[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”4″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Is it possible to get a %22diagnosis%22 of PDA?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re wondering whether to seek a diagnosis for yourself or your child, it can feel like a huge and emotional decision.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”15px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re reading this, you might already suspect that a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile is relevant to you. PDA isn\u2019t a stand-alone diagnosis. It\u2019s considered a profile within the autism spectrum \u2013 a way of describing how autism presents for some people, especially in relation to how they manage demands and expectations. This means that if you choose to pursue a formal assessment, you are seeking an autism diagnosis. The professional carrying out the assessment may or may not describe PDA specifically within that diagnosis, depending on their familiarity with PDA and the approach they take.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2c.-Identification-and-diagnosis.png” align=”center” show_bottom_space_tablet=”” show_bottom_space_phone=”” show_bottom_space_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”15px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” border_radii=”on|24px|24px|24px|24px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_phone=”||24px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Contents” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”left” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”4″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
1. What is the purpose of an assessment?<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 2. Should I get an assessment?<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 3. How do I go about getting an assessment?<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 4. What does a good assessment look like?<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 5. What can I do to prepare for the assessment?<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”what-is-the-purpose-of-an-assessment” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”80px||80px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”What is the purpose of an assessment?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|24px|0px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are many reasons people think about getting a diagnosis. One of the biggest is clarity. A diagnosis can help make sense of things \u2013 those challenging behaviours, the intense reactions to demands, the anxiety that bubbles under the surface. It gives a name and a framework to understand a person\u2019s experience in a way that says, “This isn\u2019t bad behaviour, and it isn\u2019t your fault or theirs \u2013 it\u2019s part of how their brain works.”<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A good assessment will do more than name a persons \u2018condition\u2019 – it will describe their strengths and needs in a way that makes it easier to understand how they can be supported and given the best possible chance to thrive.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It is important to know that support at school, access to an appropriate education if the young person is out of school, social care support and reasonable adjustments at work are not<\/em> dependent on a diagnosis. The Equality Act 2010 is clear that it requires schools and employers to make adjustments to remove disadvantages faced by disabled people, and this is not contingent on having a formal identification.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Assessments are not intended as “gateways” to getting help (and in fact most UK legislation explicitly talks about need rather than diagnosis as a criteria for getting help). However in practice having a document that describes what you are experiencing and the help you need can open doors.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”should-i-get-an-assessment” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” custom_padding_tablet=”64px||64px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Should I get an assessment?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|24px|0px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In an ideal world, the answer would be a straightforward yes. The understanding that a good quality assessment can bring is valuable.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]However given the lack of awareness of PDA and the fact that a diagnosis process is, by its very nature, a series of demands, not everyone will have a positive experience or outcome. Below are some of the pros and cons people tell us about their experiences getting themselves or their child assessed.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” border_radii=”on|24px|24px|24px|24px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_heading title=”The potential upsides… ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||24px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||40px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||15px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” border_radii=”on|24px|24px|24px|24px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_heading title=”The potential downsides…” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||24px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||40px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||15px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”how-do-i-go-about-getting-an-assessment” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de” custom_padding=”80px||80px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”80px||80px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”How do I go about getting an assessment?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|24px|0px|false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”center” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”0px||24px||false|false” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|false|true” border_radii=”on|24px|24px|24px|24px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” toggle_icon=”3||divi||400″ icon_color=”#000000″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”25px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#000000″ toggle_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” toggle_font_size=”18px” body_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” body_font_size=”16px” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” text_orientation=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=” ” custom_css_free_form=”selector .et_pb_toggle {|| padding: 10px;||} ||selector .et_pb_toggle_content {|| margin-top: 15px;||}||||selector .et_pb_toggle_title:before {|| background:#C6547D;|| color: white !important;|| border-radius: 50%;||}” border_radii=”off||||” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#a5a5a5″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”1. Make an appointment with your GP” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”left” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”16px|16px|16px|16px|false|false” border_radii=”on|0px|0px|0px|0px” border_color_all=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” toggle_level=”h5″]<\/p>\n This is often the starting point of the process. The GP will ask why you think an assessment is necessary so atteding the appointment with specific and clear reasons noted down can be useful.<\/p>\n For children the GP might refer to a paediatric team, Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or Children and Young People’s Service (CYPS), who carry out autism assessments for that age group in the local area. Sometimes there can be a Single Point of Access (SPA) which the referral passes through as a first screening. If they determine there is not enough evidence for a full diagnostic assessment the SPA might refer to other local services for support instead. Waiting lists for these pathways can be very long.<\/p>\n Some local authorities accept or “diagnose” PDA, many do not. Parents need to decide whether they want to wait for an autism assessment and ask for a PDA profile to be considered (using the practice guidance to help), or if they would rather opt for one of the other routes mentioned here.<\/p>\n Some local authorities have an NHS adult autism assessment team which the GP could refer to for adults (or self referral may be available in some areas). Waiting lists for these can also be very long and the consideration of a PDA profile may not taken into account.<\/p>\n An alternative to local NHS services, but still within the NHS system is “Right to Choose”. If you are This mechanism allows you to go privately (funded by the NHS) if waiting times exceed 18 weeks for an autism assessment in your area.<\/p>\n You can do this for both adult and children\u2019s assessments, and this process also starts with a GP appointment, who can then refer you to a provider you have chosen that offers this service. You may need to explain to the GP why a Right to Choose referral is “clinically appropriate” in order for this not to be refused. To help answer this, some Right to Choose providers have information on their websites you can download, complete and take to your GP appointment with you. Not all Right to Choose centres include assessment of PDA profile – you can search the diagnostic centre directory<\/a> for details of organisations which do.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”2. Ask school to refer” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”left” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”16px|16px|16px|16px|false|false” border_radii=”on|0px|0px|0px|0px” border_color_all=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” toggle_level=”h5″ open=”off”]<\/p>\n If you are looking for an assessment for your child, in some regions schools can make a referral. It is usually the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) who will do this. However, if they don\u2019t agree to it, or they don\u2019t have time, you can go to a GP to start the process\u00a0yourself.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to know that school should not be delaying support if there is need until a diagnosis is\u00a0received.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”3. Private assessments” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”left” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”16px|16px|16px|16px|false|false” border_radii=”on|0px|0px|0px|0px” border_color_all=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” toggle_level=”h5″ open=”off”]<\/p>\n Some people who can afford to, opt to be assessed privately. They do this to speed up the process and so they can choose who is doing the assessment, in the hope that they can go to a clinician who knows about PDA. You can\u00a0<\/span>search our directory<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>for details of independent diagnostic centres, but please note the PDA Society is unable to verify the quality of any of these services.<\/p>\n Provided the assessment has been conducted in accordance with NICE (National Institutes for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines (detailed\u00a0<\/span>here<\/a>), and by a specialist autism team with age-appropriate expertise as defined in the NICE Quality Standards for Autism assessments, the outcome of the report and recommendations should be accepted by the local authority, which is ultimately responsible for support at school or at home.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”4. Referral to NHS or private specialist” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”left” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”16px|16px|16px|16px|false|false” border_radii=”on|0px|0px|0px|0px” border_color_all=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” toggle_level=”h5″ open=”off”]<\/p>\n If you are concerned that your area doesn\u2019t have the skills or awareness of PDA to identify or rule out this profile during the autism assessment requesting a referral to a NHS or private specialist via an individual funding request can be an<\/span>\u00a0option.<\/p>\n You can find more information about Individual Funding Requests in the\u00a0<\/span>NHS Commissioning Key Documents<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>and the\u00a0<\/span>IFR process map 2023<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>from NHS England. It can sometimes be helpful if your local MP is able to support this request. If the request is refused you can usually appeal this decision or make a complaint.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”what-does-a-good-assessment-look-like” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” custom_padding_tablet=”64px||64px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”What does a good assessment look like?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|24px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|0px|24px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are national guidelines for the assessment of autism published by NICE<\/a>. Amongst other things these guidelines recommend an appointment within three months of referral and an assessment by a multidisciplinary team.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In practice there are great variations in what happens. However, it\u2019s still worth knowing what the guidelines are as a detailed and comprehensive assessment is especially critical if you think you or your child are PDA, as it can take time for the clinician to see the emerging picture and to untangle the co-occurring conditions.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”15px|15px|15px|15px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|24px|24px|24px|24px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_heading title=”The key elements of a good assessment for a child or young person:” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||24px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||40px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||15px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”15px|15px|15px|15px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|24px|24px|24px|24px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_heading title=”The key elements for adults:” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||24px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||40px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||15px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”what-can-i-do-to-prepare-for-the-assessment” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de” custom_padding_tablet=”64px||64px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”What can I do to prepare for the assessment?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|24px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|0px|24px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||24px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|24px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” border_radii=”on|24px|24px|24px|24px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_heading title=”1. Ask for information” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||24px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||40px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||15px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”15px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Some questions you could ask: how long will the assessment be? How will it be structured? Will you or your child be given the clinician’s views at the end? Which reports should you bring or send ahead of the day? What questions will you (or your child) be asked (this gives you time to prepare and think about the questions).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”15px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Consider writing to the professionals involved to point out the ways you or your child might respond to the stressful situation, and what strategies can be used to help. Also ask for pictures of the buildings, rooms and the people doing the assessing. You could show your child these, or see them yourself, which could help limit anxiety.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” border_radii=”on|24px|24px|24px|24px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_heading title=”2. Gather your evidence” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||24px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||40px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||15px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”15px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Before the appointment consider gathering your thoughts and evidence and email it all over two weeks ahead of the assessment, along with any reports from other professionals, drawing attention to the bits that paint a picture of PDA.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”What the email could include:” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|24px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|0px|24px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||16px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”16px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”During the assessment” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|24px|0px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||24px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The aim at the appointment is to be specific and concise about your or your child\u2019s strengths and needs, so practice what you might say before, backing up your points with some real-life scenarios when possible.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Below is what to expect during an assessment to prepare yourself and\/or your child:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”After the assessment” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The diagnostician will tell you whether they think you or your child is autistic. They might do this on the day of the assessment, by phone on a later date, or in a written report that they send to you in the post and\/or via email.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”15px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The report should give a clear diagnosis and a clear description of strengths and needs and recommendations for support, which is the most important part of the report. There should be an opportunity to discuss the report and its findings with a member of the team.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The wording describing PDA in your diagnosis may differ depending on which NHS Trust you are in, and on the clinician’s familiarity with PDA. In the practice guidance around identifying PDA professionals said that the ESCAP practice guidance encourages \u2018personalisation and contextualisation\u2019 of an autism diagnosis and the use of \u2018specifiers\u2019 to identify individual characteristics.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If the multidisciplinary assessment leads to the conclusion that a PDA profile is the correct explanation for an individual\u2019s marked demand avoidance within their autism diagnosis, there is a range of terminology that is used in formulations, including ASD with:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”15px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]The contributors to the practice guidance recommended diagnostitians not using the terms \u2018traits\u2019 or \u2018symptoms\u2019 as these have been taken to signify a lesser degree of difficulty than would be expected in a PDA profile.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” custom_padding_tablet=”64px||64px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”15px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\n
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