Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Photo by Bekir Dönmez

We provide a full range of services to support people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We work closely with Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Psychiatrists where applicable. We also have a specialist social worker who works with individuals and their families offering specific autism support. In addition to diagnostic assessment we offer therapy, training and consultancy to families and organisations. We also undertake consultancy work for the National Autistic Society (UK).   Our services include the following:

Diagnostic Assessment

We recognise the complexity of ASD and offer a comprehensive diagnostic service. The assessment usually includes:

  • A scheduled interview to obtain a developmental history from an informant (i.e. a parent if possible). We use the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) (Wing 2003). https://www.autism.org.uk/services/diagnosis/diagnostic/why.aspx
  • A series of psychological assessments exploring the individual’s strengths and difficulties.
  • A comprehensive report detailing an individual’s personal strengths and difficulties as well as outlining the diagnosis (if applicable) and recommendations.
  • We work with children, adolescents and adults. We are specialists in the assessment and diagnosis of  women and girls who suspect they may have ASD. We are very experienced in assessing people who have additional complex mental health difficulties which often co exist in people with ASD.

We do not require a referral from a GP.

Initial Consultations

We offer a 1 hour consultation if you are worried that you, or a family member, may be on the autistic spectrum.

The purpose of initial consultations:

  • You, or a family member, may be ambivalent about the helpfulness of a diagnosis and may require professional support to think through the pros and cons of a formal assessment.
  • The initial consultation can also be used for the purposes of screening to seek advice about whether to go ahead with a formal diagnosis.

Therapy

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Photo by Bekir Dönmez

We offer therapeutic interventions for individuals with ASD, couples and families.

Therapy includes help with:

  • Psycho education / post diagnosis work – e.g. what is ASD
  • Skills training including:
    • Emotional regulation
    • Improving empathy
    • Mindreading
    • Assertiveness
    • Problem solving
    • Social skills
    • Mindfulness / Identity
    • Couple/family work

Models used:

We work integratively drawing on a range of interventions including:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
  • Systemic Models
  • Behavioural Models

We are unable to accept any new referrals for therapy as we are full.