Northern Clinical Psychology Services Ltd (NCPS)

Tadcaster

Main information

Type of service: Assessment, Diagnostic services

We offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary ASD assessment and follow-up service and follow the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in relation to autism assessments (NICE). All our clinicians (Clinical Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Consultant Psychiatrists) specialise within the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. We offer a screening assessment where families can meet one of our Lead Clinical Psychologists to go through a summary of the child's developmental history and to gather more information regarding their concerns.
Our diagnostic assessment is set up into 2 stages, the first being a 2-hour developmental history session with parents/carers and gathering standardised measurements across home and school to address autism, generic child mental health and any language difficulties. Previous reports wil also be reviewed. If the outcome is unclear, a recommendation for a referral for the relevant assessment will be made. If stage 2 is deemed appropriate the child or young person will then undertake the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), considered "The gold standard" for observational assessment of ASD. This will be undertaken by the Lead Clinical Psychologist whilst being observed by one of our Speech and Language Therapists. Primary school children will then undertake a school observation in both a structured (e.g. lesson) and unstructured (e.g. playground) environment. The team will consider a school observation for Secondary school children but usually we rely more heavily on the information provided by the young person and school. Finally, the multidisciplinary team will evaluate the findings from the assessments and confirm whether a diagnosis of ASD is indicated. Parents/Carers are invited to a feedback meeting to discuss the results and provided with a comprehensive report together with further recommendations. We recognise that for many who have been assessed as having an Autism diagnosis, this is only the beginning of the journey. There will be uncertainties and questions about what the diagnosis means and what the future holds. NCPS can provide an extended support service for parents and therapy for children and young people. Many children with ASD have difficulties in school with learning and with social behaviour. We can help by providing holistic and practical advice and therapy in schools as well as training and support for teaching staff. Problems with anxiety and social emotional difficulties are all too often seen with children and young people. We can provide comprehensive support and therapy also.
Fees: £120 per hour for therapy sessions. Screening Assessments £240, Stage 1 only £750 (if stage 2 is not warranted). Full ASD Assessment can range from £2,000 to £2,500
Clients are accepted from anywhere if they are willing to travel. We are based in West Yorkshire (Leeds) but have families travel from out of areas.

Eligibility

Age: From age 4 to 17

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child , Parent/carer of a child, Parent/carer of a young person, Young person

Gender: All genders

Covers: Yorkshire and The Humber

Registrations & Approaches

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements

Registrations and professional qualifications: Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and British Psychological Society (BPS)

Approaches and tools used: Two stages: 1) a 2-hour developmental history session involving gathering of standardised measurements across home and school to address autism, generic child mental health and any language difficulties. 2) Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), considered "The gold standard" for observational assessment of ASD.