Diagnostic Assessments
Diagnostic Assessment Brochure
Brookdale Care is pleased to provide diagnostic assessment services for Autistic Spectrum Conditions. Autistic Spectrum Conditions encompass a range of clinical diagnoses: autism, atypical autism, Asperger’s syndrome, Rhett’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder.
This diagnostic service is available for individuals aged 16 years and above. The assessments will be conducted by fully trained clinicians; from the professions of Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Psychiatry, Occupational Therapy, and Psychiatric Nursing.
The assessment interviews are conducted at Milton Park Hospital, Bedfordshire. Alternative locations are possible by arrangement.
There are three levels of Diagnostic Assessments; we can help you to choose the appropriate level based upon the complexity of the presenting problems. The assessments range from a straight forward diagnostic assessment of Autistic Spectrum Condition conducted in a single day; through to a 3 day assessment of Autistic Spectrum Conditions plus assessment of co-morbid psychiatric disorder, assessment of intellectual ability, assessment of communication ability, and assessment of sensory differences.
We can accept referrals from all care professionals involved in the individuals care and private referrals from families.
Please contact Wendy Whyte on 01707 646 646 if you would like more information on the range of options available, costs or to request a diagnostic assessment for yourself, family member, or your client.
More information on the Diagnostic Assessment tools used:
The assessment tools used for identifying Autistic Spectrum Disorder are the ADOS (use with the individual) and ADI-R (used with the parents/carers).
ADOS = Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
The ADOS assessment is a behavioural assessment which involves the social interaction between the assessor and the individual. It consists of a series of table top tasks that takes between 30 and 60 minutes. The assessor observes and identifies segments of the individual’s behaviour and assigns these to predetermined observational categories. Categorized observations are subsequently combined to produce quantitative scores for analysis. Research-determined cut-offs identify the potential diagnosis of autism or related autism spectrum disorders.
There are no invasive procedures involved, and there are no blood tests or tissue samples taken. It is very helpful if the ADOS assessment is video recorded in order to maximise the validity of the assessment process.
ADI-R = Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised
The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is a structured interview conducted with the parents of individuals who have been referred for the evaluation of possible autism or autism spectrum disorders. The ADI-R takes between 2 and 3 hours to complete, again it is very helpful if this interview is video recorded. The interview covers the referred individual’s full developmental history.
The ADI-R interview covers 93 questions, spanning the three main behavioural areas:
- Language/Communication
- Reciprocal Social Interactions
- Restricted, Repetitive and Stereotyped Behaviours and Interests
Following highly standardised procedures, the interviewer records and codes the informant's responses. Interview questions cover eight content areas:
- The subject's background, including family, education, previous diagnoses and medications
- Overview of the subject's behaviour
- Early development and developmental milestones
- Language acquisition and loss of language or other skills
- Current functioning in regard to language and communication
- Social development and play
- Interests and behaviours
- Clinically relevant behaviours, such as aggression, self-injury and possible epileptic features.