What is autism?
Autism is a developmental disability that influences how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people around them. People with autism may have difficulties with social interaction, communication and with using their imagination.
As autism is a spectrum condition, it often affects people in very different ways. Our service aims to meet the standards for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder set out by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), allowing each child to be supported with his or her individual needs.
Referrals for the Autism Assessment Service can come from Paediatricians, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and speech and language therapists.
If you have concerns about your child, please make an appointment to speak with your GP who would make a referral to one of the practitioners listed above. Alternatively, every school has a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO), who you can speak to regarding your concerns. However, school staff cannot make a referral for an autism assessment.
The Autism Assessment Team does not have ongoing involvement following assessment. Instead, we will make recommendations and a copy of the report is sent to all relevant professionals. We will sometimes make referrals on to other services that we think would be helpful for your child or family.
How we work
Once a child or young person has been referred to the service, and consent has been given, additional information is requested from parents and carers, and, where appropriate, from the child’s school, college or nursery. The Team consider this information to see if a full assessment for autism is needed.
The assessment consists of four parts:
- An appointment with the child or young person’s parent/carer to complete the autism diagnostic interview;
- An observation of the child or young person at their home, school, college, nursery or other suitable place;
- A structured activity or play session called the ‘Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule’ (ADOS). This assessment has different ‘modules’, which vary according to the age and abilities of the child or young person;
- A speech and language assessment.
The Autism Assessment Team then meets to discuss the findings of the assessment process. This will determine whether or not the child or young person meets the ‘International Classification of Diseases – 10’ criteria for a diagnosis of autism. We may also decide that a period of ‘watchful waiting’ is necessary and agree to review in the future.
We meet with the parent or carer and, if appropriate, the child or young person to share the outcome of the assessment. We offer follow-up appointments at six weeks for all children referred to us, and at six months for children diagnosed with autism.
We provide a post-diagnostic information pack and develop an action plan child to develop their strengths and to support their individual needs. The child or young person may also be referred to other services for ongoing support if required.
Working hours
Our office hours are, for the most part, 8.30am-4.30pm, Monday-Friday
We schedule appointments throughout the week and aim to be as flexible as possible in order to provide appointments at times which are convenient for families.
Location
Autism Diagnostic Service
Child Development Centre
24 Brompton Road
Northallerton
North Yorkshire
DL6 1EA
Some sessions may be offered at Thirsk Health Centre
Cherry Garth Home
Chapel Street
Thirsk
North Yorkshire
YO7 1LX
Key staff
Consultant Community Paediatrician: Dr Natalie Lyth
The Autism Assessment Team has a multidisciplinary staff. Clinical psychologists, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists may all be involved in the assessment. We also have case co-ordinators who guide children and their families through the process.