Autism Assessments, Research & Training Services are a mental health service. We are experts in the field of Autism / ADHD assessment, diagnosis and treatment as well as general mental wellbeing therapy. We offer remote sessions allowing children and adults to remain in a comfortable and known setting.
Assessment dates for weekends available now for January 2025
Autism Spectrum Condition/Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition which means that it is a lifelong condition which starts in very early childhood but may not be recognised until much later. The word ‘spectrum’ means that the condition presents differently in each person, individuals on the spectrum show some but not all the characteristics of the condition, and show them in varying degrees.
Although ASD is not an ‘illness’ and therefore not ‘curable’, receiving a diagnosis can help your child understand themselves better and this may help alleviate any concerns about other possible explanations for their perceived ‘differences’. A diagnosis also helps parents, families, and education staff understand the child’s behaviour better. This means that unhelpful labels and misinterpretations can be avoided and the child can start getting the right help and support they need in order to reach their potential.
The assessment process may also help identify any other comorbidities which may be treatable. Research shows that around 70% of individual on the spectrum have a psychiatric comorbidity, the most common being ADHD and Anxiety Disorders.
If the assessment does not conclude a diagnosis of ASD, differential diagnoses will be explored and discussed and management options considered.
Understanding the child/young person’s strengths and difficulties in light of a diagnosis of ASD can go a long way in supporting them to achieve their potential and in reducing anxiety.
Making adjustments to the child/young person’s environment at home and at school based on identified strengths and difficulties.
Psychosocial and behavioural interventions should be tailored to the individual’s profile of strengths and difficulties and should take into account any co-morbidities (co-existing disorders).
Treatment/management of any treatable coexisting problems/disorders such as sleep problems, ADHD, Anxiety Disorders etc.
People with ASD may exhibit symptoms such as, sleeping problems or irritability.
Social communication and interaction behaviours such as,
Restrictive and repetative behaviours such as,
ASD is diagnose by looking at a person’s behaviour and development. It is important for those with concerns to seek out assessment as soon as possible so that a diagnosis can be made, and treatment can begin.
In order to diagnose children a two stage process is undertaken
Every child should receive health check-ups during early years. As a primary care giver, you notice that your child may not behaving or developing like the other children around them. They may not interact with other children, often choosing to be on there own. They dislike loud or crowded places. Speech patterns are repetative, or in some cases non-verbal at all.
The history of the child is discussed with the primary care giver, detailing interacting, speech and general behaviour of the child.
The child will be evaluated by a team of professionals who are experienced in Diagnosing ASD.
The team will include one of the following:
The evaluation process will assess
The outcome of the evaluation will result in a formal diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.
Diagnosing ASD in adults is often more difficult than diagnosing ASD in children. In adults, some ASD symptoms can overlap with symptoms of other mental-health disorders, such as anxiety or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is why we conduct a mental health review by an experienced psychiatrist to confirm the diagnosis and ensure that other mental health disorders are not causing similar symptoms. Additionally, treatment for underlying mental health disorders can be provided.
Part of the process may include a screening assessment. The expert will ask about concerns, such as:
Information about the adult’s developmental history will help in making an accurate diagnosis, so an ASD evaluation may include talking with parents or other family members.
Getting a correct diagnosis of ASD as an adult can help a person understand past difficulties, identify his or her strengths, and obtain the right kind of help. Studies are now underway to determine the types of services and supports that are most helpful for improving the functioning and community integration of transition-age youth and adults with ASD.
Some people experience difficulties later in their life such as struggling with work, marriage difficulties or mental health problems.
ADHD in children has long been under-recognized, misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Fortunately, times have changed, but many people still do not recognize adult ADHD as a real illness, leaving adults without proper diagnosis and treatment, as well as their families, friends, colleagues, and the community at large. wide. This causes untold problems for society. Here we will try to explain the truth behind some of the myths surrounding ADHD.
If you aren't hyperactive you cannot have ADHD
People with ADHD that do not present with hyperactivity, call this type of ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Children with ADHD often exhibit hyperactivity, however, as they get older this can seem to disapear. As an adult this is usually displayed as not being able to concentrate becoming more significant as the adult ages.
Having ADHD isn't serious and does not negatively impact your life
Living with undiagnosed or untreaded ADHD can negatively impact, relationships, solical life, learning and work life. This is associated with lower levels of educational achievement, lower levels of employment and frequently changing employment. ADHD suffers are more likely to come into contact with law enforcement agencies, twice a likely to be divorced and feel less satisfied with their life as a whole.
ADHD is something you grow out of as you age.
As you age, ADHD symptoms can actually get worse, as life becomes more complex. ADHD is now recognised as a life long disorder.
I have dyslexia, anxiety and depression, and have been told that I can't suffer from ADHD as well.
ADHD often occurs along side other mental disorders. You are six times more likely to have other mental disorders when suffering with ADHD.
All of our ASD and ADHD assessments are led by specialists. Our appointments take place online via Zoom or face to face at our offices at Broad Street in Birmingham, with parking available.