Do you think you or someone you know may have an Autism Spectrum Disorder? 

Did you know Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is more common that you think? The latest research suggests that ASD affects 1 in 10 people in the UK.

We offer both ASD diagnostic assessments and specialist therapy for people with an ASD. We work across the lifespan from childhood to older adults.

ASD is the name for a group of developmental disorders which also includes what used to be called Asperger's syndrome. ASD includes a wide range, “a spectrum,” of symptoms, skills, and levels of difficulty. It is not a learning disability but sometimes the symptoms can make learning difficult.

These are some of the symptoms of ASD (please note: not one person we have met with ASD is exactly the same)

Social communication / interaction difficulties may include:

• Have difficulties with back and forth conversations
• Struggle to make small talk and knowing what to say
• Find eye contact uncomfortable
• Have difficulty reading social situations
• Find other peoples facial expressions hard to read or have facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said
• May say the wrong thing a lot
• Have difficulty understanding social rules
• Often talk at length about a favourite subject without noticing that others are not interested or without giving others a chance to respond
• Have trouble understanding another person’s point of view or being unable to predict or understand other people’s actions.
• Rarely sharing enjoyment by pointing or showing things to others
• Respond in an unusual way when others show anger, distress, or affection

Restrictive / repetitive behaviour may include:

• Have strict or unusual routines that they do repeadly
• Have overly focused interests that may impact on getting other things done
• Have a lasting, intense interest in certain topics, such as numbers, details, or facts.
• Get upset by a slight change in a routine

Sensory Sensitivities

People with ASD may have other difficulties, such as being very sensitive to light, noise, clothing, smell, taste or temperature.

Strengths and abilities

It is important to highlight that having ASD can also be a strength and people can lead very content and happy lives. 

Strengths can include:

• Having above-average intelligence
• Being able to learn things in detail and remember information for long periods of time
• Have a fantastic eye for detail
• Very logical
• Being strong visual and auditory learners
• Exceling in math, science, music, or art
• Have the ability to focus on one topic for long lengths of time

We believe that is important to nurture someone's strengths and provide support for symptoms that may be impacting on someone's day to day quality of life.

All of our diagnostic assessments use specialist tools recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE). At the end of the assessment you will receive an in-depth report detailing how we reached our conclusion and recommendations for further support.

Please contact us further for information about our diagnostic assessments and psychological therapy.