Parental Perceptions of the Assessment of Autistic Spectrum Disorders in a Tier Three Service

Background: Little is known about the satisfaction of the parents of children receiving child and adolescent mental health services in general, and autistic spectrum services in particular. Method: This audit examined parent and carer perceptions of the Autistic Spectrum Disorder assessments undertaken by the multi-agency team in a Tier Three CAMHS in Manchester. Forty families completed a brief questionnaire. Results: The majority of parents and carers reported satisfaction with the service (95%), although responses highlighted areas in both the assessment process and the service facilities that needed improvement. Conclusions: Useful information with both local and national applications can be gathered quickly in an easily replicated manner. Key Practitioner Message: A service for children with autistic spectrum disorders was developed A researcher used a questionnaire to evaluate satisfaction with the service Most parents were satisfied with a small number unsatisfied with the length of the process and the facilities Recommendations included a leaflet sent to parents and carers before the assessment describing the process