best suit the person and their family’s needs.

Depending on difficulties the assessment will involve one or more of the following options:

• Clinic based Individual Initial Assessment
• Day Centre/Home Visit/Observation
• Observational Assessment Speech and Language Assessment
• Parent/carer interview

At times it may be necessary for the person to be assessed without carers in the same room. If this is required we will discuss this with the person at their appointment.

One of the commonly used clinic based parts of the assessment is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), which allows us to observe strengths and difficulties in specific areas as you undertake a range of tasks and activities. This forms an important part of the assessment process.

Following the assessment, members of the diagnostic team will take some time to discuss their observations and any other available information regarding your difficulties.

The person and their family (if appropriate) will be invited to attend a feedback session where members of the team will discuss the findings of the assessment and the decision regarding diagnosis. A written report will also be provided.

The diagnostic outcome falls into one of three categories which are:

• A confirmed diagnosis of ASD
• No diagnosis of ASD
• Need to gather further information – further assessment may therefore be indicated and this will be agreed with you)

If any contact details change it is essential that you let us know as soon as possible to avoid undue delay in your assessment.