Type of service: Diagnostic services, Interventions and therapies

We are a non-profit-making organisation providing assessments and interventions for children and adults with potential autism spectrum conditions. As a highly experienced team of consultant psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and speech and language therapists, we are trained and experienced in the use of standardised diagnostic tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), and provide standardised Psychometric assessments (WISC, WAIS) and Speech and Language assessments such as the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF). We offer individualised interventions, and provide liaison with other professionals, schools/nurseries, and work environments. We normally meet people in our clinic rooms in Gosforth, but can travel to families if necessary. We also work into a variety of settings, including: home, school/college, clinic community bases, Children's/Family Centres, GP practice, local office spaces.

Assessment procedure: Our assessment process is multi-disciplinary and includes: Developmental History taken from parents, at home with child School/Nursery observation and/or liaison Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) Psychometric Assessment Speech and Language Assessment Sensory Processing Assessment .

Follow up service: Meetings with families. We are happy to stay involved for as long as families feel this is useful, continuing to provide follow up input if appropriate, and/or referring to other agencies better placed to support families. .

Multi-disciplinary assessment: Yes, involving clinical psychology, psychiatry and speech and language therapy. We have a multi-disciplinary meeting to discuss all of the information gathered, and reach a conclusion about whether or not a diagnosis is made. We also spend time deciding what the strengths and needs of each child are, and what action is appropriate.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child

Referral Sources: Private Only

Covers: North East

Specialisms: Exclusively autism specific, Staff and volunteers get autism awareness training

Other specialisms: Challenging behaviour, Learning disability

Registrations and professional qualifications: Dr Lucy Walker, Principal Chartered Clinical Psychologist, CPsychol, DClinPsy, BSc (Hons). Dr Lynn Barrett, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, MB, BCh BAO, FRCPsych. Dr Jacqueline Palombella, Chartered Clinical Psychologist DClinPsy, BSc (Hons). Dr Hayley Atkinson, Principal Clinical Psychologist, DClinPsy, MSc, BSc (Hons).

Approaches and tools used: ADOS