Autistic Spectrum Pathway
Pathway Assessment Team is comprised of:
- a Consultant Paediatrician,
- a Specialist Education Psychologist and
- a Senior Speech and Language Therapist.
All staff in the assessment team work part time within the Pathway and meet together once a week. They have undergone specialist training in relation to the assessment of ASD and are knowledgeable about the local services available to support children with ASD and other special needs.
The team aims to produce a profile of the child's abilities and needs, particularly in terms of social/communication development. This may or may not include confirmation of a diagnosis of ASD.
Whether or not ASD is confirmed, the team will provide information on the local resources and services which can help to meet the child's needs. We will share a comprehensive report with the family and with their consent, will also circulate it to other professionals. The team will be as helpful as possible in clarifying the child's needs to aid the family and local agencies in agreeing the appropriate provision or arrangements to meet those needs.
The team aims to provide:
. A friendly and accessible assessment service in relation to the needs of young people with ASD and their families.
. A clear verbal and written account of the child's abilities and needs for the family which they may then use to negotiate further support from Education, Health and Social Services.
. Advice on appropriate support in relation to ASD and direct referral to other Pathway services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can refer my child to the Pathway Assessment Team?
Most referrals to the assessment team come from a community paediatrician, an educational psychologist or a speech and language therapist who already know the child and family well. They, in turn will probably have been contacted by a family doctor, health visitor, school nurse, school SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), social worker or other professional who are usually the first point of contact for families when they have concerns about their child's development. The Assessment team will only accept referrals made with the family's full agreement and understanding of what the referral means.
What happens when my child is referred to the Assessment Team?
The team will look at the information provided by the referrer and decide whether an assessment is appropriate and how best to provide the assessment. Before taking further action they may ask for additional information in which case the referrer will be sent a standard form to complete. The referrer will be told whether an assessment is appropriate and how long you may have to wait for an appointment.
Some joint assessments can be made relatively quickly by professionals who already know your child. Provided a paediatrician, speech therapist and educational psychologist are involved and at least one has additional specialist training in the assessment of ASD, this assessment will be accepted by the Pathway. In this instance it would not be necessary to be referred to the Pathway Assessment Team
Assessment Team
When will I know if my child is going to be assessed?
Firstly you will be contacted by the person who referred your child to say whether an assessment is seen as necessary and appropriate and how long you may have to wait for an appointment. Although appointments are sent out as quickly as possible, there may be a wait of several months. Nearer the time you will receive a letter giving the date and time of the appointment and enclosed with the letter will be photographs of the room and the people your child will be meeting. As far as possible, the aim will be to prepare you and your child for the assessment in order that the experience can cause as little stress as possible.
What happens during the assessment?
The assessment includes a detailed interview with parents/carers and sometimes uses standard questionnaires relevant to Autistic Spectrum Disorder. It also includes observations of your child's play and their interaction with others. Sometimes it is helpful to observe this through an observation screen (a one way mirror) but this is only done if you are completely happy with the procedure. We would also usually want to visit your child's nursery or school or other familiar place. This is important to give us a picture of your child's abilities in a more natural setting. This will be arranged with you at the first appointment.
What happens once the assessment is complete?
We will discuss the assessment fully with you and will tell you what will be said in the report. In most instances you will be offered a second appointment to look at information gathered from school or nursery. If you are at all unhappy with the outcome of the assessment or the content of the report we will review what other steps might need to be taken before circulating the report to other professionals.
What happens if ASD confirmed?
Provided you are agreeable you will be referred to the other Pathway services, including the Training Team and Early Intervention Team (See relevant sections of the information pack). The family will receive a summary report within 10 days of assessment with a full report to follow.
What happens if not?
The Assessment team will provide a report describing your child's needs and will, as far as possible, help you to access more appropriate services.
What happens if I am still unhappy with the outcome of the assessment?
You will be given a further opportunity to meet with a member of the Assessment Team and the Pathway Coordinator. If your concerns cannot be dealt with in this way we will try to arrange for a further assessment independent of the Pathway.
Please telephone 0151 225 4969 if you wish to speak to a member of the Assessment Team