ASC assessment and diagnosis pathway for adults

We take diagnosis of any condition very seriously and the below pathway reflects a comprehensive approach to this in keeping with the NICE clinical guidelines, Royal College of Psychiatry recommendations and regulated by the Care Quality Commision.

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Before your assessment

You will be sent digital questionnaires and requests for information such as school reports or any collateral information regarding how you were as a child (this is because symptoms of ASC will have started at a young age). Do not worry if you cannot find these they are useful to have but do not in any way preclude you from the assessment process. 

We will book in a first appointment with a psychiatrist, this will be confirmed by email and at this review the remaining appointments will be scheduled. 

Some people report feeling nervous before these reviews but it is important to remember that you cannot fail this or get this wrong. The assessment process is simply about trying to capture an accurate account of the symptoms and challenges you face.

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Initial review

At the first appointment we complete a comprehensive clinical review over 60 minutes and covering the following topics: 

• Current symptoms and impact
• Childhood development and schooling
• Psychiatric history
• Family History
• Past medical history
• Regular medication 
• Physical health
• Occupational history
• Lifestyle 

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Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised

The second appointment is a longer one, 120 minutes, during which we complete a formal ASC diagnostic questionnaire known as the Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R).

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Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule

On a third appointment you will be invited to complete a formal observational assessment known as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). An ADOS assessment typically takes around 60 minutes and involves structured activities, such as conversation, storytelling, and building with blocks. 

These activities are designed to observe your communication skills as well as the presence of repetitive behaviours or sensory sensitivities. The ADOS assessment provides valuable information to help diagnose Autism in adults and guide appropriate treatment and support.

Initial review
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ADI-R interview
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ADOS assessment
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Collateral history gathered
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Case discussion
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Outcome meeting to be arranged
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Report and resource pack sent to patient and GP

Collateral history

During the initial review your clinician will ask your permission to contact a relative or partner to arrange a short interview to gather collateral information regarding their experience of your symptoms of ASC and the impact they have observed them having on your life. 

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Case discussion

Following this assessment, the MOAI clinical team will review your case alongside additional evidence provided in the pre-assessment questionnaire pack (for example, your school report and other screening tests). 

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Outcome meeting

The results of our assessment pathway will be relayed back to you in a 30-minute virtual outcome meeting. This will include a comprehensive, if necessary, management plan. This may include recommendations for medication to treat a comorbid anxiety disorder or a psychology appointment for a sensory screen.

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Written report

All our assessments include a formal written report, personalised resource pack and feedback to your General Practitioner. 

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Follow Up

Depending on the outcome of the assessment follow up reviews or psychological work will be arranged. 

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