Enquiries

"I was hoping that some kind of personality study was possible to help me ... I see this as an opportunity to get some kind of order/understanding of the way I deal/cope with life in general." Parent of child with ASD, April 2006

"The reason I would like an assessment is not practical outside help but for a better understanding of my own patterns of behaviour, thought processes and relationships." Parent of child with ASD, June 2006

"I've come to recognise that I have had difficulties all my life ... there are so many things that I recognise in myself that tie in with ASD and I think for my own peace of mind I would like to get an assessment." Parent of child with ASD, June 2008

Consent

In order to protect both the client and the assessor, Peter needs to obtain permission from potential clients to contact their General Practitioner (GP) to get a copy of their medical notes. The medical notes may need to be available before a decision is made on whether an assessment can be offered.

Clients also need to show that they understand that diagnostic labels in themselves do not generally offer entitlement to benefits or services. Clients are advised to seek information on what services may be available to them in their local area following any diagnosis.

"After consideration ... I would like to go ahead ... I am aware that answers are not black and white (it would be a lot easier if they were), but the anxiety I daily experience needs some sort of addressing/understanding/perspective." Parent of child with ASD, April 2006

"Thank you for the response. I am very clear both in terms of the aims of our investigations, and the outcomes of your assessments and report." Parent of child with suspected ASD, July 2008

Diagnostic assessment

A full diagnostic assessment may be appropriate where a young person or adult has relatively long-standing difficulties, and ASD is being seriously considered among the contributory factors.

"I feel the need to know where my personality strengths and weaknesses lie – are they due to depression or do other factors contribute?" Parent of child with ASD, April 2006, before undergoing their own assessment

Our assessments routinely use a structured interview known as the DISCO, to consider ASD along with other factors. The diagnostic package includes an assessment of current functioning as well as historical information. By making the process collaborative, people become involved in the process, rather than feeling that they are "having things done to them" by a professional. This can be very important for people who have had negative experiences of services in the past.

"A wonderful psychologist spent time listening to [name] and diagnosed autism. This diagnosis was important, because it enabled me to understand why [name] does what she does. He was the first person who treated me like a human." Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Peterborough and Fenland, 1999

"Thank you for taking me through the assessment so considerately. I found the assessment process very helpful in coming to understand where I am in my own life today, and the journey I have taken to get here." Adult with ASD, October 2006

Assessment of current functioning

An assessment of current functioning may be useful for someone who already has an ASD diagnosis (perhaps as the result of a medical consultation), as part of the process of increasing their own and others’ understanding of their particular pattern of strengths and needs; this briefer assessment package may also be useful where ASD is a possibility, but the emphasis is on assessing current strengths and difficulties (and planning appropriate strategies), rather than needing a definitive diagnostic opinion.

"Many thanks as always for making things so clear … you have reassured us and clarified the issues that were concerning us most - Thank you so very much." Parent of young man with ASD and mental health needs, February 2006

Reports

Written feedback is given, together with charts, diagrams and other forms of information that may be helpful. Separate feedback may be prepared for young people, to help them think about what the assessment may mean for them. Clients may share information with others, but Peter does not circulate reports until they have been checked and amended by families, and he has their written consent to send copies to an agreed list.

"Thank you for the clinical psychology report on [name]. I have read through it and can't see anything that needs altering ... I think the recommendations are fine and would like all those suggested to receive a copy. Thank you for your prompt action from start to finish of [name]'s diagnosis, it has made life much easier." Parent, January 1999

Follow-up

Individual, couple or family follow-up is offered where people wish to move on from a diagnostic or updating assessment, and use psychological knowledge to make life less stressful and more rewarding; this can involve regular sessions to discuss issues, come to a shared understanding, plan and implement solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness.

"One major benefit is gaining valuable insight into why my son behaves as he does, and responding to his needs in a more positive way as a result." Parent of child with ASD, September 2001

Group follow-up may be available, in the form of Seminars for small groups of people with ASD, or their relatives/carers, or longer-term Problem-Solving Groups involving regular contact with a small group of people with similar experiences, for emotional support and practical advice.

"Attending the lunchtime group sessions has meant a great deal to me. It gives me support and understanding when I need to make sense of my child’s behaviour. I do not have family here in England and although my friends are aware of [name]’s diagnosis, the monthly sessions are my rock that I hold onto for regular help." Parent of child with ASD and ADHD, Summer 2007

"I really do find the group of great use." Parent of two children with ASD, October 2007

Training and consultation

Training and consultation can be offered to groups of relatives or professionals, either in relation to specific individuals (where consent has been obtained), or geared towards more general diagnostic and treatment issues.

"Thank you very much for the extremely valuable sessions on autism that you have presented to our service workers over the last 3 months. We have certainly had a deal of positive and enthusiastic feedback from participants." Social Services Manager, March 1998

"On behalf of the staff at [name] school I would like to thank you for the session you led at our recent training day. All the staff commented to me how informative and useful they found the session and indicated that they would like a follow-up session at some stage in the future." Special Needs Co-ordinator, October 2001

"Co-working cases and meeting for peer group supervision has made a significant difference to my knowledge of ASD. I now find I am alerted to the possibility of ASD when previously I would have missed this ... I am gaining skills in doing diagnostic assessments and have learned that "showing my working" is important for the family and for professional transparency ... I still defer complex cases for a psychological opinion [because] (1) the history is reviewed in detail and information is gathered in a structured fashion in the DISCO, (2) the child is seen for psychometric testing which gives important information about present functioning, likely appropriate management and prognosis, and (3) I get a clinical opinion from a nationally-regarded expert colleague." Consultant Psychiatrist, May 2005

Fees

Full assessment

The standard diagnostic assessment package for someone coming to see Peter in Lincoln costs £960. This is based on a notional 16 hours of psychological work at £60/hour, which includes: selecting, administering, scoring and interpreting questionnaires and tests; interviews with the client and an informant (usually a family member) to get a developmental history; writing a report; and offering opportunities for discussion of the assessment findings.

Psychological assessments of current functioning are also charged at £60/hour. The estimated time and cost is agreed in advance, on an individual consideration of the questions that need to be addressed.

Fees for clinical follow-up

Fees are negotiable, but are generally lower than for diagnostic or legal work. Please note that Peter does not offer follow-up on the basis of diagnostic label(s) alone; there needs to be some form of psychological assessment before advice or treatment can be given.

Peter runs his private clinic in Lincoln. Travel to other parts of the country, if required, and any accommodation costs, need to be added to the standard estimated cost.