In our latest blog post, Marguerite Hayes, who runs The Big E, an education advocacy service, explains the difference between a diagnostic assessment and an assessment of need.
What is an assessment of need?
An assessment of need focuses on identifying the requirements or challenges faced by a child or young person. It aims to determine what interventions or support are necessary to address specific issues or enhance wellbeing. This type of assessment often examines a broad range of factors, including social, emotional, physical, and environmental aspects that may impact a child or young person.
It is typically carried out after a diagnosis (but not always), and its primary goal is to assess the individual’s everyday needs, challenges, and strengths to determine what services or accommodations are necessary.
The outcome informs the development of plans, programs, or interventions tailored to meet the child or young person’s needs.
How is this different?
A diagnostic assessment aims to identify specific conditions based on an individual’s presenting areas of strengths, needs and differences. It focuses on making a formal diagnosis or classification based on established criteria or guidelines.
For example, a diagnostic assessment for autism is the process of determining whether an individual meets criteria based on established guidelines (such as those in the DSM-V). The focus is on identifying whether the person has, for example autism, based on the presence of specific traits and behaviours.
Summary of differences:
Purpose: A diagnostic assessment confirms a diagnosis; an assessment of need focuses on the individual’s specific support requirements.
Timing: A diagnostic assessment is typically done first to confirm a diagnosis; an assessment of need is usually (but not always) done after assessment, to plan for support and interventions.
Focus: A diagnostic assessment looks at core characteristics of the diagnosis, while an assessment of need evaluates a broader range of factors, including physical, emotional, educational, and social needs.
Both assessments are important, but they serve different roles in the overall understanding and support of the diagnosis.
The Gesher Assessment Centre offers diagnostic assessments for autism, ADHD, dyspraxia and cognitive learning difficulties. Assessments include a range of standardised questionnaires and tests such as ADOS-2, ADI-R, 3di5, SRS, Qb-check, Conners-4, and Young Diva 5.
The Gesher Assessment Centre works closely with a network of colleagues including Marguerite Hayes at The Big E. Marguerite Hayes offers assessments of needs for children and young people with SEN.