ASC ASSESMENTS
Autism Surrey provides a multi-disciplinary and multi-agency evidence-based service offering National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) compliant assessment, formulation and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, otherwise referred to as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
About us
We have 3 consultant paediatricians in our team to support us with our work and who are experts at the profiles of very young children, including those under 5 years.
Within our team we also have access to professionals (Clinical Psychologists and a Consultant Psychiatrist) who have CAMHS experience and are highly skilled at assessing individuals with complex presentations such as those who mask/camouflage, who have gender identity issues or who exhibit complex mental health issues and therefore require more specialist thinking.
Our process
We see children and young people aged 3 to 18 years. Our team puts a flexible and multi-disciplinary perspective at the heart of our work and always see young people face to face but can conduct parent interviews online if preferred.
The comprehensive Autism assessment that we conduct comprises carefully building a picture of your child’s development and current difficulties. From this we provide a clinical formulation (understanding) for the possible reasons for the particular difficulties that your child is demonstrating such as:
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Complex emotional and behavioural difficulties
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High levels of challenging behaviour and social isolation
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Social communication issues impacting on school and education
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A demand avoidant pattern of behaviours (PDA; only in the context of ASC with our associate Laura Kerbey)
This is done by:
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An initial telephone/zoom call
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A detailed parental interview that includes a general developmental and mental health assessment
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Information directly from your child’s educational placement
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Specialist assessments using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2)
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Other appropriate assessment and screening tools
Your child's behaviours and presentations will be assessed against the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-V) for ASD.
Verbal feedback is usually given immediately following the assessment with a detailed and comprehensive report being sent to you within 30 days.
Further specialist assessments, such as cognitive assessments, consultations with schools and psychological consultations are separately available.
Fees & Charges
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Assessment and Diagnostic Service
Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment and Diagnostic Service
Sleep Assessment Service
Sleep difficulties are commonly described within an autism diagnosis and can significantly affect family life. Melatonin is an approved medication for children with autism and can improve their sleep and hence daytime behaviours. Melatonin prescriptions should be initiated by a specialist and can then be continued by a GP. As our team has Paediatricians, we are in the unusual position to be able to offer Melatonin within our sleep service. We can assess children and young people for sleep difficulties, offer sleep behavioural advice and medication with Melatonin as appropriate.
The comprehensive sleep assessment comprises building a picture of your child’s sleep difficulties to gain an understanding for the possible reasons for the sleep difficulties and hence the best management plan.
This is done by
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A consultant review of your child’s Autism diagnostic report
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Parental review and implementation of sleep behaviour
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A consultant review of the completed sleep diary
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Clinical appointment for your child at the Nuffield Hospital in Brighton
If Melatonin is considered
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A private prescription of Slenyto (Melatonin) will be written
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A review of medication at 4-6 weeks
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Request discharge to General Practitioner
Fees & Charges
Initial Paediatric Assessment of Sleep Difficulties
The cost of the Initial Sleep Assessment: £200
Review of Melatonin treatment
The cost of the Review Assessment: £100