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Autism Spectrum Diagnostic Services

 

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Spectrum offers private assessment and diagnosis in the field of autism spectrum conditions and neurodivergent presentations across all age ranges and all levels. Because this is a specialist service it is usually recommended that a person has explored NHS assessment or advice before contacting Spectrum. A GP or NHS referral is advised, but not required, for access to assessment with Spectrum, however in the absence of any formal referral it is important to discuss all options fully before any assessment can be conducted.  For further information on any of the services listed below please contact us.

 

If you have private healthcare insurance, Dr Gullon-Scott is recognised as a qualified specialist practitioner and Chartered Psychologist by many of the major healthcare insurers and you may find that some or all of the costs of the assessment will be covered under your policy.

 

Dr Gullon-Scott has particular expertise in assessing complex cases, or those for whom the traditional routes for assessment are causing difficulty, including but not limited to women with autism spectrum presentations, adolescents and adults with co-occurring presentations, and children with complex developmental history or complex backgrounds. She has a particular interest and experience in assessing girls and women on the spectrum.

 

 

Child Diagnostic Assessments.

 

This is a multi-phase process, beginning with completion of initial standardised questionnaires and information gathering. This is followed by a face-to-face clinical interview (remote or in person) with parent/carer. After this we review to make sure our service still is appropriate. If so we move to our formal diagnostic stage. This typically involves an ADI-R interview, followed by a morning or afternoon school observation, and a one-to-one play based assessment and observation with the child at their home. These are likely to occur across 2 or 3 appointments. Direct assessments are home based where possible, as this is less anxiety-provoking for the child, and allows observation in their usual environment. The possibility exists for additional speech and language, cognitive, adaptive and behavioural assessments to be included as necessary, depending on the child’s presenting difficulties and the level of NHS input prior to assessment with Spectrum. Timeframe from initial enquiry to completion of all elements of the assessment process and production of final report is currently around 6-8 months. 

 

 

Adult Diagnostic Assessments.

 

Following initial information gathering, this multi-phase process typically takes around 6-8 hours across 3 face-to-face appointments. Assessment can be completed remotely or in person, or a blend of the two. Assessment includes initial clinical interview, presentation of structured and standardised psychometric and cognitive tasks, and where possible developmental history information from a family member.

 

 

Autism Profile Assessments.

 

For those with an existing autism spectrum diagnosis this assessment provides detailed information and report for a range of purposes, such as educational statements, or vocational advice and recommendations. These assessments vary in content and duration dependent on the needs of the individual, and the requirements of the report and recommendations. Typical duration is between 4 – 8 hours, usually across 2 or 3 appointments.

 

 

 

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