Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment Service (ASDAS)
Description
Service Description
ASDAS is multi-disciplinary team providing evidence-based assessments for children and young people with suspected autism spectrum disorder. We see children and young people aged 2-18 years.
Our assessments include in-depth parental interviews, consideration of professional reports and information and direct observation and assessment of the child or young person's communication, interaction and play skills.
Following our assessment, we are able to offer information and sign post families to local services that can help with post diagnostic support.
We are unable to provide second opinions for those who have already received a diagnosis.
Additional Information
Additional Information
What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
ASD is a lifelong developmental condition which affects the way a person communicates, interacts and processes information. Many individuals with autism interpret information, situations and their environment in different ways to other people.
Autism is described as a spectum condition. this means it affects people in different ways and varies from person to person. Individuals have will have strengths and areas of chanllenge that are unique to them.
Who is in the ASDAS team?
- Specialist doctors
- Occupational Therapists (OT)
- Speech and Language Therapists (SLT)
- Clinical Psychologist
Access to a social worker who provides information (after a diagnosis is made) to families of children under 5 years old about short breaks and services available in the borough.
What does an autism assessment include?
Our assessment includes some or all of the following:
- A detailed interview with parents or carers.
- Direct assessment of the child or young person's communication, interaction and play skills.
- A medical examination and/or developmental assessment
- A detailed team discussion considering all the information from our assessment.
- Feedback to let you know the outcome of the assessment.
- A Final report
What will happen at the end of the assessment?
The team will discuss their findings and conclusions with you and let you know whether your child is autistic or not. You will be able to ask any questions that you may have. Together with the team you can decide which available services may be useful to you. A member of school staff is walways welcome to attend our feedback sessions.
If your child receives a diagnosis of autism, we will give you an information pack about what local support is available.
How do you make a referral for an autism assessment?
Referrals needs to be made by professionals who know the child/young person well. They need to fill out:
1. completed SPA form
2. Completed ASDAS Referral Form
3. Attach any other relevant
Email: [email protected]
Referral form and guidance can be found on the "Resources page" on this website -
https://www.localoffertowerhamlets.co.uk/documents?page=1&per_page=1000&search_document%5Bterm%5D=Autism%20Spectrum%20Disorder%20Assessment%20Service%28ASDAS%29%20Referral%20From
or please visit - https://www.bartshealth.nhs.uk/referral-forms
Who can request an autism assessment?
Professionals with concerns can refer to us. This includes: Teachers, SENCos, nursery staff, health visitors, GPs, speech and language therapists and accupational therapists.