Assessments

At CHAMP, we offer comprehensive Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) diagnostic assessments using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), the two most trusted and reliable tools for diagnosing ASD. These assessments are ideal for children who exhibit social communication difficulties, sensory processing challenges, and/or repetitive or rigid behaviours.

We work collaboratively with a qualified clinical psychologist, who is also specialised and qualified in conducting ASD assessments. By combining our expertise in paediatric development and sensory processing (OT) with the psychologist’s knowledge of social-emotional development, we ensure that not only is the diagnostic pathway tailored to your child’s specific needs, but we also provide a holistic approach to their overall development. Together, we work to ensure that at the end of the diagnostic process, your child will not only have an outcome on your query regard a diagnosis but also a support plan to help them thrive.

What the assessment involves:

• Structured observations and play-based tasks (ADOS-2) to assess social communication skills, behaviours, and interaction patterns in a naturalistic environment
• In-depth parental interview (ADI-R) to gather detailed developmental history, including early communication and behaviour patterns
• Sensory profiling (SPM assessment) to identify challenges with sensory processing, regulation, and self-regulation, which are often seen in children with ASD
• A comprehensive review of the child’s developmental history, including parental concerns, to provide context for the child’s current challenges and strengths

Outcome:

After the assessment, you will receive a diagnostic report that provides a clear explanation of whether your child meets the criteria for ASD. This report will include recommendations for therapy, educational support, and home strategies tailored to your child’s unique strengths and areas of need. Our collaborative approach ensures that the support plan addresses the child’s developmental needs comprehensively, not just the diagnosis itself. This holistic plan aims to empower families and educators to provide the best support for the child moving forward.

Our comprehensive assessment for Dyspraxia and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is conducted using either the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT), or the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration (EASI) assessment tools, which are considered the gold standard assessments for diagnosing Dyspraxia.

Dyspraxia affects a child’s ability to plan, coordinate, and execute movements. Children with Dyspraxia may struggle with gross motor tasks such as running, jumping, and sports, as well as fine motor skills like handwriting, using scissors, or performing everyday activities that require coordination, such as dressing, feeding, and personal hygiene. The SIPT and EASI tools evaluate these motor planning and coordination difficulties, providing a clear picture of the child’s motor abilities and areas of challenge.

Sensory Processing Difficulties occur when a child’s brain has difficulty processing and responding to sensory information from the environment. Children with SPD may be either overly sensitive (hypersensitive) or under-responsive (hyposensitive) to sensory stimuli such as touch, sound, light, or movement. These difficulties often result in challenges with self-regulation, attention, and participating in everyday activities such as school, play, or daily routines. The SIPT and EASI assessments capture the child’s sensory reactivity and processing abilities, offering valuable insights into how sensory difficulties affect their daily functioning.

Outcome:

Following the assessment, you will receive a clear diagnosis (if applicable) along with a comprehensive report outlining the child’s sensory and motor challenges. The report will include specific recommendations for therapy, school accommodations, and home-based strategies to improve motor planning, sensory integration, and overall functional abilities. These recommendations will be tailored to support the child in overcoming difficulties and enhancing their participation in daily activities.

A developmental assessment provides a thorough evaluation of a child’s overall development by examining key areas such as motor skills, sensory processing, postural control, bilateral integration, motor planning, visual perception, handwriting, and social-emotional development. This comprehensive approach helps identify any developmental delays or difficulties across multiple domains.

These assessments are particularly beneficial for children who are experiencing challenges with motor development, such as difficulty with balance or coordination; handwriting issues, including legibility and fine motor control; emotional regulation problems, such as frequent meltdowns or difficulty managing frustration; sleep disturbances; feeding issues; or struggles with independence in daily tasks like dressing, toileting, or feeding themselves. Additionally, children who face difficulties in engaging with learning and play due to these challenges can also benefit from a developmental assessment.

Outcome:

The assessment results in a detailed developmental profile that outlines the child’s strengths and areas for improvement. The report includes targeted recommendations for interventions to support progress in key developmental areas, ensuring that specific challenges are addressed.

While the assessment uses standardised tools for a more accurate measure of development, it does not provide a formal diagnosis. However, the report offers a clear direction for parents and professionals to guide the child’s progress, helping them understand where additional support is needed and how best to provide it.

Accordion Content

EHCP assessments provide the formal evidence required to apply for or review an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). These assessments are essential for children who need additional support in school due to learning or developmental differences, communication needs, physical challenges, sensory processing differences, or neurodevelopmental conditions.

What the EHCP assessment includes:

• An evaluation of how a child’s functional needs impact their ability to access learning, communicate, participate in daily activities, engage socially, and develop independence.

• Use of standardised and informal assessment tools to identify areas of need across school and home environments. These assessments provide detailed functional insight; however, a formal diagnosis is not typically made unless specific diagnostic tools (such as ADOS-2 or other recognised measures) are included as part of the assessment.

• A comprehensive written report in the required EHCP format, clearly outlining assessment findings and offering evidence-based recommendations for specialist intervention, strategies, resources, or school-based accommodations.

• EHCP and Annual Review reports also include clear SMART outcomes for direct and indirect provision, alongside detailed costing recommendations to support funding applications and service planning.

• An Occupational Therapist and/or Speech and Language therapist can be commissioned to complete an EHCP assessment to ensure provision is stipulated for either profession in your child’s EHCP application or annual review update.

Outcome:

A detailed professional report (from OT, SALT, or both) that meets the standards required for EHCP applications, annual reviews, mediation, or tribunal processes. This report can be submitted to the local authority to support appropriate educational provision and ensure the child’s needs are fully understood and met.

For children who experience persistent difficulties with handwriting, we conduct specialist handwriting assessments to determine the underlying causes and recommend appropriate interventions or accommodations.

What the assessment evaluates:

• Fine motor skills and hand strength
• Pencil grip and writing endurance
• Visual-motor integration and letter formation
• Speed and fluency of handwriting

Outcome:

A written report with recommendations that can be used for exam access arrangements, such as extra time, the use of a laptop, or a scribe, as well as therapeutic strategies to improve handwriting skills over time.