Paediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder Service
Initial Assessment Groups - Information Leaflet
Your child has been referred to this Service due to concerns that he/she may be
experiencing the kinds of difficulties that are often associated with an Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD). Assessment for an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a process rather
than a single event which can occur over a series of appointments and can take a
number of months to complete
The Initial Assessment Group
Your child/young person has been invited to attend for an initial assessment group with
approximately 6-9 children/young people of a similar age. The assessment will enable us
to observe your child’s/young person’s skills within the areas of social communication,
social interaction and imagination/flexibility of thought – which are core to ASD. He/She
will be given the opportunity to take part in a range of social activities that will allow the
diagnostic team an opportunity to observe his/her social strengths and/or difficulties.
Due to Health and Safety reasons you must remain on the premises for the duration of
the group.
If your child requires the toilet during the group session a member of the team will escort
them to & from the toilet area. If your child requires individual help with toileting we
would ask that you notify a member of staff on arrival at the group and it is likely that you
will need to remain in the building for the duration of the group.
The group will run for 1 hour 15 minutes.
Your child/young person may have questions regarding why he/she is being asked to
attend. We recommend you tell the young person that he/she is attending a social group
and encourage your child/young person to ask a member of the team during the group if
there are further questions.
Members of the team will facilitate the running of the group with at least 3-4 members of
the diagnostic team observing and recording details of your child/young person as
he/she interacts with peers whilst engaging in a broad range of activities.
Following this initial assessment group you will receive a written summary of the
observations made.
This information along with previous information available on your child will all be
considered by the team and discussed with yourself at the next diagnostic appointment
which will occur within the next few months. You will be informed of this appointment as
soon as one is available.
Initial Assessment Group – Information Leaflet