Why assess cognitive abilities and educational skills?

There are several reasons why a cognitive and educational assessment can be valuable.

An evaluation tells us how well a child is learning. It offers a standardised measure of a child’s intellectual abilities, educational progress and their academic potential. This means that we can work out whether a child’s scores are age appropriate (or otherwise). It also allows us to identify areas of strength and limitation. This informs expectation and enables strengths to be fostered alongside facilitating education planning.

The assessment may enable specific learning difficulties to be identified (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, inattention). This may also help us understand aspects of a child’s behaviour and why they may be behaving in certain ways. The assessment highlights areas of internal conflict being experienced by the young person. Identifying difficulties can offer substantial relief for the young person, particularly when they are told what can help promote change. Again, this informs parenting, support for learning, understanding and expectation.

An assessment enables areas of underachievement to be identified with precision, which enables support to be mobilised. Recommendations offered are empirically informed. This means that research findings are used to enable change to be promoted effectively.

An assessment also allows us to measure change over time. If required, subsequent evaluation ensures that progress is made in key areas.

Why assess for autism spectrum disorder?

Characteristics of ASD vary enormously between individuals. We encourage parents to trust their instincts about their child. It is easy for some professionals who are not familiar with diagnosing ASD to dismiss concerns, which in some situations delays appropriate and necessary interventions.

There is not a medical test to diagnose ASD. Screening rests are not an alternative to a multi-disciplinary assessment. There are many factors that can affect a child’s development.

There are multiple reasons why an assessment of social communication or autism spectrum disorder can be important. Most importantly, an assessment helps understand the child and if appropriate, their ASD. It identifies their strengths and needs, whilst enabling a precise treatment plan to be considered.

Understandably, some parents are fearful about their child being ‘labelled’ and worry that others will lower their expectations as a result. Angela is highly committed to highlighting the way in which many children (particularly those with subtle features of ASD) often have areas of real strength and potential that need support to be realised.

A diagnosis will never be made unless it is appropriate.  In situations where a diagnosis is not made, the assessment can still prove very helpful.  It may be that there are some areas of social communication skills that would benefit from support and it is possible to clarify this and to make recommendations about what will help build skills and confidence.

What does an assessment involve?

Before the assessment appointment, we obtain information about questions and concerns from parents. With parents’ permission, Angela requests further details from the child’s school to enable a collaborative assessment process. Your child’s school will not be contacted without your permission.

Standardised measures are used to enhance the reliability of information collected. Communication with other professionals involved may also take place, again with parental consent.

The length of the assessment varies according to the questions posed. The entire process typically lasts two to three hours, but sometimes longer (as in ASD assessments).  It is preferable that a parent is not present in the room during the assessment as it is distracting for the child and interferes with the reliability of the testing.  

A detailed report which includes recommendations for interventions is produced and findings are discussed throughout with parents via an online meeting approximately two weeks following assessment.  Multi-disciplinary discussion is always available after an ASD evaluation.

If your child wears glasses or they have a preferred writing instrument, these should be brought to the appointment.  It is helpful to have eaten something before we begin as it is quite a long session. If this hasn’t been possible, please send along a snack just in case.

If driving, please allow plenty of parking time and arrive promptly. If you are coming by Tube, the nearest stations are Bond Street, Oxford Circus and Great Portland Street.

Angela always does her best to run to time. Sometimes complex issues arise and if any extended delay is anticipated, you will be told as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary waiting.

What should I say to my child?

You may well want to explain to your child that although they will be seeing a doctor, there will be no injections or physical investigations. They will be seeing Angela to work out precisely which areas they are good at. If there are areas of difficulty, we will spot these to help them with their learning and those questions raised. 

It can be reassuring to let children know that this type of assessment is something that lots of children do.  In fact, it is an advantage to have an assessment like this as it helps parents and teachers know how the child learns best.  This means they can have any help they need and they can also understand what their strengths are.  It is a relaxed, one-to-one setting.  It is not school.  It is fine to ask questions or to ask for a break at any time during the assessment. 

You can let them know that they will be asked to complete a range of tasks which may involve words, puzzles, looking at diagrams and pictures, alongside doing some reading, maths, spelling and writing. Some are like things they will have done in school, but some will be new.  Everything starts at a very easy level. The assessment will always be set up to ensure they experience success. They are only asked to do their best. It is not possible to prepare for the evaluation.

On the day of the assessment the most important thing is for your child to arrive feeling positive, relaxed and refreshed. Please ensure they have had a healthy and full breakfast with a good night sleep.

What should I expect following an assessment?

Following assessment, additional analysis of the results is carried out.  A detailed report is written which outlines the findings or assessment, provides an interpretation of the key issues and strengths and recommendations for school and home are provided.  This takes up to two weeks.

At this time, an online meeting is arranged with parents.  This is typically a one-hour meeting.  Dr Angela wants to ensure that each family has a very good understanding of the findings and that they feel clear about the way forward.  

The finalised report is sent to parents only.  You are encouraged to then share with school and make a time to meet with them to discuss.  Dr Angela is also happy to liaise with school at any point in the process. 

How long does it take to be seen?

We receive a large number of requests from parents, schools and professionals requesting an appointment.  There is a waiting time, which varies. 

We operate a cancellation list, which means that if we should ever get a cancellation or postponed appointment, we call those on the list immediately.