At Berkeley Psychiatrists, our Autism Assessment for Children and Adolescents are conducted by Consultant Psychiatrists, Dr Hollie Hearfield and Dr Karolina Szumanska-Ryt. The Process is conducted in the video consultation format and occurs in the following two stages. This assessment type is suitable for patients between the ages of 13 and 18
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Member of Royal College of Psychiatrists
GMC Registration No 6101276
Approved Clinician Status and Section 12(2) approved under the Mental Health Act
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General Medical Council (GMC) registered No 7037650
Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Approved Clinician Status and Section 12(2) approved under the Mental Health Act
A comprehensive psychiatric assessment with the young person, ideally with a parent (the young person may wish to speak alone for part of the assessment). At the end of the assessment the Consultant Psychiatrist will indicate if a formal autism assessment is required. If necessary the Consultant Psychiatrist will explore other diagnoses and considerations.
If the Consultant Psychiatrist believes the young person does not display any indications of Autism then they may be able to provide a diagnosis for another condition depending on their clinical opinion and an appropriate treatment plan for the condition.
If the Consultant Psychiatrist believes the young person is likely to have Autism, then they will explain the benefits of a diagnosis of Autism and the next applicable steps in order to reach a diagnosis.
Information forms will be sent to the young person, their parents or carers, and their teacher. Information will be gathered about the young person’s development, current difficulties, and sensory sensitivities.
The Consultant Psychiatrist will send the young person and their family detailed information about the assessment process and what they can expect.
The ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) is the gold standard tool used to support the diagnostic process and can be adapted to suit any age and developmental stage. The process involves one Consultant Psychiatrist conducting the examination with the young person, and the other Consultant observing the examination. The assessment lasts for up to two hours. Following the assessment, both consultants will discuss their observations and give a score for the assessment.
Following the ADOS, the main clinician who conducted the examination will take into account their findings from all stages of the assessment and decide if the patient reaches the diagnostic threshold. They will then share their findings and the rationale with the young person and their family at a post diagnostic follow up appointment (the fee for which is included as part of the fee paid for the second stage of the assessment). In addition, they will produce a detailed report of their findings which can be shared with relevant professionals including the NHS and any educational institutions the young person attends.