Assessing, diagnosing and understandingautism in children and young peopleI N F O R M AT I O N A N D S U P P O RTAutism can present in many ways and an assessment can be helpful. An assessment doesn’t always lead to a diagnosis of autism but, whatever the outcome, it will help you to better understand your child or young person. It will also help everyone in your child’s life to have a greater understanding and provide ways of making life more manageable and positive. Putting your child and your family at the heart of the assessment, I will gently use skills, knowledge and a range of approaches to create a complete picture of your child or young person. Together we will look at every context (including home and school) to make sure we get a complete evaluation of all of their different environments, and your child’s responses to each.The aim is always to understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses, difficulties and needs, and to provide everything you need to be able to provide support and encouragement.Zoe Cross£1950screening,assessment,report +feedback
assessment and diagnosis of autismwhat to expectFREE FACT FINDING [ 1.5 hours]Phone conversation: fact finding sessionScreening tools including questionnaireONGOING SUPPORTN O ST R O N G I N D I C AT I O NPhone conversationFurther options discussedASSESSMENT NOT ADVISEDConversation about support, next steps and how to go forward positivelyST R O N G I N D I C AT I O NPhone conversationFurther options discussedG O L D STA N DA R D ASSESSMENT [4 hours]2 hour session parent/carer session:Specialist resources will be used to gather important information in a relaxed but structured way2 hour session with child or young person:Specialist resources will be used to understand current functioning in key areas: social, imagination and communicationR E P O RT P R E PA R AT I O N [ 4 w e e k s ]Assessment information will be interpreted and brought together to provide a reportFEEDBACK SESSION [30 mins]A session with both parent/carer child or young person will take place to give the outcome of the assessment and we will agree on the best way forward3 7 FREE 2.5 HOUR SESSION £1950: ASSESSMENT; 2 WEEKS OF ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS; FEEDBACK SESSIONFurther support is quoted for on an individual basis
how support takes shapethe benefitsApproaching private support with autism has cost implications of course. I offer the initial 1.5 hour fact-finding free of charge so we know it is going to be a worthwhile investment if you decide to seek a diagnosis. The benefits of this service mean you can :3 Skip the queues of the oversubscribed NHS - several years in some regions. 3 You will have everything you need within one month3 Have a report that will make up part of your child’s education and health care plan which can ease school life3 Have appointments and support at times that suit you3 Develop a relationship with one person for trust, consistency and securityI will gather detailed information using a mix of specialised assessment tools and my expertise as a highly trained clinical psychologist. The diagram on the previous page explains this in more detail.An evaluation will be made from which I will be able to highlight your child’s strengths and weaknesses.A thorough summary of your child’s difficulties and needs will be prepared, shared and discussed with you and your child; in an age appropriate way.A completely individual scope of recommendations will be made for us to discuss so that they can put into practice. Ongoing support and guidance will form part of this support
[email protected] I crosspsychology.comwhat to do nextIf you have a child who you believe needs some additional support, please do speak to me. I can help you understand what’s involved, explain how I can help and how we work together to help your child or young person. It’s a confidential, gentle, positive experience that is designed to be practical, valuable and reassuring at every stage. There are also resources on my website to help.