What happens at the assessment? Expand The Assessment process may involve many different professionals for example Psychiatrist Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapist. People in your life may be involved such as previous teachers, counsellors or parents. The process could involve: Meetings to collect information regarding you Observations of you in a variety of settings Collecting reports about you from other people supporting you Medical examination Each stage of the process should be explained to you, and you should be given time to ask any questions. You can take someone with you. During the process diagnostic tools will be used, these are to help identify whether you have autism. One of the more common tools is The Diagnostic Instrument for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) you will be asked questions from your childhood about things that you did. If you can’t remember a family member can help you answer the questions.
What can the GP do? Expand At the appointment the GP may ask you about: Your developmental history Services you are involved with Factors that are associated with an increased prevalence of autism Medical history Information about previous assessments Based on the information you give and the observations made the GP may refer you for an autism assessment.
Is seeing my GP the only option? Expand There are many professionals and organisations that can provide private assessments for you. People sometimes opt for these as waiting times can sometimes be lengthy, however costs do vary.It’s also important to note that some local authorities may not accept the results of private diagnoses. They might insist upon an NHS diagnosis before they will provide services to you. For this reason, we suggest that you stay on the waiting list for an NHS assessment even if you do decide to go private.
I think I'm autistic - what do I do? Expand If you think that you may be autistic the first port of call will be your General Practitioner (GP). After the initial appointment your GP may decide to refer you on to an autism diagnostic pathway or a different pathway if appropriate. Before the appointment, make a list of all of the things that make you think you could be autistic. It could also be useful to put together a timeline of key dates, as it can be difficult to think back in time.
Adult Day Services Expand We strive to create high quality, personalised Social and Vocational training for our adults. We use a range of personalised approaches to enable service users to be actively involved in choosing their own activities and programme areas of interest. That promotes their social and economic inclusion and meets their individual aspirations. If you would like further information on the support we can offer contact Grainger Simpson, Operations Manager: By telephone: 0191 371 3010 By email: [email protected]
Residential Care Expand Our residential homes provide help and support on a 24-hour basis allowing our children, young people and adults to live safely and as independently as possible. Child Residential Care If you would like further information on the support we can offer contact Marjorie Clifford, Operations Manager: By telephone: 07771 615 939 By email: [email protected] Adult Residential Care If you would like further information on the support we can offer contact Jackie Herbison, Operations Manager: By telephone: 0191 516 8164 By email: [email protected]
How can the North East Autism Society help? Expand We use a person-centred approach to understand and support autistic people. This helps us to develop and deliver strategies for each individual to help them to grow and develop according to their aspirations. We have schools, a further education college, residential homes, short breaks accommodation, day services, employment services, family support, supported living and free services that include toddler groups, parent workshops, youth groups and online groups.
Supported Living Expand We have developed Supported Living services in partnerships with a number of Housing Associations to enable individual’s to live in their own home rather than living in residential accommodation or living with their family. If you would like further information on the support we can offer contact Peter Mountain, Operations Manager: By telephone: 0191 410 9974 By email: [email protected]
Short Breaks Expand We provide overnight short breaks and day care provision for children, young people and adults in the North East of England. It is an opportunity for individuals with autism and/or learning disabilities to have a break in a comfortable and safe environment where they can have fun, learn independent skills and make friends. Child Short Breaks If you would like further information on the support we can offer contact Cath Blair, Operations Manager: By telephone: 01325 328 084 By email: [email protected] Adult Short Breaks If you would like further information on the support we can offer contact Cath Blair, Operations Manager: By telephone: 01325 328 084 By email: [email protected]
Family Support Expand We offer a flexible and responsive service which places the service user at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with families and other professionals to ensure the best outcomes for the people in our care. Family Support If you would like further information on the support we can offer contact Cath Blair, Operations Manager: By telephone: 0191 410 9974 By email: [email protected]