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). This is a detailed semi-structured interview designed to elicit a picture of the whole person through the story of their development.The primary purpose is to facilitate an understanding of the pattern of skills and differences in social interaction, social communication, and social imagination together with the associated repetitive behaviours, and all the other features that can be found in autism from the most obvious to the more subtle. The DISCO is suited to the assessment of females where autism can go undetected due to their ability to compensate, adapt and mask their differences.
- The ADOS -2. Deborah may use elements of the ADOS if she feels it will add anything further.
- Screening questionnaires - The Autism Quotient, The Empathy Quotient, The CAT-Q (Camouflaging Autistic Traits), The Aspie Quiz.
- Personal History questionnaire and information from a relative, partner, friend, if this is appropriate and available.
- Feedback - Deborah provides feedback on the day of the assessment however, if preferred she can arrange an additional session to discuss in more detail the findings and recommendations.
- Report - the draft report usually takes up to 10 days to complete following the assessment. Once you have read this and we have agreed any amendments, Deborah will send you a signed copy and 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). The ADOS-2 provides opportunities for the clinician to engage in social interactions with the individual through semi-structured activities and interview questions, creating a context in which to observe the symptoms of autism. The information gained from the ADOS is considered alongside a developmental assessment and range of other information. The ADOS-2 is offered separately with the child and administered by Dr Catherine Fava. It usually takes around 1.5 hours.
- The DISCO framework - this is a separate meeting with parents. It is designed to elicit a picture of the child through the story of their development and behaviour. This is administered by Deborah Cullinan via Zoom and usually takes around 1.5 hours.
- The MIGDAS -2 framework (the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum) This is a sensory-based process for gathering and organising the qualitative information needed to diagnose autism in children, adolescents, and adults. Both Deborah and Catherine use these guidelines to as part of their assessments.
- Diagnostic feedback - date to be arranged with parents.
- Report - the draft report usually takes around 10 days following the diagnostic feedback meeting. Once you have read this and we have agreed any amendments, we will send you a signed copy.