We offer comprehensive assessments for ADHD, ASD, or a combination of both. Our evaluations are designed to provide clarity and support for children and adolescents who may be experiencing challenges related to attention, behaviour, or social communication.
The assessment process involves thorough interviews, standardised questionnaires, and observations that take into account the child’s developmental history and current functioning. We collaborate closely with families, educators, and other professionals to gather a complete picture of the child's strengths and needs.
Upon completion of the assessment, we provide detailed feedback and recommendations tailored to the individual. Our goal is to empower families with the information they need to make informed decisions about appropriate interventions and support strategies.
ADHD Assessment
The ADHD assessment process involves several critical steps to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate recommendations for intervention.
Initial Consultation: The process usually begins with an initial meeting between the parents and the child and adolescent psychiatrist. This consultation aims to gather the child's developmental history, behaviour patterns, and any concerns the parents may have.
Standardised Questionnaires: Parents and teachers are often asked to complete standardised questionnaires that assess behavioural symptoms associated with ADHD. These tools help determine the frequency and intensity of behaviours such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The child is also asked to complete a QB Test.
Clinical Interviews: Following the questionnaires, the doctor conducts a semi-structured interview with parents and the child (Young DIVA). This step allows for a deeper exploration of symptoms, their severity, and their impact on various aspects of the child’s life, such as educational performance and social interactions.
Rule Out Other Conditions: It is essential to consider other possible diagnoses that might explain the behaviours, such as anxiety disorders or learning disabilities. A comprehensive assessment allows clinicians to differentiate ADHD from similar conditions.
Feedback Session: Once all information has been gathered and analysed, a feedback session is conducted to discuss the findings. The clinician will share whether the criteria for ADHD have been met and discuss the implications for treatment and support.
Recommendations: If a diagnosis of ADHD is made, the clinician will provide recommendations that may include behavioural therapy, educational support, or medication management. A tailored plan will be developed to address the child’s specific needs.
Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Overall, the assessment process is thorough and aims to provide a clear understanding of the child’s challenges to facilitate effective support and intervention.
Autism Assessment
The assessment process for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) typically involves several key steps to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the individual. This process is often conducted by a multidisciplinary team, which may include psychologists, psychiatrists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists.
Initial Referral: The assessment usually begins with a referral, which can come from parents, teachers, or healthcare providers who suspect that a child may have ASD.
Gathering Background Information: Clinicians will collect detailed background information. This often includes developmental history, medical history, and family history related to ASD or other neurodevelopmental disorders through an interview with parents only (ADI-R)
Standardised Screening Tools: Children will undergo a standardised screening instrument, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). This tool helps to assess behaviours associated with autism and gather insights about social communication, repetitive behaviours, and restricted interests.
Teacher Reports: Input from teachers is vital. Questionnaires and interviews can provide additional insights into the child’s behaviours and challenges across various environments.
Team Discussion and Diagnosis: After gathering all relevant information, the multidisciplinary team will discuss the findings. If the criteria for ASD are met, a diagnosis may be provided. Depending on the assessment results, the team may also identify other co-occurring conditions.
Feedback and Recommendations: Following the assessment, parents will receive feedback regarding the diagnosis and recommendations for interventions, support strategies, and educational planning tailored to the child’s needs.
Ongoing Support: Following the initial assessment, continuous monitoring and support are essential. Regular follow-ups can help adjust strategies and interventions as the child develops.
This comprehensive assessment process aims to provide clarity for families and to inform effective intervention strategies, facilitating better outcomes for children with autism.
Child Psychiatric Assessment
We provide comprehensive assessments for anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Our approach involves a thorough evaluation that includes structured interviews, standardised questionnaires, and clinical observations. We recognise that mental health issues can manifest differently in each person, and our assessments are designed to capture the nuances of each case. Our goal is to provide clear insights and recommendations that promote well-being and recovery.
Key Components:
Clinical Interview: This involves conversations with the child, parents or guardians, and other significant adults in the child's life, such as teachers. Questions focus on the child's development, family dynamics, social interactions, and any specific concerns leading to the assessment.
Standardised Rating Scales: These are questionnaires designed to quantify the child’s symptoms and behaviours. Both parents and teachers may complete these scales to provide varied perspectives on the child's functioning in different settings.
Direct Observation: Observing the child in various contexts can provide valuable insights into their behaviours and interactions. This may occur during the interview or in natural settings like school or home.
Psychometric Testing: Depending on the child’s needs, cognitive assessments or other psychometric tests may be administered to evaluate intellectual functioning and learning capabilities.
Developmental History: A thorough review of the child’s developmental milestones can aid in identifying any delays or abnormalities in their social, emotional, and cognitive development, which may inform the diagnosis.
Feedback Session: After the assessment, a session is typically held to discuss findings, potential diagnoses, and recommendations for intervention or treatment. This may include referrals to therapeutic services or additional support.
Collaboration with other professionals, such as educators and healthcare providers, is often necessary to ensure a comprehensive approach to the child's care.
Important
Management of risk is a critical aspect of mental health care, and it's important to emphasise that such services are primarily available through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) within the NHS. While we are committed to making appropriate referrals based on individual needs, we must clarify that we are unable to provide urgent support or handle emergencies due to the limitations of our remote working arrangements. For immediate concerns or crisis situations, it is essential to contact your local emergency services or visit the nearest accident and emergency department. Our focus remains on ensuring that every child and adolescent receives the appropriate level of care through the proper channels.
Assessment Pathway
