Sharon is experienced in contributing to multi-professional assessments for children and young people with complex communication difficulties. 

 

The autism assessment process should always be consistent with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. This means that a doctor (usually paediatrician or psychistrist), psychologist and speech and language therapist must be a part of the team seeking to make the diagnosis.

 

Each assessment is focussed on the individual and unique needs of the child or young person.

In order to ascertain whether autism or some other disorder is at the root to the child or young person's difficulties, an in depth understanding of the child's strengths, difficulties and needs is obtained. This is achieved through observation, assessment and gathering of information such as a developmental history  from parents and information about the child's performance and social functioning in school. In addition, the professionals administer appropriate assessments usually including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule.

 

When all the necessary evidence has been gathered, the team of professionals form a conclusion and make the appropriate diagnosis.

 

Sharon is able to administer the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), complete stuctured observations in schools and carry out a range of standardised speech and language assessments as appropriate to the child's profile of needs when contributing to the whole team assessment.