Diagnosis and Assessment

Sutherland House Children and Young People's Services has its own specialist diagnostic and assessment facility, the Elizabeth Newson Centre. The centre specialises in the assessment of children with disorders of development and communication and accepts referrals from all over the UK. Children and their families usually visit the centre for a play-based assessment but arrangements can be made to see children in other settings where this is felt to be more appropriate. The views of local professionals are sought as part of the process and they may also attend to observe and contribute to assessments if parents give their permission.

Funding of the assessment is usually through Primary Care Trusts or Local Authorities with a small number of charitable or independently funded assessments.

The team based at the Elizabeth Newson Centre are also involved in assessments of children referred as admissions to Sutherland House School and in the ongoing monitoring of pupils behaviour.