Autism

What is an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)?

ASCs are lifelong developmental disabilities that affect how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. ASCs, sometimes called Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome or ASDs, are spectrum conditions, meaning that, whilst all people with ASCs share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways.

Tameside & Glossop Multi-Agency Autism Team (MAAT)

Who are the MAAT?

We are a team of multi-disciplinary professionals who specialise in the assessment of childhood Autism Spectrum Conditions. Our team includes a Clinical Psychologist, a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Neurodevelopmental Nurses, an Assistant Psychologist, Specialist Teachers from Pupil Support Services (PSS) and a Medical Secretary. We conduct diagnostic assessments for children and young people who suspect they may be on the Autism Spectrum throughout Tameside and Glossop.

How do you refer a child to the MAAT?

All referrals for an ASC assessment are made through your child’s school or college provision.

If you live in Tameside, both parents and Schools can arrange an initial consultation with a member of the CLASS team. Please contact them on 0161 320 5232.

In Glossop, an initial consultation can be with a member of the MAAT (0161 716 3600).

If parents and school wish to pursue a referral to MAAT, a 12-week pre-referral social communication programme is commenced, so that interventions for identified social communication difficulties can start immediately. This includes identifying social communication goals and developing an action plan of social communication strategies

After the 12-week period, a second consultation will take place to determine the need for a full Autism assessment.

 

What will happen on the MAAT pathway?

The assessment will begin with an initial comprehensive assessment of the child’s behavioural, emotional and mental health needs and risk, carried out by a mental health practitioner.

Next, a member of the MAAT will have a detailed discussion over 1 to 2 hours with the parent(s)/carer(s) to understand the child’s developmental history.

The final stage is a structured observation of interaction and play and/or the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), a semi-structured observational assessment of communication, social interaction, play and restricted and repetitive behaviours.

All of the information gathered is then discussed by the MAAT team in a formulation meeting and an assessment outcome is agreed. Following this, a feedback appointment will be arranged with the parent(s)/carer(s)/ young person if appropriate.

Additional Support

When a child is accpted on to the MAAT oathway, they will be assigned a designated practitioner who will be accessible throughout the assessment process to help wiht any related difficulties. This will be the parent(s)/carer(s)’ main contact.

Members of the MAAT are able to offer consultation slots to provide support, guidance and strategies to parents of children on the MAAT pathway.

Autism and ADHD Assessments for Children who are Home Educated

The process for requesting an assessment for autism or ADHD for children and young people who are home schooled in Tameside has changed (November 2024). The process is described below.

If your child is home-schooled you can talk to their GP or other professional involved in your child’s care, who can refer your child for an assessment in lieu of a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) who would complete this process if your child was educated at school. They’ll need as much supporting evidence as possible from home and any other agencies that have been involved with the child. A screening questionnaire must be completed. For Autism this is the Social Communication Screening Questionnaire for Parents. For ADHD this is the Snap Form.

Any professionals working with the child who have a good insight into their behaviour i.e. GP, social worker or speech and language can complete the questionnaire. In the absence of other professionals who know the child, a GP can complete providing they have observed them in clinic.

All professionals have access to MARS form, which is accessed via the following link Multi-Agency Request for Service Form

All referrals are sent to the Single Point of Access (SPOA) where they are screened by a mental health practitioner to make sure the referral information is appropriate to proceed. Once the initial checks are complete in the SPOA the referral is transferred to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) to begin the assessment pathway.

Not all referrals for an assessment end with a diagnosis. The practitioners completing the assessment will review all supporting referral information, along with their overall findings. They may conclude that your child does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis. If this is the case, you’ll receive a report from the practitioners which will explain their decision and signpost to relevant services or resources to assist you in supporting your child.

National Autistic Society

For information, advice and practical resources to support you before, during and after diagnosis, please visit

Support for Autistic Adults

For further support in Tameside for autistic adults please, click the button below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the diagnosis take?

Currently, the entire process can take up to 24 months, following a 12-week pre-referral process. Our aim of the new assessment format is for the diagnostic assessment will be completed in a shorter time-frame.

What if my child needs additional support before their assessment?

If you experience prolonged wait times, Tameside and Glossop Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), formerly Healthy Young Minds, is here to support your child through any periods of difficulty they may face.

To find out more about this process, and how to make a referral, please visit their NHS webpage.

Should I tell my child about their diagnosis?

At the MAAT team, we generally encourage parents and carers to talk to their children about their diagnosis of Autism, paying particular attention to their strengths. However, this will be discussed at your feedback appointment as we understand each child’s pathway is different. Any may benefit from a different approach of differing levels of information.

What happens if my child is not given a diagnosis of ASC?

After the assessment is completed, the MAAT Team examine all the information we have gathered and determine the outcome at a Formulation Meeting. The aim of the Formulation meeting is to identify the most likely explanation for your child’s behaviour and any difficulties they may be facing. The team may conclude that ASC is not an appropriate diagnosis as certain behaviours and difficulties can be better explained by something else.

The MAAT team will provide individualised strategies and recommendations that will enable you to further support your child.

If required, they will also suggest alternative diagnoses and refer your child for alternative assessments.

 

ADHD

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD is a condition that affects people’s behaviour.

Find more information about our Multi Agency Autism Team (MAAT) and ADHD Triage Panel