Diagnostic services

The Lorna Wing Centres for Autism are internationally recognised for their pioneering work in the diagnosis of autism and related conditions.

Our Centres are named after Dr Lorna Wing, who was involved in our charity from its very earliest days, and co-founded our first centre in Kent with Dr Judith Gould in 1991. It was set up because parents of children suspected to be autistic, as well as other related conditions, often had major problems accessing a diagnostic assessment or an explanation for their child's behaviour.

In 2017, we opened our second Lorna Wing Centre for Autism in Chigwell, Essex to help with increasing demand for high quality and bespoke diagnostic services.

What services do we offer?

We offer a range of specialist diagnostic and assessment services for children, young people and adults, using the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) framework. We also offer autism diagnostic training for qualified professionals with our clinical team.

: This consultation service is available to parents who are concerned that their child or young person has an autism spectrum disorder and are seeking advice on whether or not pursue a diagnostic assessment now or in the future.

Children and adults, together with their parents or carers are seen for a whole or half day. We take a detailed developmental history using the DISCO framework. This is a semi-structured interview designed to find out about the person's history up to current day-to-day functioning. At the same time, we carry out an in-depth assessment with the child or adult concerned. We also collect information from previous assessments and any other relevant sources.

We bring together all this information to formulate a clear diagnosis and recommendation of needs and prepare in-depth reports. We take care to consider the interventions already in place and think about where it might be possible to endorse current practice. If we think further intervention or new options for a person are necessary, we give guidance for consideration.

What do we specialise in?

Mental health co-morbidity
Learning disability co-morbidity
Forensic complexities
Women and girls
Second or third opinions

NHS

Commissioned NHS referral by a medical professional funded by local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs)

Local authority

Commissioned referral and funding by block contract with a public sector service

Self-referral

Self-referrals can be self-funded or paid for by private healthcare provider with their agreement

Make an enquiry

What is the DISCO framework?

Meet the team at the Lorna Wing Centres

Our centres are designed to have a homely and relaxed atmosphere. Our spaces are autism-friendly with: adjustable lighting, a private garden and access to sensory equipment.

Lorna Wing Centre, Kent

Lorna Wing Centre, Essex

Locations

The Lorna Wing Centre for Autism, Essex, The National Autistic Society - Enterprise Campus, Luxborough Lane, Chigwell, Essex, IG7 5AB

The Lorna Wing Centre for Autism, Kent, Elliot House, 113 Masons Hill, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9HT

Diagnostic services

About the Lorna Wing Centres

What services do we offer?

Pre-diagnostic consultations

Diagnostic assessments for children, young people and adults

What do we specialise in?

How do referrals work?