• Referrals can be submitted by you [parents/carers].
• We accept referrals for up to 16 year olds.
• You will receive details prior to the assessment session to explain the appointment to your child.
• We will liaise with other professionals known to your child including their school/nursery/daycare setting.

• Your referral will be received by the team.
• We’ll ask you to complete some key forms for us.
• You’ll bring your child for an assessment with two of our team - you will be advised which professionals prior to the appointment.
• You will also have an appointment with our paediatrician, which may be on a separate day.
• Once all assessments have been completed and the final outcome has been discussed with you, you will receive a report within 14 working days.

• Email the office on information@expandingcommunication.org
• Notify us of your preference re: time and date + location
• First come basis & a waiting list will be created
• You’ll receive a confirmation email and payment details

We have liaised with a senior representative in the EA and the process is as follows:

• You, the parents, advise the NHS of your assessment with us and that you wish the report received post assessment is accepted by their service.
• You, provide the report we send to you, to the NHS team post assessment, usually via the paediatrician or directly to the ASD Team, if on their waiting list.
• They conclude the report meets the DSM-5 criteria and NICE guidelines and ratify the conclusions.
• This ratification is then shared with the EA.

Below are some useful links parents might be interested in:

• NICE Guidelines
• ADOS Assessment
• ADR-I Interview
• DSM-5 Criteria