Autism Assessment
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects more than 1 in 100 people in the UK
700,000 people are estimated to be living with a diagnosis of ASD in the UK. Research suggests that autism is more prevalent in males than females, with a ratio of 5:1 living with the condition in the UK.
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Treatment options for ASD
There is no cure for autism at present. However, there are a number of treatment options available that aim to improve the various problems resulting from the condition.
We are proud to offer specialist ASD assessments in the world-renowned Harley Street Medical Area within two weeks of enquiry. Our consultants have extensive experience in the NHS and private sector and provide outstanding clinical expertise at an affordable price.
Multi-disciplinary team of child mental health experts
Our private Autism Center is led by Dr Dimitrios Paschos, Consultant Psychiatrist in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Dr Paschos is supported by a multi-disciplinary team of Consultant Paediatricians, Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Speech and Language Therapists. Our child and adolescent specialists work in collaboration with a child and their family to provide bespoke treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes for children with ASD.
Innovative treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
ESDM is an evidenced-based, early-intervention program used to treat toddlers with ASD. The model was developed at the UC Davis Mind Institute of the University of California and uses intensive play-based activities embedded into daily routines.
Acknowledged as one of the top 10 medical breakthroughs in 2012, it is designed to enhance language, non-verbal communication, self-care and motor skills. A number of published studies have demonstrated improvement in the cognitive skills, IQ, language and social behaviour of young children with autism, enrolled in the programme. The model is widely used in the USA, Canada, Australia and France and we are delighted to be one of the first centers in the UK to provide the model to children with ASD.
Diagnosing ASD
Like with all mental health conditions, it’s important to get a diagnosis as early as possible. The earlier the intervention, the more successful the outcome could be, having an important impact on the trajectory of a child’s future. Early intervention is important because younger children’s brains are still developing. This means that they are very malleable, enabling the quick acquisition of cognitive, motor and social skills.
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Our experts understand that it is sometimes difficult to recognise the early symptoms of autism. Some possible early signs of the condition in babies and toddlers include:
- No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by 6 months or thereafter
- Minimal back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by 9 months
- No babbling by 12 months
- Limited back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months
- No words by 16 months
- Lack of meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months
- Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills, at any age
If you think your child is presenting with any of these symptoms, we’d recommend speaking to a specialist