Assessments

For younger children (generally less than 5 years old), I offer a neurodevelopmental assessment of up to 2 hours. This provides a clear description of their strengths and needs, including a play-based assessment of their development in all domains and physical examination. For many children with developmental delay, this is sufficient to formulate a clear profile and plan. At this assessment I would be discussing also investigations, if required.

If after this assessment, a specific disorder, such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder, is strongly suspected, then my team or I would perform the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, which is a standardised play-based assessment for social communication disorders. We would then put everything together and discuss diagnostic formulations and a plan with the family.

For many children over 5 years old, who can be vigilant when their parents are describing their strengths and needs, I offer a telephone consultation with the parents, followed by a face-to-face assessment with the family and child. If the family prefer the telephone consultation to be face-to-face or to include the child, this is absolutely possible too. 

Depending on the profile and what is strongly suspected from the history and reports form the other professionals, including school, we then decide what the best face to face assessment would be for the child. This can be a standalone face to face 30 minutes consultation or alongside a different type of assessment, such as the ADOS.