Dr. Louise Higgins:

In response to the Deputy's question around assessment and the PTA, the Psychological Society of Ireland, PSI, has developed updated professional guidelines on assessment of autism in children and young people, which is what we are talking about here. Since we know autism is a spectrum that is present at all ages, all cognitive abilities and language abilities and with co-occurring conditions, and because of the level of diversity within the autism spectrum, we are clear it is not a one-size-fits-all approach for assessment, but also for supports.

However, there are key components to an assessment. If we think about best practice guidelines, the key components are around there being a team approach to an assessment, reference to a classification system, and around the selection, use and interpretation of standardised measures. Given the variability of presentations, another key component, is having experienced clinicians. If those ingredients are put together, that is what we are saying are key components to an assessment. As I said, it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The Psychological Society of Ireland, PSI, argues that there is a set time for completing an assessment. Some assessments could be completed after a lengthier period and others may be completed more quickly. I want to be clear on this point; the preliminary team assessment, PTA, had very few of those, what we call, good key elements. There was no use of standardised measures so it was effectively a screening assessment that could not have met the criteria of doing what we know is best practice around giving a clear comprehensive assessment, identifying a child's difficulties and differences, and planning out the supports. Does that address the question?