The Edinburgh Practice offers ‘gold-standard’ autism assessments for children, ensuring that families can access expert clinical support for their children and teens in a timely manner.
The Assessment Process
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is diagnosed by gathering evidence from the young person, their family and by completing a clinical assessment. As a team we gather information from different sources to see if the child/young person meets the diagnostic criteria for autism or whether their presentation can be better explained by something else, for example, anxiety or learning difficulties. Our autism assessments for children are led by our child and adolescent team; a multidisciplinary group of clinical psychologists, occupational therapists and a specialist speech and language therapist. In order to provide a ‘gold-standard’ service, we have chosen to use a range of clinically recognised tools. Below is a guide of how our assessments typically proceed.
Stage 1: Initial consultation
The first stage of our assessment process involves an initial consultation. The purpose of this consultation is to give you the opportunity to meet with a member of our team to discuss your child’s presentation and provide some details about your child’s developmental history. Where applicable, both parents or guardians and the young person should attend this meeting which will last approximately one hour.
Following this initial consultation, if full assessment is indicated, we will provide you with a questionnaire to give to your child’s nursery/school to fill out and return to us. We will also need to contact the school/nursery to verify information. This information is vital to the diagnostic process and is essential for us to have prior to us meeting your child.
Stage 2: The core assessment
As parents/guardians, you will meet with one member of our team to complete the ADI-R. This is a standardized interview which includes in-depth questioning relating to your child’s early years and developmental history and has been proven to be highly useful for diagnosing individuals with Autism. It is a gold standard assessment tool and is recommended in current national guidelines.
Your child will also attend the practice to complete the ADOS-2 assessment for Autism. This is a semi structured, standardised assessment which is designed to identify behaviours that are typically related to a diagnosis of Autism. This is also a gold standard instrument recommended in current national guidelines. This play-based observational assessment involves your child playing with specific toys and undertaking various tasks with a member of the team whilst their interaction is being observed by another team member.
Stage 3: Diagnosis
Following the completion of these assessment processes, the team meet to discuss the young person’s case and the information that has been gathered during the assessment process. The information is mapped onto the DSM-V criteria for Autism and a decision is reached regarding diagnosis. If all information is available, the team would hope to feedback to you within 14 days of the clinic assessment.
In some cases, further assessment may be required if it is determined that further clarification and observation would be useful to the assessment process. Examples include a nursery/school observation, an additional speech and language assessment, or a review by a child psychiatrist. If this is the case then the rationale and timing for the further assessment will be discussed.
Report & recommendations
Following completion of our assessments a written diagnostic report will be completed. We will aim to have this report finalised approximately 4 weeks after completion of our assessment.
Stage 4: Post-assessment support meeting
Whether or not your child receives an Autism diagnosis, we understand that the whole process and outcome may have been challenging for you as a family. Receiving a positive Autism diagnosis for a child can feel overwhelming, and each individual will have differing emotions following the diagnosis. Equally, parents of children who do not receive a diagnosis and where the origin of their child’s difficulties appear to point elsewhere can also feel overwhelmed and helpless as to what to do moving forward. For this reason, we have structured in a ‘follow-up’ meeting, approximately one month after your child’s assessment. This meeting allows you the opportunity to go through the report again if necessary and get clarity on any outstanding queries. Whatever the outcome of the diagnostic assessment, you will be provided with practical resources and recommendations for local services and support groups that may be helpful for you and your family.
Our Fees
£1950
Autism assessment for children and young people
Happy Monday! This Monday, ‘M’ stands for Moments and we are sharing how we can savour the little moments in our lives to increase our happiness, sense of gratitude and quality of life.
Learning to savour the moment in life is a free and effective way to increase your happiness, reduce stress and improve quality of life. Enjoying what you have can help you to appreciate what you’ve got rather than ruminating on what you don’t have.
How to savour the moment in your everyday life:
💛 Focus on the positives: Consciously notice what is going right for you and appreciate it! Positive thinking isn’t the same as pretending you are happy when you are not, it is about noticing the things that can lead to greater happiness.
💛 Focus on the details: Notice the little things that can make a day special such as someone’s smile, the kindness of a stranger or a beautiful sunny day.
💛 Express gratitude: Notice all the nice things others do for you and thank them when you can! Keep a journal and write down the things in your day you are grateful for.
💛 Focus on sensations: Engage your senses! Pay attention to everyday sensations like the feeling of cold wind on your face, the smell of fresh coffee or fresh bread.
💛 Do what you enjoy: Life is meant to be enjoyed and savoured! Add activities into your schedule that you love doing.
We encourage to savour these little moments in you week so you can live fully in the present!
#moments #theedinburghpractice #mentalhealth #positivity
This Friday we are checking in with our Speech and Language Therapist Michelle!
Michelle is one of the lead clinicians for our child autism assessments, she is passionate about improving outcomes for individuals who have neurodevelopmental differences. Michelle’s clinical work holds individuals and their families at the centre to help them understand their neurodevelopmental profile and provide supports to reduce the impact of any challenges.
At TEP, we provide ‘gold-standard’ autism assessments, ensuring that individuals and families can access expert clinical assessments in a timely manner.
Check out our new practice videos on our YouTube Channel to find out more! (link in bio)
#fridaycheckin #theedinburghpractice
This week, TEP are supporting #antibullyingweek!
The theme this year is ‘Choose Respect’ which has come about following consultation with teachers and pupils by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) who are the official organisers of this important week. Teachers and children wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes.
We know that the term ‘respect’ can mean different things to different people. When we talk about respect, we talk about showing that you value someone, including valuing their feelings, views, and opinions, even if they differ from yours. We also talk about accepting and understanding others, giving others the same consideration you would expect for yourself.
We also want to highlight that bullying does not end in the playground, but can continue for adults within the workplace and at home.
How to actively ‘Choose Respect’:
⭐️Actively listening: making effort to listen to other’s perspective without interrupting
⭐️Use “I” statements: Frame your thoughts and feelings using “I” statements to avoid accusing others
⭐️Stay calm and take breaks if you feel overwhelmed
⭐️Focus on behaviour not character
⭐️Seek common ground
⭐️Reflect and learn
We encourage you to always ‘Choose Respect’ even if you don’t always agree with others or even like them.
#antibullyingweek #ChooseRespect #mentalhealth #theedinburghpractice
Happy Monday everyone! We’re back with another ‘M’ word - Meeting others!
🙌 The power of connection cannot be overstated. It’s through connection that we build support networks that uplift us in tough times and remind us that we are not alone. Positive interactions nurture self-esteem, create a sense of belonging, and offer comfort during stressful periods. Meaningful connections with others can be essential for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Whether we’re talking with friends, joining support groups, or simply sharing a smile, each interaction contributes to emotional stability and resilience.
🤝 Beyond support, meeting others opens doors for personal growth, learning, and collaboration. It broadens our perspective, fuels creativity, and encourages empathy and compassion as we understand experiences different from our own.
💛 So maybe your next conversation could be a reminder that you are seen, heard, and valued!
#MentalHealth #ConnectWithOthers #MeetingOthers #TheEdinburghPractice
Happy Friday everyone! This #fridaycheckin we are checking in with our emotions!
Emotions are always sending us messages, just like the characters in Inside Out 🧠💬. Sometime we can feel all kinds of emotions at once - joy, sadness, anger, fear, and anxiety. At times, these feelings can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that they are part of being human.
💛 This #fridaycheckin, let’s take a moment to check in with ourselves and embrace our emotions.
😊 Our weekend watch recommendation is Inside out or Inside out 2! For children and adults!
#InsideOut #EmotionsMatter #MentalHealth #TheEdinburghPractice
It’s International Stress Awareness Week! Let’s focus on simple steps that can make a real difference in managing stress and improving wellbeing - small actions to make big changes!
👫 Connect with someone: Check in with your support network. A quick check-in or chat with a friend can lift spirits and remind us we’re not alone!
😴 Prioritise sleep: Take small steps to improve your bedtime routine. Wind down by minimising screen time and/or create a clean and restful sleep environment. Rest is essential as good sleep helps us recharge and face challenges with a clearer mind!
🏃♀️ Move in your own way: Get moving the way you want to! This could be walking, stretching, yoga, or doing some gardening. Moving your body releases tension and stress.
🌱 Spend time in nature: Take some time out of your day to step outside and get some fresh air. Even a few minutes outside can bring a sense of calm and a fresh perspective!
🫁 Breathe deep: Short, shallow breaths can heighten anxiety, so taking time to breathe deeply can help us shift into a relaxation mode.
🧘♂️ Practice mindfulness: This allows you to focus on the here and now. Try to find time each day to observe and just be.
Remember, even the smallest steps can lead to big changes. Take it one moment at a time! 💛
#StressAwarenessWeek #InternationalStressAwarenessWeek #TheEdinburghPractice
This Monday, ‘M’ stands for Mental Health Myths!
💛Mental health matters and so does the truth! Stigma around mental health isn’t just a barrier, it’s a wall that keeps people from seeking help, sharing their stories and finding comfort within their community. The impact of stigma can also worsen mental health difficulties!
💛At TEP, we believe in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health by challenging myths and creating an encouraging culture where everyone feels safe to seek the support they need. We encourage you to talk openly about mental health myths, listen compassionately to others experiences and support one another!
💛Let’s be part of the solution, not part of the problem!
#mentalhealthmyths #theedinburghpractice
Happy Friday! This #fridaycheckin we are checking in with your sleep with our Clinical Director, Dr Fiona!
💭Sometimes, the pace of everyday life barely gives us time to stop and rest. It can make getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis seem like a dream.
😴Sleep is an important part of our daily routine and is essential for good health and wellbeing. Dr Fiona discusses why we may be struggling with sleep, what is “healthy” sleep and the effect of sleep on one’s mental health! Watch until the end for her top tips for a good night’s sleep!
💤We encourage to check in with your own sleep routine as it is as important as diet and exercise!
#sleep #fridaycheckin #theedinburghpractice #mentalhealth
Today as part of ADHD Awareness Month our Head of Growth and Operations, Hazel and Assistant Psychologist, Frances headed down to Atria One (@atriaone) to share more information about our services and assessments to a range of businesses!
Head to our website (link in bio) to find out more about our gold standard ADHD assessment and support services for children, young people and adults.
#adhdawarenessmonth #mentalhealth #theedinburghpractice
👋 Welcome back to our Monday ‘M’ series! This week, ‘M’ is for Minute!
We all have moments when emotions can start to take over and sometimes, we just need to ‘take a minute’ to step back. The STOPP technique is a powerful tool from CBT than can help us pause and respond to challenging situations in more helpful ways.
How to use STOPP:
✨ Practise the first 2 steps often for a few days
✨ Read through the steps often
✨ Carry written reminders with you or use the STOPP app
✨ Practise it by running through all the steps several times, every day, even when you don’t need it
✨ Start to use it for little upsets
✨ Gradually, you may find that you can use it for more distressing situations
Like any new habit or skill, we need to practise it and eventually it will become automatic.
#TakeAMinute #MentalHealth #CBT #TheEdinburghPractice
Welcome back to another #fridaycheckin! This week we are checking in with our new Child and Adolescent Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Alex Beadel.
Dr Alex prioritises creating an open, empathetic, non-judgemental, and reassuring environment where young people feel safe and understood. He believes in a collaborative approach, ensuring that a young person’s unique needs and preferences guide the treatment journey.
At TEP, our psychiatrists have expertise across a range of areas including;
💛ADHD
💛Autism
💛Anxiety and Panic Attacks
💛Depression
💛OCD
💛Social and behavioural difficulties
💛Trauma
💻For more information about psychiatry, head to our website (link in our bio).
#fridaycheckin #theedinburghpractice #childpsychiatry #psychiatry
🌟 October is ADHD Awareness Month and this years theme is ‘Awareness is Key’.
💡 ADHD is much more than what meets the eye. It affects people in different ways, often falling under two categories: Inattention and Hyperactivity & Impulsivity. Many people experience a combination of both. In Scotland, approximately 5% of children and between 2-4% of adults are diagnosed and living with ADHD. Though the exact statistics are unknown because data on ADHD is not currently being routinely published and it is thought that many people may not have obtained a diagnosis or be receiving treatment.
🧠 The exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, although it is thought a combination of factors are responsible. ADHD tends to run in families and in most cases, it’s thought the genes inherited from parents are a significant factor in developing ADHD. However the way ADHD is inherited is complex and is not thought to be related to any single gene.
🤝 While ADHD can present challenges, it can also bring unique strengths! People with ADHD can be adventurous, creative and resilient, just to name a few! Society can sometimes focus on the negatives of ADHD but there are so many skills and abilities beyond neurotypical counterparts. We want to challenge and break some common myths surrounding ADHD!
💛 Let’s celebrate the diversity in how ADHD minds work and raise awareness to support those who live with it every day. The more we know, the better we can offer understanding and help create spaces where everyone can thrive. At TEP, we offer gold-standard ADHD assessments for children, young people, and adults. We also offer post diagnostic support for children, adults, parents/carers and families, delivered at the practice, online and/or in educational settings.
#ADHDAwarenessMonth #ADHDStrengths #Neurodiversity
This Monday, ‘M’ is for Mantras!
🧘♀️The term ‘mantra’ means an instrument of mind or thought. It can be a word, sound or phrase that is rhythmically repeated during meditation.
💭Mantras can occupy the mind in a way that stops your normal train of thought and allow you to clear your mind. They have the power to focus the mind, body and breath in unison towards a certain goal, intention or purpose.
Using mantras in your meditation and in your day to day life may help with:
💛 Stress management
💛 A positive outlook
💛 Increased self-awareness
💛 Anxiety
💛 Low mood
💛 Cognitive functioning
💛 Staying focused on your goals
🫶Mantra-meditation can be helpful for times where you feel anxious, stressed or low. It can also be great for practicing mindfulness and bringing the attention back to self.
#mantramondays #mentalhealth #meditation #theedinburghpractice
Happy Friday! We’re back for our #fridaycheckin and today we are checking in with our body.
In today’s fast-paced world, burnout is more common than ever and our wonderful Sport Psychologist, Dr Zoe, is giving us some insight into how to prevent burnout.
😌 Taking the time to incorporate different types of rest is essential for maintaining our overall wellbeing. The different types of rest include:
🛏️ Physical rest: We often think of rest as just lying down or sitting, but it can also include stretching, taking a nap, getting a massage, or taking short breaks.
🧠 Mental rest: We live in a world that is always ‘on’, and it can be challenging to unplug. Mental rest can include turning off your phone, taking a break from social media, or practicing meditation.
💛 Emotional rest: Take a break from the emotional demands we face every day. This can include spending time alone, reducing stress where possible, talking to a trusted friend, practising self care, or spending time in nature.
🙋♀️ Social rest: We are social beings, but socialising can also be draining. Social rest can include spending time alone, considering when you want to socialise & when you don’t want to, or having a solo picnic, hike or lunch.
🔇 Sensory rest: We are constantly receiving sensory input from noise, light, and other stimuli and it can be overwhelming. Sensory rest can include turning off the TV, closing your eyes, spending time in a quiet room, listening to calming music, or practising deep breathing.
Remember - rest is not a luxury, it’s a necessity! Embracing and prioritising the different types of rest can help us live healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives 😊
#theedinburghpractice #fridaycheckin #checkinwithourbody
This week is OCD Awareness Week!
At TEP, we are supporting and sharing awareness for #OCDweek. This worldwide event by @iocdf serves to dispel myths about obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), break the stigma around mental illness, and provide education about the disorder and how to support those affected.
OCD affects 1 in 100 adults and 1 in 200 children but can be overlooked and belittled as a personality quirk or choice. In reality, OCD is a very real mental health difficulty that affects people of all ages and walks of life.
OCD is an anxiety disorder involving obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings. Compulsions are behaviors an individual engages in to attempt to get rid of the obsessions and/or decrease distress. Compulsions can be internal (mental) or external behaviours.
Research has shown that most people have unwanted intrusive thoughts from time to time, but in the context of OCD, these intrusive thoughts come frequently and trigger extreme anxiety, fear, and/or disgust that gets in the way of day-to-day functioning.
At TEP, we offer psychology and psychiatry services to support individuals with OCD. Please head to our website (link in bio) to find out more or to submit a self-referral.
#OCDweek #ocdawarenessweek #theedinburghpractice #mentalhealth
