WHAT IS AUTISM?
Autism is a developmental condition which can cause a wide range of issues around how a person communicates and interacts with others.
There are various names used to describe autism and related conditions, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Asperger Syndrome or Asperger’s.
It is thought that upwards of 1 in 100 people are on the autism spectrum. Although the exact causes of Autism aren’t known, it is widely believed that both genetic and environmental factors have a role.
To find out whether you or a loved one may require an Autism diagnosis, you can access our fees and availability and book an appointment through the link below:
SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM
Signs and symptoms of Autism vary widely, which is why Autism diagnosis should only be carried out by experts, but can include one or more of the following:
- Social issues
- Problems with sleep
- Unexpected behaviour in social situations
- Obsessive or preoccupied behaviour towards specific topics
- Lack of empathy
- Behavioural issues
- Unusual tone of voice
- Severe anxiety
- Delayed speech
- Repetitive speech or motion
Symptoms of Autism usually start in early childhood and persist into adulthood, although the way in which these symptoms present themselves can change as a person gets older.
Although many people are diagnosed as children with a Child Autism Assessment, this is not true for everyone. Many people only notice Autistic traits as they get older, and an Adult Autism Assessment can help in this case.
The ASD Assessments which our expert psychiatrists carry out will also look into related conditions. It is very common for someone diagnosed with Autism to also have other related mental health issues.
To access our fees and availability and to book an appointment, please follow the link below and begin the booking process:
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
It can be daunting to reach out for help with Autism testing, but when the difficulties associated with Autism are impacting on your daily life, or that of your child, it can be helpful to speak with a Psychiatrist specialising in Autism diagnosis.
There are many Autism testing tools and processes available, and not all are suitable for each person. This is why it is important for autism assessments to be bespoke and developed around your specific difficulties. Our psychiatrists will take into account factors such as your physical health, family history and impact of symptoms. Particular attention will be paid to comorbidities – related conditions (such as anxiety or mood disorder) so that the diagnosis is made as accurately as possible.
Following an Autism Diagnosis, your psychiatrist will consider your individual needs when suggesting any kind of treatment plan to manage your specific symptoms. This Autism treatment plan will be personalised to you. Although an “Autism cure” doesn’t exist, with support it is possible to lessen the impact of many associated symptoms.
