Assessment 

Charting New Paths: The First Step is Understanding

Autism Assessment -ADI-R

Stress Free Autism Assessment 

Getting a child assessed towards autism can be a long and stressful journey.

We are proud to be able to offer ADI-R autism assessment, recognised by the NHS and adhere to the NICE Guidelines.

What is ADI-R?

The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is one of the most widely used diagnostic algorithms in determining whether or not children have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is a semi-standardised interview with established reliability and validity (Lord, Rutter and LeCouteur, 1994). The interview focuses primarily on the key diagnostic characteristics specified in the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases 10th Edition) and DSM-IV-R (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders); namely those features concerned with developmental delays, differences in reciprocal social interactions, language, communication and play and on restricted and stereotyped behaviours and interests. Many items concentrate on the age four to five year period.

ADI-R does not directly involve the child—instead, it is an interview conducted by a trained researcher or psychologist with the child’s parents or other caregivers. The ADI-R focuses on the developmental history of the child, relying on the memory of the people closest to them – mother and/ or father or other care giver. 

This report should be considered as part of an overall assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

What is Sensory Profile?

A sensory profile is a measure, often in the form of a questionnaire or assessment tool, that helps understand an individual's sensory processing patterns in the context of daily life. It is widely used in occupational therapy and psychology to gain insight into how sensory perception affects an individual's behaviors and activities.

The assessment often focuses on how individuals process information across various sensory modalities such as touch (tactile), balance and movement (vestibular), body position (proprioception), vision, hearing, smell, and taste. The sensory profile can help identify sensory processing issues that might contribute to challenges in daily activities, behaviors, and overall function.

Sensory Quadrants model yields four sensory processing patterns, or quadrants:

1. Low Registration (High Threshold + Passive Behavior): Individuals in this quadrant may not notice sensory stimuli that others typically notice. They may seem unaware of their environment and require extra sensory input to respond.

2. Sensation Seeking (High Threshold + Active Behavior): These individuals enjoy intense sensory experiences and seek out additional sensory stimuli. They are often described as thrill-seekers or individuals who crave sensory input.

3. Sensory Sensitivity (Low Threshold + Passive Behavior): Individuals in this quadrant are easily bothered by sensory stimuli but tend not to take active steps to avoid or modify the input. They may be uncomfortable in bright lights, noisy environments, or when experiencing certain textures.

4. Sensation Avoiding (Low Threshold + Active Behavior): These individuals are not only sensitive to sensory input but also actively try to control their environment to limit exposure to certain sensory experiences. They may avoid crowded places, certain types of food, or clothing textures, for example.

Different versions of sensory profiles are designed for various age ranges, from infants to adults, and can help in developing individualized therapeutic plans to support sensory processing needs.