Multi-disciplinary team diagnostic meeting
Once all three appointments are complete, the multi-disciplinary team will meet to review all of the information they’ve gathered. The information is considered alongside the DSM-V diagnostic criteria for autism and a conclusion reached about whether your child does or does not have autism.
Observational assessment in clinic (ADOS-2)
The assessment tool used during this appointment is called the ADOS-2 or Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2. Depending on the age and verbal ability of your child, they will be asked to complete a mix of play-based tasks and be asked questions.
This is a standardised assessment that must be administered according to manual instructions. Parents and carers will not be invited into the room with the child and the clinician unless your child has very limited verbal skills or is very young.
Clinical interview with a parent or carer (ADI-R)
The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (known at the ADI-R) is an interview completed with you, the parents or carers of the child. The interview obtains a developmental history of your child, as well as information about your child at present. The areas covered are relevant to autism and include: early milestones, language use, play, non-verbal communication, education, friendships, and interests and behaviours. Typically, your child is not present.
School observation
A further observation of your child will be completed, ideally in school. The purpose of this appointment is to assess the child's behaviour across different settings. It is helpful to see the child in a different setting to clinic and alongside their peers. We set out to observe the child in the classroom during a lesson and during an unstructured period, such as break time. A teacher will also be interviewed during the visit. Where a child is home-schooled, or in other circumstances where a school visit is not feasible, an alternative observation will be agreed.
Feedback appointment and report
Following the decision of the team we meet with you to let you know of the outcome of the assessment. We will explain the reasons for the diagnostic outcome and agree on recommendations with you, covering health, education, everyday and social care needs.
​
You will then be provided with a copy of the assessment report that contains a summary of all the information gathered and the diagnostic outcome.
