We see children up to the age of 12 and their families who are under the care of a paediatrician in the Child Development Centre for Autism Spectrum Condition assessments, behaviour support and difficulties with feeding and sleep.
We also see children and families up to the age of 19 who are coping with chronic and physical health conditions.
Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) assessments
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.
