Paediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder Service
Diagnostic Assessment Groups – Parent/carer Information Leaflet
Your child has been referred to the Paediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder Service due to
concerns that he/she may be experiencing the kinds of difficulties that are often
associated with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The diagnostic group
Your child/young person has been invited to attend a diagnostic group with
approximately 8-10 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 to consider his/her social strengths and/or difficulties.
You will be required to arrange transport for your child/young person to and from the
group sessions at the named venue (please see enclosed letter). We recommend that
you remain within the vicinity, although it is not necessary for you to stay with your child
within the group (unless we request that you do so).
The group will run for 5 consecutive days for 1 hour 15 minutes per session and your
child is required to attend all sessions. 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.
At least 3-4 members of the diagnostic team will be observing and recording details of
your child/young person as he/she interacts with peers whilst engaging in a broad range
of activities. Many of the activities appear informal but each activity has been carefully
selected to provide the team with the best opportunity for observation of specific skills.
We also intend that the assessment process will be a positive experience for your child.
After the group
The team will meet to discuss all of the available information on your child/young person
and you will be offered a feedback session in order to discuss the findings of the
assessment and its outcome.
The diagnostic outcome falls into one of three areas which are:
a diagnosis of ASD;
no diagnosis ;
need to gather further information. (Further assessment may therefore be indicated
and this will be agreed with you.)
The outcome of the assessment will be documented in a detailed report and you will
receive a copy of this. We recommend that the report is shared with those who work
most closely with your child and we will seek your permission to do so.
Any other issues that arise during the diagnostic assessment process can be discussed
with you during the feedback session.
Diagnostic Group – Information Leaflet