Autism assessment: When to seek a diagnosis and what happens next

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition defined by differences in social communication, behaviour, and sensory processing. Early assessment is critical to ensure your child receives the support and resources they need.

This article aims to provide clear, reliable information about autism assessments, with the aim of helping families understand the process and support available.

What signs suggest that my child might necessitate an autism assessment?

Autism affects how you interact, communicate, and perceive the world. While it presents differently in every child, certain behaviours may indicate the need for an autism assessment:

• Difficulty with social interaction, such as avoiding eye contact, struggling to form friendships, or not understanding non-verbal cues.
• Delayed speech and language development, such as speaking less than expected for their age or using repetitive language.
• Restricted or repetitive behaviours, like intense focus on specific interests or strict adherence to routines.
• Sensory sensitivities, such as being overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights or certain textures.

At what age can I seek an autism assessment for my child?

Sometimes, signs of autism can be identified as early as 18 months. Other times, children might now show clear signs until they encounter challenges at school, leading to assessments later in childhood or even adolescence.

Regardless of age, it’s crucial to seek an autism assessment as soon as concerns arise to help ensure that appropriate support is provided.

What does an autism assessment involve?

An autism assessment is a detailed and comprehensive process, involving multiple steps, over several weeks. It is typically conducted by a multidisciplinary team, which may include psychiatrists, psychologists, speech and language therapists, and paediatricians.

The process begins with an initial consultation to review your child’s developmental history and current behaviours. Often, this will also involve detailed interviews with parents and teachers, as your observations provide critical context of your child’s experiences at home and at school.

Subsequently, this is then followed by structured observations of your child in various settings, such as during playtime or whilst doing tasks, to evaluate their communication, social interaction, and behaviour. In some cases, standardised diagnostic tools, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule or the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, will be used to assess specific traits associated with autism and provide a framework for diagnosis.

The duration of the autism assessment can vary. For younger children, it may take a few sessions over a few weeks. For older children or adolescents, especially if co-occurring conditions like ADHD or anxiety are also being considered, the process might extend longer over several weeks.

Once the evaluation is complete, the specialist team will provide feedback and, if applicable, make a formal diagnosis of autism. They will also discuss the findings and discuss the next steps for the child’s needs.

What support and resources are available if my child is diagnosed with autism?

If an autism diagnosis is made, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions. Above all, however, it’s important to understand that a diagnosis is a starting point for accessing the support and resources your child may need. In the UK, various services and interventions are available:

• Therapeutic interventions: Depending on your child’s challenges, they may be recommended therapies such as speech and language therapy to improve communication skills, occupational therapy to address sensory or motor difficulties, or behavioural interventions to support social development.
• Educational support: The Education, Health and Care Plan process can help secure specific accommodations to support your child’s learning, such as creating Individual Education Plans, providing additional classroom assistance, or facilitating placements in specialised school programmes.
• Support groups: Parenting programmes, charities like the National Autistic Society, and local authorities offer invaluable resources, including helplines, workshops, and counselling.

Every child has their own unique strengths and potential. With the right support, an early diagnosis and tailored interventions can help children thrive and succeed in all aspects of life.