Your Child's Assessment
Assessment for under-5s
Assessment could happen in one of the following ways:
- During speech and language therapy (SLT) sessions.
- An appointment at Tynemouth Road Medical Centre.
- A virtual appointment with an SLT specialist.
- Using ADOS -2 assessment (autism diagnostic observational schedule).
If your child is assessed by an SLT specialist, they will also have a medical check with a doctor. We also request information from your child’s nursery/childcare setting/school to help us.
You will be told more about the pathway your child is on once they reach the top of the waiting list.
Sometimes it’s not possible for us to reach a conclusion and further information/assessment may be needed. This will be explained, but could consist of one or more of the following:
- Further information from nursery/school or other professionals.
- Nursery/school visit to observe your child.
- Multi-disciplinary team discussion.
- ADOS assessment.
Assessment for over-5s
When your child reaches the top of the waiting list, you will be offered an appointment at Tynemouth Road Health Centre. This is usually with two clinicians for 2-3 hours.
Talking about the assessment with your child can be difficult, but for those with good language skills we recommend you explain something about the assessment before their appointment. Here are some suggestions:
- Talk about what your child might be worried about, for example, making or keeping friends, listening to other people, being distracted or upset by loud noises etc.
- Explain the assessment will try to find why they have these worries and help them.
- Tell them the assessment will also focus on their strengths and what they are good at.
- Let them know we see lots of young people with similar difficulties.
- If you think your child is ready, you can also tell them that we want to find out if they are autistic.
During the assessment, one clinician will complete the Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule (ADOS 2). This will involve some conversation, playing and a few activities, such as puzzles and short tasks, depending on their age and language level.
At the same time, another clinician will take a developmental history from you, including information about your child from birth to present with particular emphasis on them at the age of 4/5. Before the appointment, try thinking back to this time - school reports, photos or videos often help – and make a note of any specific events that occurred, such as moving house or starting school.
This part of the assessment can take 1-1.5 hours and parents and children are usually in different rooms, but it depends on their age/language level. If you need an interpreter, one will be arranged, and it will say this on the appointment letter.
It is also okay for you to bring another family member or friend. We are not able to accommodate siblings unless they are babies in arms/buggies as it can be a long appointment and they will not be able to join in with the assessment.
Once the ADOS assessment and developmental history are completed, you will be given a break while the clinicians look at information from the day alongside information from school/other professionals.
Sometimes it is not possible to reach a conclusion on the same day and we may seek further information/another assessment that could consist of one or more of the following:
- Further information from school or other professionals.
- Nursery/school visit to observe your child in a different setting.
- Multi-disciplinary team discussion.
You will then be invited to a feedback session, which could be face-to-face or virtually if you prefer.
Feedback for under-5s and over-5s
Feedback may be given on the same day or at a separate appointment. We will talk about your child’s strengths, differences and any difficulties they may have and whether they meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ASC. Either way, we will talk about what happens next, including support available and signposting to local services.
If your child receives a diagnosis, you will be given a written pack with information. If a diagnosis is not given, we will explain what happens next and if any other referrals might be appropriate.
Last updated22 May 2024