ASC assessment and diagnosis pathway for children

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.  

Child clinical assessments can be completed for children from aged 5 upwards.

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Before your child’s assessment

You will be sent digital questionnaires and requests for information such as your child’s school reports. Do not worry if you cannot find these they are useful to have but do not in any way preclude your child 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 child and families have reported 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 of your child 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). This is completed with a parent or carer, your child does not need to be present. 

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ADOS assessment

You will be invited to attend a further appointment so your child can 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 child’s communication skills as well as the presence of repetitive behaviours or sensory sensitivities. The ADOS assessment provides valuable information to help diagnose autism and guide appropriate treatment and support for your child.

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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

Alongside the collateral information gathered from parents, we will have contacted your child's school and asked them to complete a comprehensive neurodevelopmental questionnaire regarding their experience of your child’s symptoms of ASD and the impact they have observed these symptoms having. 

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Case discussion

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

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Outcome meeting

The results of our assessment pathway will be relayed back to you and your child in a 30-minute virtual outcome meeting. This will include, if necessary, a comprehensive care plan which may include, for example, 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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