Chester Autism Services Ltd (Trading as Reach Autism Services)

Reach Autism Services: bespoke autism assessments across Cheshire and North Wales

Reach Autism Services, the trading name of Chester Autism Services Ltd, operates as a Northwest Autism Assessment Service covering Cheshire, Liverpool, Wirral and North Wales. The service provides bespoke autism assessments for children, adolescents and adults across the lifespan, from the age of three onwards. It states that it is fully compliant with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines and that it uses a strengths-based, neuro-affirmative approach that embraces neurodiversity.

Assessment formats and coverage

Assessments are offered online or face to face in the Chester, North East Wales and North West England areas. In-person assessments take place at a clinic space in Chester. For adult clients, fully remote online assessments can be offered where this is a suitable option, including for people who wish to access autism services nationally.

Diagnostic tools and clinical method

The practitioners described as highly qualified use standardised diagnostic assessment tools referred to as gold standard and globally recognised, specifically the ADOS-2, ADI-R, RAADS and ACIA, applied where appropriate. The stated aim is to complete a comprehensive and robust assessment process that meets each individual's needs.

A strengths-based profile and post-diagnostic support

The service frames individuals through a strengths-based lens, seeking to understand a full range of qualities and skills in order to build a profile specific to the person or their child. As part of the assessment process, clients are given needs-based individual recommendations and advice on next steps. There is also the opportunity to meet the clinician who leads the assessment to discuss queries and questions about next steps. This can include after-care guidance and support sessions and advocacy, which the service describes as particularly helpful for families navigating access to wider support through local agencies and services.

Neurodiversity and language

The provider situates its work within the neurodiversity movement, citing Knapp et al (2013) on the movement's challenge to the medical model's interest in causation and cure and its celebration of autism as an inseparable aspect of identity. It describes neurodiversity as a natural and healthy part of human biodiversity, given the infinite variation in neurocognitive functioning within the human population, and describes autism as a neurological variation encompassing a wide range of presentations and experiences, a neurological and developmental condition that defines how an individual experiences and understands the world around them. The service states that it uses identity-first language that recognises strengths and qualities, prioritises respect and holds personhood as central to improving outcomes for future wellbeing.