ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS
Assessment and diagnosis helps prevent behavioural labels. It develops a more appropriate (and accurate) understanding of the individual, their strengths and needs.
Asante FASD and Other Neurodevelopmental Services offers assessments for:
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD);
Complex developmental behavioural conditions (called Complex Child and Youth (CCY) or complex needs)
We do NOT currently offer assessments for:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Mental Health or Psychiatric concerns. Our team will query mental health concerns as part of a FASD or CCY assessment, but this is not the focus of our assessments.
Comprehensive Psychology assessments (i.e., Psych-Ed). Our waitlist has been paused for this service.
Many families seek services during transition periods such as elementary or high-school entry, pre-adoption, or transition to adulthood. If developmental diversities have ever been questioned for a person, an assessment should be considered at any age. If the person is doing well, an assessment may still be an important consideration to help ensure the person continues to do well.
The staff at Asante work with individuals, families and advocates to develop detailed plans for the future care of the child, youth or adult. We recognize the value of the unique experiences of families, care workers and advocates, and all are welcome to participate in the planning process at the discretion of the family.
DO YOU NEED A REFERRAL FOR AN ASSESSMENT?
You do not need a referral for a private assessment with us. Private assessments are paid by the client, family or another community agency approved to pay for it. Please note that we have recently re-opened the waitlist for new referrals for private assessments. Please email asante@plea.bc.ca or call 604-467-7101 for more information.
We have some non-private referral options, including:
MCFD Youth Probation Services
Provincial (BC Corrections) Custody Services
Community Living BC (through local facilitators)
Xyolhemeylh (Fraser Valley Aboriginal Child & Family Services)
Provincial Health Services - Sunny Hill Hospital
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM AN ASSESSMENT?
What is involved in an assessment?
The length of an assessment and the professionals seen depends on the type of assessment being performed. Typical components include:
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Complex Child and Youth (CCY)/Complex Behavioural Developmental Conditions (CDBC) - 1) Medical assessment 2) Psychology assessment 3) Speech-Language assessment, and 4) Results Meeting.
Other Private Assessments - May include a medical assessment, or speech-language assessment, or a combination of both.
What can I expect to happen at the assessment?
Medical Assessment
A pediatrician or other medical doctor will complete an evaluation of the person as well as an interview with family members to discuss prenatal, family, and medical history. The doctor wants to understand the person's health, as well as any influences on his or her development.
Fine and gross motor skills, reflexes, height, weight and hearing will all be tested. The evaluation lasts about 20-30 minutes, and the family interview lasts up to an hour.
The person will be able to keep on all of their clothing, and gets to decide if he or she wants a caregiver or other support person in the room. There are never any needles involved. The Centre does not prescribe medication.
Psychology Assessment
A psychologist or psychology assessment clinician works with the person to help understand his or her abilities in multiple areas, such as memory, visual and verbal problem-solving, core academics, cognition, and executive functioning. This appointment generally lasts 4-5 hours, depending on the person.
The psychology evaluation can be a tiring appointment, as it is designed to measure the person's maximum abilities in different areas. The person is encouraged to take breaks as needed.
The clinician will also complete an adaptive functioning interview with a caregiver or close support person to understand the person's daily living skills. This interview may take up to 1.5 hours.
The psychology assessment helps determine if the person will be eligible for disability services, as well as helping the person and his or her support system better understand the individual's needs and abilities.
Speech-Language Assessment
The speech-language pathologist will work with the person to measure his or her understanding of language, use of language, verbal reasoning and use of speech sounds. This appointment focuses on social language, and helps us understand how the person will be able to engage in services and other community settings.
Results Meeting
The person receiving the assessment, their family members and support people will meet with the Asante Centre team to talk about the results of the assessment. All of the testing results are shared at this time, including the medical, psychology and speech-language testing. The final diagnosis, as appropriate, is also shared and discussed.
With the help of all individuals present at the meeting, a list of recommendations for care is made. These recommendations are designed to be specific to the individual and will help them to be more successful in the community and in their own life. Eligibility for services is discussed at this time.
It is up to the person and their family who will be invited to participate in this meeting. Final diagnostic and assessment reports will be distributed as per the referral stream contract and in agreement with the person and their family.
Where does the assessment happen?
Assessments are usually carried out at the Centre office in downtown Maple Ridge. We are sometimes able to offer outreach clinics to other communities, when there are several clients referred from the same region. We are a small, client and family-focused organization.
How long does the assessment take?
A full assessment for FASD or other complex developmental needs takes approximately two days to complete, depending on the age of the person and any previous assessments.
Appointments may be scheduled in combination or separately, depending on the needs of the client and the availability of the assessment team.
What happens after an assessment?
The Asante assessment team gathers the findings of the assessment, including the diagnostic testing results and recommendations for care, and develops a report. The report shares the results for an increased understanding of the individual, as well as to help the individual and family advocate for services. Reports are generally released to the legal guardian or adult client, as well as the original referring agent; however, this varies depending on how the person is referred, and will be discussed at the time of intake.
What about support?
Support services are provided for individuals and their families throughout the assessment process. Preparing for an assessment can be a major step for the family of a person with developmental delays; Asante assists families prepare by starting a dialogue about the process and providing emotional support.
During an assessment, the Asante team helps families and care providers to understand the individual's strengths and challenges. The team provides encouragement and hope, through dialoguing, listening, and acknowledging grief.
