Autism is a spectrum condition that influences how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. People with autism may have difficulties with social interaction, communication, rigid thinking and repetitive behaviour.
Families who have concerns about a child should speak to their GP who can make a referral to a paediatrician (a doctor who manages health conditions affecting infants, children and young people). The paediatrician will listen to their concerns and consider a referral to our team for a full assessment.
The Autism Assessment Team has very limited involvement after assessment. Instead, we will make recommendations and a copy of our report is sent to all relevant professionals. We will sometimes make referrals on to other services that we think would be helpful for your child or family.
For further information about Autism, please see the following website: autism.org.uk
Behaviour support
We meet with children and families to offer advice and support on managing behaviour for children with a neurodevelopmental disability or chronic health condition.
Sleep support
We offer assessment and support with managing sleep difficulties to develop better sleep habits for children with a neurodevelopmental disability or chronic health condition.
Feeding or eating difficulties
We meet with children and families to provide support with adjusting to a different diet associated with a health condition and managing feeding difficulties due to sensory issues.
Adjustment to diagnosis or illness
We support a wide range of difficulties relating to different medical conditions, such as:
- Difficult feelings such as distress, anxiety or low mood relating to a medical condition or treatment
- Coping with treatments that a young person and family may feel worried about or find difficult, including coping with needles, taking tablets, having surgery and other medical tests
- Coping with how a young person’s condition affects their life, including school, family and friendships
- Managing symptoms such as pain, tiredness and bodily changes
- Managing the transition to a specialist adult service
Cognitive assessment
Medical teams sometimes find it helpful to gain an understanding of a child’s learning needs and thinking skills (e.g. memory, attention, verbal skills) to help with the management of a health condition. Our team can support this by assessing a child and making recommendations for support and suggesting strategies that will help improve quality of life.
- Brili – Brili helps kids succeed in their daily routines by combining visual schedules, voice prompts and more into a mobile app game
- Catch It – Learn how to look at problems in a different way, turn negative thoughts into positive ones and improve mental wellbeing
- Chill Panda – Learn to relax and manage your worries
- Clear Fear – Anxiety management
- Cove – Create a piece of music to explain how you are feeling
- eQuoo: Emotional Fitness Game – Create an avatar and learn emotional skills and psychological hacks
- Headspace – Relaxation and meditation
- PZIZZ – Aims to help you stop your mind racing, get to sleep and stay asleep
- SuperBetter – Helps to build resilience
Anxiety UK
AWARE (Airedale and Wharfedale Autism Resource)
Bradford Bereavement Support
Childline (for children and teenagers)
Cruse Bereavement Care
- Phone: 0808 808 1677 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)
- cruse.org.uk
First Response Bradford
For urgent mental health support
Mind – Guide-line Bradford
A confidential telephone helpline providing support and guidance
Samaritans
Providing emotional support to anyone in distress
Winston’s wish
A child bereavement support service
Young Minds
Phone line for parents seeking guidance to support young people
Our talented and compassionate staff help care for a diverse population, making Bradford a special place to work. Choosing the right people is key to our success. If you think you’ve got what it takes to join us, please email careers@bthft.nhs.uk to discover more about our latest opportunities.
How can I access the service?
Young people are usually referred by their paediatrician or another member of their healthcare team, such as a specialist nurse.
Is there a waiting time for appointments?
We will try to see you as soon as possible; however, due to the high demand for our services there is likely to be a wait for an appointment. If there is a wait, we will try to let you know how long this is likely to be.
How many sessions will I have?
The number of sessions people need varies. This will be discussed and decided between families and the clinician. It is very important that families attend planned sessions with clinicians in order for them to be as effective as possible. If a session needs to be cancelled, it is important the department is informed as soon as possible using the contact details provided on the appointment letter.
Where will I be seen?
Outpatient appointments are mainly held in the Child Development Centre at St Luke’s Hospital in Bradford. Inpatients may be seen on the ward, in a private room where possible.
What about confidentiality?
Confidentiality is very important to us. For more information see Confidentiality in Clinical Health Psychology (pdf).
Can you provide an interpreter?
If English is not your first language we are able to provide an interpreter for sessions to allow families and clinicians to communicate more effectively. Our interpreters are employed by Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and work within the same confidentiality boundaries as us. Families should let us know if this support is required when they are referred.
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