Autism

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. More than one in 100 people are on the Autism Spectrum, and there are around 700,000 Autistic adults and children in the UK (National Autistic Society).

In Cumbria an Assessment for Autism is led by the Community Paediatric Team. You might have heard this pathway being called the Multi-Agency Assessment Team (MAAT). For more information please visit the Autism Information and Support Hub.

Autism assessment an speech and language therapy

Some children will receive a Communication and Interaction Assessment as part of their Autism Assessment Pathway. This will be completed by a Speech and Language Therapist. Children access this via a referral from their Community Paediatrician. Speech and Language Therapy are able to assess, observe and analyse a child’s communication. We also consider their communication preferences and any difficulties they may experience.

This includes:

  • The way they express their wants, needs and feelings
  • The way they understand, process and interpret information and instructions
  • The way they use their communication skills in social interaction opportunities

Parents/carers are also asked to complete a Communication and Interaction Questionnaire. This captures information about early communication development and interaction skills. There are also questions about play, social skills and sensory preferences. Older children/young people are encouraged to help complete this as appropriate.

Speech and Language Therapy will often meet with the young person. Their assessment will be tailored to their strengths, needs and preferences. As appropriate, it might include:

  • informal discussion with your child/young person about their interests and passions
  • detailed discussion around their communication style and preferences
  • looking at and talking about assessment materials such as photos or pictures
  • observations of how the young person prefers to communicate and interact with others

A Communication and Interaction Assessment can be completed in different contexts to be flexible around the young person, and to achieve a well-rounded assessment picture. This might include a:

  • clinic appointment
  • home visit
  • school visit

Who else can support?

Autism Pathway Navigators
An Autism Pathway Navigator can help you to understand the Autism Assessment Pathway. They can help you access local and national support and resources. They can be an advocate for children, young people and families.

If you would like support during the Autism Assessment Pathway you can contact your local Autism Pathway Navigator

North Cumbria
Kerry Armstrong
Email: NorthCumbriaChildrensMAAT@ncic.nhs.uk
Telephone: 01228 608112 

South Cumbria
Lisa Jackson
Email: SouthCumbriaChildrensMAAT@ncic.nhs.uk
Telephone: 01229 402700

Children's Behaviour and Learning Disability Team
This service provide support to understand and meet the health needs of children with Learning Disabilities, Global Developmental Impairment and Autism.

National Autistic Society: National Autistic Society (autism.org.uk) - This charitable organisation provide help, support and information for Autistic people and their families.