assessment@petercrowley.co.uk | 07730 564557

 

Bsc. Dip Clin Psych. CPsychol  AFBPS

Consultant Clinical Psychologist

 

 

My Services

 

It is often the case that parents can have to wait an unnecessary length of time for an assessment to establish whether their child has difficulties as part of the Autism Spectrum. Evidence has clearly established that it is the parents themselves who are the first to recognise difficulties in the development of their children. Yet the time delay between parental concerns and formal assessment can be excessive.

 

I provide a detailed comprehensive assessment to establish whether a young persons difficulties are formally part of an Autism Spectrum. The provision of this assessment can help parents in accessing timely appropriate help where there is an inordinate delay in accessing such an assessment through the NHS.

 

 

The Assessment Process

 

In assessing your child I will gather information from a number of sources.

 

I will conduct a detailed developmental interview of the parents. The parents are provided with information prior to this interview so that they will are sufficiently prepared with regard to the range of questions. I will also arrange to interview a key member(s) of the teaching staff with regard to your child's behaviour and development. Again information is provided for teachers so they are equally prepared. Often I will hope to interview parents and teachers jointly whenever possible as this can enhance the information gathered. Any contact with a school is with parents agreement.

 

I will observe your child in school both in class and at break time. It is not necessary for the child to be informed that they are being observed. Such arrangements are easier for primary school children.

 

Your child will be interviewed by me either at your home or at school. This interview will examine the same areas of behaviour and development covered in the parental and teacher interview namely communication, social interaction and interests.

 

Additionally a cognitive assessment may be conducted if there are questions with regard to your child's learning and educational attainment.

 

Finally your agreement will be sought to gather information from other professionals who may have been involved with your child.

 

 

The Report Stage

 

Following the assessment stage of interviews, observation, cognitive assessment (if needed) and gathering/collating of information, a detailed report is then compiled.

 

This report will outline whether your child does have difficulties as part of an Autism Spectrum. The report will also address any additional aspects with regard to emotional regulation including anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive behaviour, sensory sensitivities and sensory seeking behaviour. Appropriate follow up and signposting will be outlined.

 

This report is sent to the parents to be read by them. A meeting is arranged with me to discuss the report and any necessary amendments or modifications. At that meeting I will also discuss plans for your child's future and who the report should be sent to.

 

I would anticipate the time between the beginning of the assessment stage and the final report meeting to be approximately a month.

 

I am very happy to discuss the assessments that I can provide with parents

I would be pleased to discuss on the phone or through email in the first instance.