Type of service: Diagnostic services, Interventions and therapies, Social skills

Service URL: http://www.shsc.nhs.uk/sass

A national service for adults with autism spectrum disorder/Asperger syndrome./ADHD. Established since 1995 it provides diagnostic assessments for autism spectrum disorders and ADHD, post diagnostic support, psychometric assessments, specialist counselling and social skills groups. As a national service we have a wide range of experience and knowledge of supporting people with an ASD. .

The service also provides bespoke training packages for organisations, teams or individuals working with or providing support to individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A multi-disciplinary team of professionals can deliver a variety of training packages on ASD's, HFA, PDD-NOS and Atypical Autism). The training packages are suitable for: Health workers; Mental Health Services; Social workers; Day and residential care workers; Youth offending teams. The training can be adapted to suit the size and current experience of your team. .

Assessment procedure: The initial appointment for diagnostic assessment would be for two to three hours with either a consultant psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. The assessment is based on developmental history, clinical information provided by the referring clinician and presentation during the clinical assessment.

Follow up service: Subject to funding from the relevant NHS Trust. Follow up sessions can cover psycho-education regarding the neurodevelopmental condition, adjustments to education and employment, emotional management, family relationships, social skills, signposting to other services and more.

Multi-disciplinary assessment: No. Occasionally another professional may be in volved. For follow up and additional services members of the following professions are in the team: clinical psychology, psychiatry, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and counselling.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Adult

Referral Sources: NHS Only

Specialisms: Exclusively autism specific

Other specialisms: Forensics