Autism Assessment & Diagnosis and Learning Disabilities
Online Clinics | In Person in Reading
Autism Assessment and Diagnosis of ASC, ASD and Learning Disabilities
What is Autism?
Autism, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterised by challenges in social interaction, communication, restricted or repetitive behaviours and social imagination. The "spectrum" refers to the wide range of difficulties and strengths autistic adults and children can experience which can differ in intensity.
Symptoms of Autism
Social Interaction Difficulties
People with autism may struggle to understand social cues, body language, and may find it challenging to engage in typical back-and-forth conversations. They might prefer solitary activities and may have difficulty forming friendships.
Communication Issues
Some individuals may be non-verbal, while others might have delayed speech development. Even those with typical verbal skills might struggle with understanding sarcasm, idioms, or the subtleties of communication.
Repetitive Behaviors and Routines
Many people with autism exhibit repetitive movements or actions (such as hand-flapping or rocking) and may have a strong preference for routines. Disruptions to these routines can cause distress.
Sensory Sensitivities
Individuals with autism often experience heightened or diminished sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as light, sound, touch, or taste. For example, some may find certain noises overwhelming, while others may seek out sensory experiences.
Special Interests
People with autism often develop deep and intense interests in specific subjects, which can lead to impressive expertise in those areas but may also be perceived as obsessive.
Aetiology: What Causes Autism?
The exact causes of autism are not fully understood, but research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute. There is no single cause or clear risk factor, although it often runs in families.
Autism Assessment and Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex process that typically involves a multi-step evaluation by healthcare professionals. Autism can be diagnosed at any age, but signs often appear in early childhood, usually by age 2-3. However, some individuals may not be diagnosed until later in life.
What To Expect From An Autism Clinic
Autism Screening
Autism screening is often the first step and very important in the diagnostic process. This involves a brief screening assessment to evaluate whether an autism assessment would be appropriate.
Comprehensive Autism Diagnostic Evaluation
If screening raises concerns, the next step is an autism assessment. This includes some different methods of assessment which all together are designed to support with clinical decision making:
To meet the person and conduct a behavioural, developmental, and clinical history including early developmental information about their difficulties and strengths.
To conduct standardised testing using gold-standard diagnostic tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R).
To share the assessment findings and report with the outcome of the assessment and recommendations.
At Insight Mental Health we use the most up to date guidelines and follow NICE guidelines, ensuring the quality of the assessments and to produce a high-quality report that can be accepted by your local mental health services.
Autism Diagnosis in People With Learning Disabilities
We are also experienced in the diagnosis of Autism in people who have Learning Disabilities.
A recognised Learning Disability includes the presence of:
a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills (impaired intelligence), with:
a reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning)
which started before adulthood, with a lasting effect on development.
(Definition by Valuing people which is the strategy for learning disability for the 21st century white paper, published by the Department of Health in March 2001).
Learning Disabilities
Finding out if someone has got a learning disability includes:
Taking a detailed background history, which will include developmental, medical, occupational history and educational background information, but also history of emotional care and support.
Conducting observations and select appropriate psychometric cognitive and adaptive behaviour assessment tools.
Undertaking the most appropriate assessments.
Sharing the assessment findings and report with the outcome of the assessment and recommendations.
It’s crucial that other potential causes for the difficulties are ruled out, like hearing or vision problems, or other neurological disorders.
Having a learning disability is different from having a learning difficulty, which is more broadly explained within educational legislation.
Autism Assessment & Consultation Locations
Online & Home Appointments
We offer online assessments and consultations so that you can enjoy our services from your personal space. At your request, we’re able to offer home assessments within our catchment area.
In Person Appointments
Our main location is Regus House, 400 Thames Valley Park Drive, Earley, Reading, RG6 1PT, where we are very happy to welcome you.
We can also offer face-to-face assessments/appointments in other locations at a Regus building, mainly in Hampshire, Berkshire and London.