Why you might ask for an assessment, the types of assessment there are, how long they take, and what happens after an assessment.
Why you might ask for an assessment
Some families decide that an assessment may help them understand their child's strengths, needs and experiences.
For some children, an assessment may lead to a diagnosis. For others, it may provide a better understanding of their needs without a diagnosis being given.
An assessment may help:
- explain a child's experiences and difference
- identify strengths and support needs
- inform support at home, nursery, school or college
- help children and young people understand themselves
Some families find that an assessment helps make sense of things that have been difficult for a long time.
Support without a diagnosis
Children do not need a diagnosis to receive support. Nurseries, schools and colleges should provide support based on a child or young person's needs.
Support should not be delayed while families wait for assessments or diagnoses. Education settings can work with you to:
- do a needs analysis to better understand your child's strengths, needs and experiences
- identify what support should be in place
Read more about other support in education settings.
What types of assessment there are
Neurodiversity Needs Assessment (NNA)
A Neurodiversity Needs Assessment (NNA) focuses on understanding a child's strengths, needs and experiences.
The assessment helps identify:
- what is working well
- where a child may need more support
- recommendations for home, nursery, school or college
- what support may help a child thrive
An NNA does not provide a diagnosis. It focuses on understanding needs and identifying support.
Autism or ADHD assessment
An autism or ADHD assessment considers whether a child meets the criteria for a diagnosis.
The assessment team gathers information from people who know the child well. This includes parents, carers and education staff. The assessment may look at the child's:
- communication
- social interaction
- sensory experiences
- routines and flexibility
- development and everyday experiences
Sirona Care and Health provide the Autism Assessment Service for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Choosing where your child is assessed
In some circumstances, families may have a legal right to choose the provider that assesses their child. This is often called Right to Choose.
Right to Choose allows people to choose from a range of approved providers for some NHS services. It applies when:
- a provider has an NHS contract to provide the service
- a provider accepts Right to Choose referrals
- a referral is suitable for that service
Some providers offer assessments for autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences. Some may also offer mental health assessments and support.
Not all providers accept referrals for children and young people. Their eligibility rules may also differ.
You can discuss Right to Choose with your GP or the professional making the referral.
Before deciding, check:
- what assessments the provider offers
- whether it accepts referrals for children and young people
- its current waiting times
- what support is available during and after the assessment
How long the assessment will take
Waiting times vary depending on the option you choose. Right to Choose providers are generally faster than local services, where the wait can be at least two and a half years.
You can find current waiting times on the Sirona Care and Health website.
What happens after an assessment
The assessment team will give the family feedback. This may include:
- a summary of strengths and needs
- recommendations for support
- information about next steps
- a diagnosis, where appropriate
Whether or not a diagnosis is given, the aim is to understand the child's needs and identify support that may help.
