AUTISM ASSESSMENT PROCESSES
Specialist Psychological Assessments and Support for Autism
At Park Psychology Services in York, we understand that navigating the path to an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming, often marked by unanswered questions and a desire for clarity. That’s why we’ve cultivated a compassionate and comprehensive assessment service, designed not just to deliver a diagnosis, but to illuminate a deeper understanding of individual strengths and needs. In our welcoming York clinic, our experienced team provides a thorough and supportive assessment journey, ensuring that every step is taken with sensitivity, expertise, and a commitment to providing meaningful insights for you and your family.
Autism Assessment Process for Adults
- Background Discussion – This is a comprehensive appointment, which focuses on current differences or difficulties, as well as trying to understand your earlier years. This discussion allows us to gather lots of valuable information. This usually takes place online. Prior to this discussion, we will ask you to complete some questionnaires to help inform the assessment.
- Informant Discussion – For adult assessments, it is really valuable to gather information from someone who knows you well, such as a parent, partner, sibling or friend. Please don’t worry if you cannot think of anyone who could complete this part of the assessment; this is something we can discuss in our pre-assessment consultation.
- Activity Appointment – This appointment takes place in person at our clinic rooms. We do a number of activities together.
- Multidisciplinary Team Meeting – The Team meet to consider all of the information we have gathered during the assessment process and to determine the outcome of the assessment.
- Feedback Discussion – This is an online appointment, where we meet to share and discuss the outcome of the assessment.
- Report – A comprehensive report is written, detailing all aspects of the assessment process, and giving recommendations to support you. This is sent to you to review; please note, we are able to amend any factual inaccuracies, but are unable to change other aspects of the assessment report.
Autism Assessment Process for Children
- Background Discussion – This is a comprehensive appointment, which focuses on current differences or difficulties, as well as trying to understand your child’s early years. This discussion allows us to gather lots of valuable information. This usually takes place online. Prior to this discussion, we will ask you to complete some questionnaires to help inform the assessment.
- School Information – An important part of the process involves gathering information from school in respect of the young person’s presentation in that context. This is done by asking a member of staff who knows the young person well to complete some evidence-based questionnaires. We know that young people sometimes present differently in different contexts and that this can mean that differences are less easily picked up in certain environments. This is often the case in girls and young people who ‘mask’. Please be reassured that we are mindful of this as a team and this is something we can discuss as part of the initial screening discussion should you wish. We also recognise that many neurodivergent young people struggle in school settings, and some are home-educated. In this case we will discuss who else may be able to support this part of the process.
- Observational Activity Appointment – This appointment takes place in person at our clinic rooms. We do a number of activities together. This generally takes between an hour and an hour and a half.
- Multidisciplinary Team Meeting – The Team meet to consider all of the information we have gathered during the assessment process and to determine the outcome of the assessment.
- Feedback Discussion – This is an online appointment, where we meet to share and discuss the outcome of the assessment.
- Report – A comprehensive report is written, detailing all aspects of the assessment process, and giving recommendations to support you. This is sent to you to review; please note, we are able to amend any factual inaccuracies, but are unable to change other aspects of the assessment report.