Assessment Process

//Assessment Process
Assessment Process2010-10-03T00:37:35+00:00

Outline of procedure:

• Initial brief telephone/email discussion about current difficulties and how these may relate to an autistic spectrum condition and the appropriateness of the referral.
• Two screening questionnaires will be sent by email (or by post). Complete and return these by email, fax or post.
• Biographical questionnaire will be sent by email (or by post). Complete and return this by email, fax or post.
• You will need an informant to attend with you on the day of the appointment (usually a parent).
• Unless there are concerns about proceeding with the assessment, a letter will be sent to you confirming the appointment date, time and location.
• You will need to give written consent to your GP for access to medical and related notes. The GP will be informed as to which notes are relevant/helpful.
• All relevant early history in the form of school reports or previous assessments (e.g., dyslexia assessment) should be sent ahead of time. These will be returned on completion of the assessment.
• The assessment appointment will take about 3 hours. This sometimes involves additional tests or questionnaires. However, most assessments take the form of a structured interview with you and your informant (s).
• Usually, a diagnostic opinion is reached by the end of the assessment, but this is occasionally not possible, owing to a number of factors: insufficient evidence, discrepancies in reports or complexity of the case, requiring further investigation.
• A diagnostic report is sent to the referring clinician and with your consent, to your GP and other clinicians involved in your care. You also receive a copy of the report which includes recommendations.
• Generally, this will be our last contact, but further information/discussion can be arranged, but such contacts are regarded as new clinical episodes. (See fees)

Contact us for more information on jr@robinson-ruthenberg.com