Autism assessments
Neuroaffirmative autism assessments
Face to face, gold standard assessments consistent with NICE guidelines.
Understanding the whole young person
I offer specialist autism assessments. During the assessment, I explore the young person as a whole, looking at their strengths and challenges in different settings, whilst recognising the obstacles they might encounter.
These assessments aren’t about changing the young person to make things easier, but instead focus on creating the right kind of support. I look at ways to adapt their environment to help them feel more comfortable and succeed in life.
At Surrey Child Psychology, assessments are gold standard and neuroaffirmative. I follow NICE guidelines to support comprehensive Autism Spectrum Condition assessments. Assessments are completed with children aged 6 years and older, up to the age of 21.
I also offer combined ADHD and Autism assessments where clinically indicated.
Why assess?
Through early diagnosis, support and reasonable adjustments can positively impact a child’s development and outcomes. The level of support needed varies from person to person and across the young person’s life.
Many young people face misunderstandings and parents are sometimes unfairly blamed for their child’s behaviours. Families have often felt let down due to a lack of understanding of their child in different environments.
Some young people may also experience mental health difficulties such as anxiety, which could be masking their neurodiversity.
When might an autism assessment be helpful?
An autism assessment may be helpful for individuals who experience differences in the way they understand, process and respond to the world, particularly when these differences are impacting emotional wellbeing and daily life.
A young person with autism may display:
- Unique ways of understanding social situations
- A strong preference for structure, routine and predictability
- Repetitive play, interests or activities
- Differences in sensory processing
- Differences in identifying, expressing or regulating emotions
- Differences in communication style
- Periods of feeling overwhelmed
- Social discomfort or the need to mask
An assessment can support greater understanding and self-acceptance as well as leading to appropriate adjustments and support.
Assessment pathway
Steps involved in a neuroaffirmative autism assessment
Assessing autism can often be complex and lengthy, but I aim to simplify the process, making it as easy as possible.
Pre-diagnostic and screening appointment
This involves an appointment to gather a detailed account of the presenting profile, both current and historical. Following this, if there are enough clinical indicators, we will send out the screening forms to home and school. This appointment lasts approximately 50 minutes.
You are under no obligation to proceed with an assessment after this appointment. What matters most is that you find the right fit for yourself and/or your child.
Background information
Forms containing questions and screening measures are completed by parents, the young person depending on age, and the school. These help build an enhanced understanding of the young person’s challenges, experiences at home and school, developmental history and any possible differential diagnoses. Following the outcome of these screening forms, we may proceed to a full diagnostic assessment. If we do not think an assessment is clinically indicated, we will share this with you and make other recommendations.
Diagnostic assessment
This involves two separate clinicians. One clinician completes the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-2) with parents, usually remotely. The second clinician completes the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) face to face with the child or young person.
Multi-disciplinary discussion
Clinicians discuss whether there is enough evidence to diagnose autism, using DSM-5 and ICD-11 diagnostic standards.
Feedback session
This is often carried out face to face and involves feeding back the outcome of the assessment. This appointment typically lasts one hour.
Comprehensive report
You will receive a comprehensive report detailing your child’s profile of strengths and experiences, aligned with the outcome of the assessment. The report includes recommendations tailored to home and school.
Optional school feedback meeting
I also offer a 15 minute virtual meeting with the child’s school to discuss practical, realistic recommendations.
Need some advice?
Would you like to talk things through?
If you are wondering whether an autism assessment may be helpful, I'd be happy to answer your questions and discuss whether an assessment feels right for your child or young person.
Contact meFree online screeners
Autism Screening Questionnaires
Not sure whether an autism assessment might be appropriate? Complete one of our free screening questionnaires below. Each takes around five minutes to complete and provides an immediate summary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a neuroaffirmative approach?
At Surrey Child Psychology, I embrace and respect neurodiversity, recognising neurological differences as a natural and valuable part of human diversity. Assessments are neuroaffirmative, aiming to understand and celebrate each individual’s unique ways of thinking and experiencing the world.
Rather than focusing only on difficulties, I take a strengths-based approach, identifying abilities, supportive strategies and environments in which each person can thrive. The assessment process aims to feel empowering and affirming, supporting a positive sense of identity and access to the right adjustments.
Why are assessments completed face to face?
Face-to-face assessment helps ensure subtle or masked presentations are not missed, particularly in adolescents, girls, highly camouflaged individuals and those with complex, co-occurring or overlapping profiles.
