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Autism assessments in Staffordshire – Caudwell Children

Autism assessments in Staffordshire – Caudwell Children

The Caudwell Children Autism Service provides Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment and diagnosis at our purpose-built centre in Staffordshire. We accept referrals from any health, education or social care professional who know the child and family well. Our autism service is regulated by the Care Quality Commission, currently rated as Good.

During the COVID-19 restrictions Caudwell Children remains open to provide autism assessments and support for children aged between 4 and 11 years; carried out by our multi-disciplinary team of skilled and experienced health and social care professionals.

We know how important it is to get assessment feedback as soon as possible after an autism assessment. Feedback appointments are made within 28 days of the assessment.

There is lots of information about our autism services on the Caudwell Children website. This blog answers some of the questions we’re regularly asked and aims to provide some reassurance during the Covid-19 restrictions.

Who conducts the autism assessments at Caudwell Children?

Our multi-disciplinary team of Autism Spectrum Disorder experts are all based at our purpose-built centre in Staffordshire – which is on the site of Keele University. They include:

– Speech and Language Therapists
– Occupational Therapists
– Registered Psychologists
– Registered Learning Disability Nurses
– Speciality Doctor
– Assistant Psychologists
– Clinical Assistant
– Family Support Assistants

Our Family Support team will be on-hand to guide you through the referral process, assessment, the subsequent feedback, and provide support up to 12 months from the referral being received by Caudwell Children.

What happens during an autism assessment at Caudwell Children?

We provide a two-day child-centred autism assessment, delivered by our multi-disciplinary team. A parent or guardian has to attend.

During that time our clinicians will assess the child by engaging them in different assessments and activities depending on the child’s needs.

As we take COVID-19 safety very seriously, we’re carrying out day one of the assessment remotely at the moment – via telephone or video conferencing software such as Zoom.

Day two of the assessment takes place at the Caudwell International Children’s Centre in Staffordshire. Our autism-friendly building is COVID- secure, ensuring your safety during your visit.

What happens after an autism assessment at Caudwell Children?

To help you get the most out of the assessment and feedback, we offer emotional and practical family support for 12 months from referral.

A feedback appointment will be made within 28 days of the assessment to provide individual feedback, discuss the findings and to talk through the report prepared. This will typically make recommendations for intervention and support.

You will also have access to a workshop programme, offering helpful strategies, practical advice and information.
Our Family Support team will maintain contact and review outcomes of the recommendations with you to measure improvements.

How long does an autism assessment take at Caudwell Children?

An assessment provided by Caudwell Children takes place over two days. During that time our clinicians will assess the child by engaging them in different assessments and activities. You will receive feedback within 28 days of an autism assessment being completed.

How do I apply for an autism assessment at Caudwell Children?

We accept referrals from any health, education or social care professional who know the child and family well. Families attending workshops only do not require a referral.

To be eligible for an autism assessment, the child must be aged between 4 and 11 years and have difficulties which suggest they would benefit from a multi-disciplinary diagnostic assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

If the child already has a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder but has difficulties that may be helped by an Occupational Therapy Assessment, they can also be referred.

Fill in the referral form here or print and send it to us in the post.

How much does an autism assessment cost at Caudwell Children?

The cost of the full autism assessment is £4700 – and we can fund 80% of that if you meet our funding criteria.
Contact us here to apply for funding.

What other services do you provide at Caudwell Children Autism Service?

We also provide an Occupational Therapy Assessment to help identify whether the child needs help with completing day-to-day activities and how they process sensory information.

To access this assessment, the child or young person must already have an autism diagnosis and have difficulties with things such as toileting, dressing themselves, or socialising.

The Occupational Therapy Assessment costs £1500, or you can apply for our funding to attend. Subject to eligibility, Caudwell Children will provide 80% funding towards this assessment.

Our workshop programme is also available for families to access without referral.

The workshop costs £250 per place for a whole day, or £125 for a half day. You can also apply for our funding to attend.

Got all the information you need?

Visit the Caudwell Children Autism Services page to download our Service Guide or to begin the process of applying for funding for an autism assessment.