To ensure that a full diagnostic assessment is suitable for you or your child, we provide a pre-assessment screening service. This process includes completing screening questionnaires and sharing information about the traits of autism or ADHD in yourself or your child. If we identify sufficient evidence of autism or ADHD, we will offer an appointment for a diagnostic assessment and Deborah will send out a more detailed developmental history questionnaire.
We are pleased to offer this autism screening at no charge.
Autism Diagnostic Assessments for Adults
These assessments are undertaken by Deborah Cullinan and discussed with Dr Eleanor Akaho.
The Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) is a comprehensive semi-structured interview designed to provide a complete picture of the individual through their developmental story. This assessment aims to enhance understanding of the patterns of skills and differences in social interaction, social communication, and social imagination, along with associated repetitive behaviors and features of autism, from the most apparent to the more subtle. The DISCO is particularly suited for assessing females, where autism can often go undetected due to their ability to compensate, adapt, and mask their differences. Additionally, Deborah may incorporate elements of ADHD assessments if deemed beneficial.
The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) may also be utilized as part of the evaluation process. Screening questionnaires, including the Autism Quotient, the Empathy Quotient, the CAT-Q (Camouflaging Autistic Traits), and the Aspie Quiz, are used to gather further insights. A Personal History questionnaire and information from relatives, partners, or friends may also be included if appropriate and available.
Feedback is provided by Deborah on the day of the assessment; however, if preferred, an additional session can be arranged to discuss the findings and recommendations in more detail. Following the assessment, the draft report usually takes up to 10 days to complete. After your review and any agreed amendments, Deborah will send you a signed copy along with a separate diagnostic letter.
Autism Diagnostic Assessments for Children and Young People Under the Age of Sixteen
These assessments are undertaken by Deborah Cullinan and Dr Catherine Fava, Consultant Clinical Psychologist.
The ADOS-2, Module 3 or 4 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), allows clinicians to engage in social interactions with the child through semi-structured activities and interview questions. This context provides the opportunity to observe symptoms of autism. The information from the ADOS is considered alongside a developmental assessment and other diagnostic tools. The ADOS-2 is administered separately with the child by Dr Catherine Fava and typically lasts about 1.5 hours.
The DISCO framework involves a separate meeting with parents and aims to depict the child’s development and behavior story. This is conducted by Deborah Cullinan via Zoom and typically also takes around 1.5 hours. The MIGDAS-2 framework (the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum) is a sensory-based process for gathering and organizing qualitative information needed to diagnose autism in children, adolescents, and adults. Both Deborah and Catherine utilize these guidelines as part of their assessments.
Diagnostic feedback will be arranged with parents, and the draft report usually takes around 10 days following this meeting. Once you have reviewed the report and any amendments are agreed upon, a signed copy will be sent to you.
For children, young people and adults where the screening identifies traits of autism and ADHD, we offer a combined autism and ADHD assessment.
If you would like to discuss your needs related to ADHD assessments or autism support to determine if we are the right service for you, please contact Deborah by email here, or at deborah@autism-psychology.co.uk, or 07931 950514. We also offer various diagnostic tools to assist in your decision-making.