Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessments

Our ASD Service

Earlswood Park Psychology offers a comprehensive diagnostic assessment service for children and young people who may be on the autistic spectrum. Earlswood Park Psychology provides a multidisciplinary approach delivering assessments for Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The ASD Assessment will be carried out by Dr Rachel Sweetingham, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, and Heather Hards, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. The diagnostic assessment process includes:

STAGE ONE

  • Clinical interview with the family which is a chance to meet you and your child and explain the process. This is an opportunity to find out more information about you as a family and your current concerns regarding your child, as well as to meet with your child/young person.

  • Pre-assessment standardised questionnaires for parent/s, child and school to complete. Also additional information is collected from school to give us information about how your child manages and behaves in different environments and to explore areas of particular challenges as well as strengths which your child has.

STAGE TWO

  • Appointment with the child / young person where we carry out an assessment (in person) using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2).

  • Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview (3Di) - Parents/carers are seen together or remotely for this diagnostic interview. The interview is based on a computerised procedure developed at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and asks about various aspects of your child’s development and current behaviour. The interview is very comprehensive and lasts 1 - 2 hours.

  • Feedback from other professionals is gathered. It is helpful to include any previous assessments or information to add to our understanding of your child.

  • Multidisciplinary Team discussion to review all of the assessment information and conclude the results of the assessment.

  • Feedback appointment with the family as an opportunity for us to talk through the assessment and feedback the results.

  • A Comprehensive assessment report is provided giving feedback on the assessment findings, a diagnosis (if appropriate) and recommendations.

Dr Rachel Sweetingham

Clinical Psychologist

Rachel is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over 18 years’ experience working  with children and young people in the NHS and in Independent Practice. In her previous role as Psychology Lead in Surrey CAMHS, Rachel led on the Behavioural and Neurodevelopmental Pathway (BEN pathway) in assessing children for Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD).  Rachel has led on service developments in this area and has set up and run group treatments (e.g. social skills groups) and offered individual treatment packages for young people with Neurodiverse conditions including ASD and ADHD.

Rachel is passionate about working with young people with Neurodiversity and helping them thrive so that they can become confident adults who reach their full potential.

Rachel is a member of the Health Care Professions Council and a Chartered member of the British Psychological Society.

Heather Hards

Speech and Language Therapist

Heather is a fully qualified, specialist speech and language therapist. She has over 15 years’ experience working as a paediatric speech and language therapist for the NHS in preschool clinics, mainstream schools, specialist schools and nurseries.

She has a wealth of experience working with children and young adults with a range of complex speech, language and communication difficulties. Heather has a special interest in autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), providing assessment, training, and evidence-based therapy. She is passionate about getting the best possible outcomes for the children and families she works with. Heather is a member of the Health Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

What is the cost of the assessment?

STAGE ONE - (Screening) Assessment: £350

STAGE TWO - Multi Disciplinary Assessment: £1,800 

Please contact Dr Rachel Sweetingham via email below for further information.