Assessments

 

Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

 

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a term used to describe a collection of symptoms and behaviours that affect the way in which some people interpret and react to the environment around them. It's an umbrella term which includes autism, aspergers and pervasive developmental disorders. The cause is still unknown, although in some cases they can be passed down genetically. People with autism can also have a learning disability, ranging from those requiring very little support to lead an active life through to those requiring lifelong, specialist support.

 

At Animus Care we provide screening assessments for Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and we are in the process of developing a multi-disciplinary team to carry out full assessments in line with national guidelines. Our team is made up of several professionals including educational and clinical psychologists, a psychiatrist and a specialist teacher.

 

 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

 

The definition of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been updated in the fifth edition to more accurately characterise the experience of affected. ADHD is characterised by a pattern of behaviours, present in multiple settings (e.g school and home), that can result in performance issues in social, educational, or work settings. Symptoms are divided into two categories of inattention and hyperactivity and impulsivity that include behaviours such as failure to pay close attention to details, difficulty organising tasks and activities, excessive talking, fidgeting, or an inability to remain seated in appropriate situations.

 

At Animus Care we provide screening assessments for ADHD to help inform a diagnosis that will allow educational settings and famlies to employ specific strategies and interventions to support the young person.

 

 

Specific Learning Difficulties

 

Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) is an umbrella term that is given to a number of conditions that can have a negative impact on a person’s ability to learn. Of these conditions, dyslexia is regarded as the most common and high profile SpLD, however other conditions are included in this category including dyscalculia.

Children, young people and adults with Specific Learning Difficulties often require support from more than just educational resources.

 

At Animus Care we are committed to working in partnership to help diagnose and offer speicifc strategies to overcome the barriers to learning through reasonable adjustments.

 

 

Examination Access Arrangements

 

Access Arrangements

 

Access Arrangements are pre-examination adjustments for candidates based on evidence of need and normal way of working. Access Arrangements fall into two distinct categories: some arrangements are delegated to centres; others require prior JCQCIC awarding body approval.

 

At Animus Care we offer a bespoke educational assessment of candidates/learners with special educational needs, disabilities or temporary injuries. Our work allows access to assessment materials without changing the demands of the assessment. For example, readers and scribes. In this way Awarding Bodies will comply with the duty of the Equality Act 2010 to make 'reasonable adjustments'.

 

Reasonable Adjustments

 

The Equality Act 2010 requires an Awarding Body to make reasonable adjustments where a disabled person would be at a substantial disadvantage in undertaking an assessment.A reasonable adjustment for a particular person may be unique to that individual and may not be included in the list of available Access Arrangements.

 

At Animus Care, we are commited to offering training in the area of 'The Equality Act ' and its implications on educational settings. This training can be tailored to your spefic requirements for example; governors, support staff or teachers.

 

 

Disabled Student Allowance

 

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) are available if you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental-health condition or specific learning difficulty.

 

At Animus Care, we continue to offer this service of assessement to higher educational settings allowing students the opportunity to access and attend educational courses.

 

 

Behavioural Advice and Interventions

 

Animus Care Psychologists both assess and offer strategies in helping young people who are experiencing difficulties within an learning environment with the aim of reaching their potential. Barriers may include social or emotional difficulties or underlying learning difficulties. We work with individual clients or at group level, we offer advice to practitioners, parents, social care staff and other relevant professionals.

 

 

Adult Employment Assessments

 

Animus Care Psychologists work with an increasing range of partners work nationwide. We are able to offer a number of Adult Educational Assessments in:

 

• Adult cognitive assessments to help identify specific and general learning difficulties

• Adult assessments to explore their most suitable learning styles

• Screening Assessments covering Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Psychological Assessments to assess Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties