Type of service: Assessment, Diagnostic services, Speech and Language Therapists (independent)

Small Talk Ltd can offer an independent service for the assessment and diagnosis of possible autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to children in South Staffordshire. They have a team including a Specialist Speech & Language Therapist and Clinical Psychologist. Children can be seen more quickly if parents want a choice. The team see children and parents at home and in school or nursery, interview staff and carry out assessments of the children. They also meet with parents to fully discuss findings and recommendations tailored to the child and family's need. They can then direct to National Health Service (NHS) and education services or provide after-care as appropriate. As with local NHS guidelines, Small Talk Ltd require the children to have seen the Paediatrician first. Small Talk have launched a website of Speech and Language Therapy resources for parents. You can search for the relevant products by selecting the child's area of difficulty or by their age. There are also advice and information sheets at www.speechtherapyactivities.co.uk.

Assessment procedure: Diagnostic tools are exactly the same as the NHS (the Clinical Psychologist does this for North Staffordshire PCT).

Follow up service: Tailored recommendations and signposting to appropriate NHS/education services, or provide after-care.

Multi-disciplinary assessment: Yes. Clinical Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy. Also have access to Specialist Teachers, Early Years experts and Play Therapists.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Adult , Child , Young person

Referral Sources: NHS and Private

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements, Staff and volunteers get autism awareness training

Other specialisms: Learning disability