Type of service: Assessment, Diagnostic services, Interventions and therapies

Drs Rhian Jenkins and Rona Aldridge are both Clinical Psychologists with specialist expertise in the diagnosis and management of adults with autism spectrum conditions (ASCs). They both have an Honours Degree in Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy). They are registered as Practitioner Psychologists (Clinical) with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Both Dr Jenkins and Dr Aldridge have formal training in the administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). Dr Jenkins is trained to use the Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R). Dr Aldridge also has experience of assessing children for autism and is trained in the use of the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO). Dr Jenkins has additional specialist experience of working with adults with learning disabilities, in community and inpatient settings.

They can offer: Diagnostic assessments of autism spectrum conditions for individuals over 16 years old; Consultation to individuals and organisations regarding support at work and in education; Consultation and supervision to teams working with people with autism; Court assessments and reports Post diagnostic support and Therapeutic work with adults with ASC.

Assessments are normally completed across two appointments and include: the administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2); a detailed clinical interview looking at the quality of an individual's social functioning, social communication, interests, routines and repetitive behaviour across the course of their life; and the completion of two pre-assessment questionnaires. A 3rd feedback session is usually arranged to discuss the outcome of the assessment.

The assessment process includes seeing two clinicians (both Clinical Psychologists) for at least one of the assessment appointments. The assessment process adheres to the NICE clinical guidelines (Autism: recognition, referral, diagnosis and management of adults on the autism spectrum, 2012).

We accept referrals for private assessments from individuals and GP surgeries.

Assessment procedure: Across two appointments and include: the administration of the ADOS-2; and the completion of two pre-assessment questionnaires. A 3rd feedback session is usually arranged to discuss the outcome of the assessment. The assessment process includes seeing two clinicians (both Clinical Psychologists) for at least one of the assessment appointments.

Multi-disciplinary assessment: No.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child , Young person

Referral Sources: NHS and Private

Covers: Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan

Specialisms: Exclusively autism specific

Other specialisms: Challenging behaviour