IWEPS SPECIALIST AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) ASSESSMENT
MEETS ALL REQUIREMENTS OF NICE CLINICAL GUIDELINE 128 SEPTEMBER 2011
IWEPS offers the highest level of expertise in specialist psychological assessment of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The assessment team can visit, observe and assess the child, young person, or adult, in familiar educational or care environments, at home with family members, or at IWEPS Autism Assessment Centre.
Specialist assessment of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) builds a detailed, comprehensive and valid understanding of the child/young person’s functioning within and across social and educational settings, his/her developmental history, cognitive, social and academic strengths, difficulties and concerns, and views and concerns of those involved with provision of his/her social support, care and education.
Indicators of possible ASD often do not spark parental concern until 12 to 18 months of age, when development may seem to stop taking the expected course, or regression is noted. It is from this age, two to three years, through the early years at school, that specialist assessment for Autistic Spectrum Disorders can be most effective in ensuring early intervention, understanding and support to facilitate the child or young person in maximising his/her potential personally, socially and academically.
Although most Autistic Spectrum Disorders are recognised and diagnosed in early to mid childhood, ‘Asperger Syndrome’ or ‘High Functioning Autism’ may not be diagnosed until later childhood or adolescence and at times not until adulthood when a person may self-refer encouraged by a concerned spouse or family member.
Clarification of difficulties and appropriate diagnosis is a great relief to parents, carers and educators as well as to the child, young person or adult, from whom a great burden is lifted. Diagnosis and the understanding and support that come with it can benefit academic, social and personal development, with ‘ripple effects’ permeating every aspect of life and well-being.
Diagnosis brings recognition of need for planning and support to maximise potential and minimise difficulties, direct support, hard and soft ware, individualised treatment in school and home, support in developing social skills and taking part in social networks for both the person diagnosed and his or her family.
“It is indubitable that early identification of autistic spectrum disorders makes early intervention plans, as well as access to specific individualized specialized treatment services possible which, according to the experimental evidence, leads to a better prognosis” (Perez, 2007 ‘New Developments in Autism: The Future is Today’)
“The earlier treatment is initiated, the better the results of the intervention” (Howlin, 1997)
SPECIALIST ASSESSMENT OF AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS
IWEPS offers a ‘pre-assessment’ referral screen for pupils suspected of having an Autism Spectrum Disorder by school or parents, through which they can be advised on the suitability of referring the pupil for full specialist ASD assessment with IWEPS or the NHS and which can also provide strong support for such a referral.
Specialist assessment of ASD starts with comprehensive review of referral and historical information by the IWEPS team; gathering of developmental, health, social and educational history appropriate to age, through structured and semi-structured clinical interviews and developmental questionnaires with family, care/educational staff and if available, analysis of early home videos.
Observation of and interaction with the focus child/young person is undertaken by the team across structured and unstructured settings, within familiar educational, peer and/or home environments.
Administration of clinical assessments of cognitive, social and achievement skills, including Wechsler Scales (WIPPSI; WISC; WAIS; WIAT); Developmental Scales such as CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers), CSBS DP (Communication and Symbolic Behaviour Scales Developmental Profile) and PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder) questionnaires as appropriate to age and ability.
Close observation of approaches within learning/assessment settings; interaction with new people; reactions to changes in routine.
Individual views, concerns, likes, dislikes, coping strategies, avoidance and compensatory routines are gathered where sufficient verbal skill and understanding are present, or gleaned through observation.
Observation and evaluation of reciprocal communication, empathy, recognition and understanding of emotion, and social and communication behaviours relevant to the diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder within the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) framework.
Integration of outcomes between assessment team members; consideration of these in relation to DSM IV TR diagnostic criteria for Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
Diagnostic and Planning meeting with referrer/parents/carers/professionals in which assessment outcomes and ways forward are considered; diagnostic meeting with appropriate Consultant Paediatrician/other professional(s) where criteria for an Autistic Spectrum Disorder are identified, or other concerns raised.
Comprehensive report of the assessment process, outcomes and recommendations.
With or without diagnosis, assessed by IWEPS or not, IWEPS’ Specialist Support Advisor can provide: direct pupil support; programme planning, implementation and review; selection/training of support staff; advice and training for staff and parents; monitoring and review of progress and provision within educational and home settings, including for Reviews of Statements of Special Educational Needs.
Observation reports from IWEPS’ Specialist Support Advisor are valuable in supporting applications to the Local Authority or NHS for Specialist Assessment and Diagnosis of ASD, Statutory Assessment, Statementing, additional support, equipment, funding, alternative placements and provision.
IWEPS Specialist Assessment team is accessible for advice to parents, educational settings, and others, retaining an interest in the progress and well being of each child, young person and adult with whom assessment is undertaken.
IWEPS has significant background in Psychological Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and was contracted by the NHS Primary Care Trust to undertake assessment of a large backlog of cases referred for assessment through Oak House between April and August 2011.