Why does my child need an assessment?
An assessment can help you and your child understand their strengths and weaknesses, and why they may be experiencing difficulties within some environments.
If appropriate agree a diagnosis, to help others understand you/ your child and how best they can be supported in different environments. Recommend appropriate support based on your child’s profile
The support your child receives in services such as education and social work, may be enhanced by the outcomes of our assessment (including any diagnosis) but should not depend on it.
What is a PNDS Assessment?
All assessments are guided by relevant clinical guidelines. They involve a broad, neurodevelopmental assessment that aims to understand you and your child’s needs including their:
- Communication and interaction, and broad social functioning;
- Emotional regulation, and attention;
- Development and intellect;
- Co-ordination and movement.
How does PNDS gather information?
All assessments are tailored to meet each individual child’s needs. Information gathering may take place in a variety of settings such as at:
- Home
- School
- Nursery
- In a hospital or community clinic
This may be done through observation of the child/young person, completing questionnaires and discussion with parents/caregivers as well as the team around the child. During all observations, clinicians will be considering varying areas of your child’s development.
During your appointment
Appointments may involve two or more clinicians, who will meet with you and your child.
During the appointment, a formal assessment may be carried out, this could involve using standardised assessments and/or taking part in play based activities.
Parents/Caregivers may or may not stay in the appointment with their child. This will depend on the child’s age and preferences.
Most appointments last between 60 and 90 minutes. This may be shortened to meet you/ your child’s needs.
It is important that your child is physically well when attending appointments, as we need to see them at their best.
After your appointment
At the end of you/ your child’s appointment we will agree the next steps.
Sometimes a diagnosis such as Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disability/ Intellectual Disability may be given on the day. Other times, we may need to complete further assessments or gather further information before a conclusion can be reached.
You will be given a copy of a report that summarises the assessment(s), formulation, and recommendations for you and your child. This can be shared with other professionals who are involved in supporting you and your child (for example school), if you feel this would be beneficial.
The report is normally provided once the assessment process is complete, and we have an overall understanding of your child. This can take some time