Our assessments: what to expect
Step 1: Getting to know you
After making contact with Dr Lawson or one of our team we will start finding more about you and your needs so we can tailor the assessment process for you.
One of the team will take the lead for your case to be your named person to talk with.
Initial fact finding will involve finding out the people in your life who are most likely to help us to understand you more, gaining your consent and then sending out screening questionnaires to see what, if any assessment is best for you.
Step 2: What next?
If the screeners and fact finding information indicate you do not need an assessment then our team will speak with you on the phone about positive next steps and possible areas for support moving forward. We do not charge you for the screening process.
OR
If an assessment for autism is strongly indicated, then one of our team will be in touch to discuss next steps.
We will continue with the gold standard tools recommended by NICE guidelines to safely assess for autism spectrum condition (the ADOS and ADI-R).
This will involve one face to face meeting (with two practitioners) and one virtual meeting with a member of our team and someone who knows you well.
Step 3: The meetings
For the autism assessment the face to face meeting with the person being assessed will last 60- 90 minutes. There will be one practitioner doing the assessment with you and one observing (this might be in the room, or they will observe online). We always assess with two clinicians to ensure the most effective assessment process for you.
For the ADHD assessment the face to face meeting will take less time and will use the QB check, an online measure for ADHD symptoms. There will only be one assessor present
The online assessment will be the developmental history with someone who knows you well. This is conducted online, usually via zoom and takes up to two hours.
Step 4: The report
We will then take all the information from our meetings with you and information from people who know you well to write up your report.
We will have a team meeting with a variety of professionals (known as a multidisciplinary team meeting) to discuss the outcome of your assessment.
We aim to have written reports returned in four weeks but will give you verbal feedback before this.
Step 5: Outcome
The report will outline your diagnosis and will focus on areas of strength and areas you may need more support.
Further information
A private assessment can mean skipping the long NHS waiting times which are up to four years long in some areas.
All our clinicians have CAMHS NHS experience, and we use gold standard assessment tools.
We use the tools and processes approved by NICE guidelines and NHS England and our professionals have had no issues with their assessments being accepted as part of an education and health care plan (EHCP)
Our friendly and supportive team are here to help you and make this process as easy as possible.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss with Dr Lawson on v.lawsonpsychologist@gmail.com