Accessing an Autism Assessment for Children and Young People in Gloucestershire
The Social Communication and Autism Assessment Service, assesses children under the age of 11 for autism. SCAAS is a multi-agency team comprising of Clinical Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Community Paediatricians and an Occupational Therapist who work closely with Education colleagues. SCAAS has replaced the pre-school Social Communication (SCOM) Diagnostic Pathway and school aged (5-11) diagnostic pathway within Paediatrics.
For young people over the age of 11 they are assessed for autism (and ADHD) by the CAMHS Neurodiversity Team. This is also a multi-agency team including a Clinical Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, support from CAMHS Nurses and Psychiatrists.
Before a referral is made for an assessment to either SCAAS or the CAMHS Neurodiversity Team, a Team Around the Child (TAC) meeting should be arranged to bring professionals together to explore the child’s needs. There is no longer a requirement for an assessment by an Educational Psychologist or Advisory Teacher prior to the referral (though this may be requested at a later date, if needed).
Due to very high levels of demand, there is a long wait for an autism assessments. Support should be put in place via the Gloucestershire Graduated Pathway (MyPlan, My Plan Plus), based on the child’s needs, prior to an autism assessment being undertaken; this may be an outcome of the TAC meeting if not already in place. A diagnosis of autism is not required in order to access support, via the Gloucestershire Graduated Pathway.