I complete autism assessments using the ADOS-2 framework, as part of a multidisciplinary team. SEND Support Banbury Ltd has a team made up of myself, clinical psychologists and a speech and language therapist. We offer assessments in the comfort of your home if you believe this option would be best for your child or in clinic.
We take into consideration the Pathological Demand Avoidant profile, however, as the diagnosis is not part of the DSM-5 criteria we will make a diagnosis of autism with a demand avoidant profile to minimise a diagnosis being challenged by schools or local authorities. In all of our assessments we work by NICE guidelines and have at least three practitioners involved in each assessment.
In addition to this, I offer 1:1 direct sessions to young people around their presenting needs . These needs could be around their SEND (pre & post diagnosis), identity, emotional regulation, self-esteem, poor mental health, adverse childhood experiences and vulnerabilities to exploitation. I use a neuroaffirming approach as this is a strength-based approach which aims to empower and support unique needs and strengths which I believe is important for a young persons self-esteem.
I support the young person in understanding and recognising their needs and some of the barriers they may face. I support parents to understand their child's difficulties and I liaise with professionals that support them. I believe that working in collaboration achieves the best outcomes for children.