How can you assess using teleconference methods?
Several of our assessments are already adapted for teleconference methods including teacher and parent questionnaires, a standardised parental history of development, assessments using video analysis and many have been adapted to be delivered online. For younger children we ask parents or teacher to make short video clips of the child interacting with a familiar adult in a range of activities for example, play with a small selection of toys, bubble play, a routine snack time or bedtime, interaction during a favourite song or action rhyme. We have methods to analyse video samples. The advantage of teleconference methods is the child and adults are in the comforts of their own home or school base.
If it is necessary to make a school observation this may be completed at a later date when visits are permitted.
How will a detailed assessment help me and my child?
Many parents have been concerned over a long period of time, finding it difficult to access services or on a waiting list. Some children are receiving intervention but the underlying causes and interacting factors remain unclear. Resources are scarce and many children are receiving insufficient support despite parents and schools being aware of the need. An in depth expert assessment can save time and cost by identifying precisely the individual profile and causes and recommending evidence based support and intervention. We want children to receive the very best.
Is your testing NICE accredited?
Yes, all our testing is done in accordance with the NICE guidelines 2003.
What do you test for? Is it just Autism?
The assessment will be tailored to the child's needs and will encompass a variety of different tests. Our areas of expertise are; Specific speech and language difficulties, Autism, Social communication difficulties, Attention deficit, Asperger's syndrome, Dyslexia, Pervasive developmental disorder, Pragmatic language disorder, Delay in language, Delay in speech development, Dyspraxia, Hyperactivity disorder. You can read more here: https://roundwaycentre.org.uk/services/what-services/
What should I say to my child about the assessment?
You could say the therapists would like to get to know you better to listen to you and understand what makes you feel more comfortable. The therapists wants to know how we can make things just right for you, this may be ways in which adults can support you, use helpful strategies and ways you can use self-help strategies.
How will the assessment support intervention for my child?
We gain an in depth understanding and profile of each child and interacting factors during the assessment which leads to an individually tailored intervention plan and strategies. Some strategies can be easily embedded in daily routines at home and in school, whilst others may require a special time or some extra resources in school.
Do both parents need to attend the history interview?
It’s usually one parent that attends the history interview. It’s more of a free flowing discussion and the therapist will ask you for behavioral examples so less about dates and times.
Does the assessment provide a formal diagnosis, or is it an opinion only?
The report will be a formal diagnosis.
The report involves the therapist tying the assessment results, a description of behavioural patterns, the diagnostic formulation, summary and conclusions, (Total 5 hours) If you require recommendations of need, the therapist writes these under educational headings with clear specification of the level of provision, educational adjustments and therapy intervention (which requires 3 hours.) The total time for the report is 8 hours. Please see the Roundway centre web link for more information: https://roundwaycentre.org.uk/services/
The report is sent to parents for their review. Parents can then share the report with the school and any other professionals involved.
After the report has been disseminated, we strongly recommend a post-diagnostic planning meeting in school where the SENCo, teacher, parents and therapist meet to discuss how the recommendations will be implemented and agree on an action plan. This may involve the school implementing the actions under their SEN provision or it may meet the criteria for an EHCP application (Educational Health Care Plan) depending on the level of need.
