Autism Diagnostic Assessment in Brighton, Eastbourne & Sussex

We provide comprehensive autism diagnostic assessments in Brighton, Eastbourne, and across Sussex. Our multi-disciplinary team of highly skilled professionals includes Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and a Clinical Psychologist, all with specialist training in diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), also known as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).

What we offer

Our autism assessments adhere to NICE guidelines (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and are recognised by NHS services and Local Education Authorities. The assessment process includes:

  • Pre-assessment information gathering from parents or carers (including a review of relevant records).

  • Involvement of two to three clinicians for a thorough diagnostic evaluation, including:

    • Liaison with your child’s school or nursery.

    • Completion of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) by parents and school.

    • Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).

    • Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R).

  • A comprehensive written report detailing the diagnosis and actionable recommendations.

  • A separate feedback session to discuss the results and the next steps.

Why Choose Hegarty Therapy for Autism Assessments

We offer a high-quality and thorough private autism assessment service for families in Sussex, tailored to meet your child’s unique needs. Our team is experienced in working with children and young people across a range of ages and abilities. Our autism diagnosis process is holistic, focusing on collaboration with schools and families to ensure the best outcomes.

Cost of Our Autism Diagnostic Services

Our autism assessment package is competitively priced at £2200, which is in line with other private services in Brighton, Eastbourne, and the Sussex region. Additional services, such as Sensory Integration Assessments by an Occupational Therapist or an ADHD screening by a Clinical Psychologist, can also be arranged if required.

Post-Diagnostic Support

After diagnosis, our Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists are available to provide post-diagnostic support, including communication and sensory needs assessments. We are here to guide you through the next steps of your child’s care.

Contact Us

For more information about our autism diagnostic services or to book an initial consultation, please contact us at:

Email: info@hegartytherapy.com

Phone: 07369 219364

FAQs

  • Yes, diagnoses made by Hegarty Therapy are recognized and accepted by the NHS and local councils. This is because we are a multi-disciplinary team that follows NICE guidelines, which outline evidence-based practices and professional standards. All our therapists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the UK regulator for health and care professionals.

    Be aware that assessments conducted by some other private companies may not be accepted by the NHS if they do not follow NICE guidelines or if the professionals involved are not registered with the HCPC.

  • An assessment can help children and adults understand their unique gifts, why they may find some things more difficult than others and how they can get support.

  • Assessments with Hegarty Therapy are carried out by a team involving at least two different professionals, made up of a Speech & Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist and a Clinical Psychologist.

  • The assessment includes parent and nursery/school questionnaires, meetings with parents, observations of your child and specific tasks. Activities such as puzzles, games and pretend play will help the assessor observe your child’s behaviour, social and communication skills. The assessors will consider a range of information including developmental history of your child, family history and current/past behaviour. We also gather reports from any other professionals involved with the child and nursery or school.

  • The assessor will ask about any other professionals currently involved in your child’s care such as a Paediatrician, physiotherapy, social care, Early Years help. They will ask you about your child’s development as a baby and toddler, your child’s current strengths, what is going well and when you first noticed differences in your child’s development.

  • The ADOS assessment is the portion of the evaluation conducted directly with your child. This session typically lasts between 1 to 2 hours, during which we observe and engage with your child in specific tasks.

    The ADI-R assessment is carried out with parents and usually takes about 2 hours.

    At Hegarty Therapy, we aim to complete the entire assessment process and provide feedback, including a diagnosis (if appropriate), within 6 weeks. However, this timeline may be extended if we are awaiting important questionnaires or reports from other professionals, or from your child’s nursery or school.

  • There are 3 possible outcomes: 1. A diagnosis 2. No diagnosis 3. An inconclusive assessment

  • The features of autism spectrum disorder include;

    1. Persistent deficits in reciprocal social communication and social interaction

    2. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities

  • Whatever the outcome may be, you will receive a detailed report that includes the assessment components, outcome rationale and recommendations. Next steps will include organising suitable support in nursery/school and therapy if needed.

  • An Autism diagnosis in no way changes who your child is! A diagnosis can help provide individuals and their families with a clearer understanding of their unique strengths and challenges. With a diagnosis you can then access appropriate support services and interventions.