Assessments Online
At Studio 3, we are still facilitating online assessments during this period of social distancing. We facilitate these assessments remotely with the use of online materials.
The following outlines what an online assessment at Studio 3 will look like.
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Assessments will be conducted on a case-by-case basis. The duration of assessments does depend on the individuals, but as a working guide there is a minimum requirement of 4-5 hours direct online contact. An average assessment usually takes us a minimum of two to three working days to complete, including a written report.
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Assessments can be facilitated by Zoom, which is a video conferencing system (We also have the capacity to conduct these over Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex on request).
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Assessments will be conducted under the supervision of a clinical psychologist.
Observations of individuals are also possible, however there is strict guidance in Studio 3 to make sure that this information is not permanently stored after any assessment.
Ongoing Support and Training
It is important to us that a diagnostic report should be viewed as a process. We at Studio 3 also believe that post-diagnostic support is important. Consideration will be given to understanding a pathway to break the news of the diagnosis to the individual, and their family where appropriate. During the current pandemic, we are offering staff and/or family training to support individuals with a diagnosis. We are also offering online counselling sessions. These services might be able to answer some questions that you may have about your diagnosis and point you towards support services.
An Example Assessment
We provide assessments to both children and adults on a case by case basis. All of the components of direct face-to-face assessment is contained within the online process. Here is a working example of how we have met the challenge of moving to the online world. The following information focuses on the pathway for a potential autism diagnosis.
In terms of diagnostic assessments for autism, we will be following an assessment protocol which includes:
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Gathering a developmental history of the individual from a family member or anyone with substantial knowledge of the developmental history from when the individual was a young child
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A sensory-based assessment (including interoceptive awareness)
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Online interviews with the individual and members of their family to review the DSM-V criteria for diagnosing autism and how the criteria may apply to the individual
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A diagnostic opinion
Full details about our assessment pathways for autism diagnoses, and many more