Type of service: Child Development Centres (CDC), Diagnostic services

Website: http://www.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk

The service is for children from 3 to 16 years who live in Sheffield, where there are concerns about social communication difficulties affecting functioning or wellbeing. Children can be seen with queries as to Autism, Asperger syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Children under 3 should be referred to the Early Years Autism service (0114 2717608). Children from outside Sheffield can be seen for a second opinion, but no school visit can be offered.

Assessment procedure: A comprehensive history is taken and any necessary assessments and medical investigations are carried out. Motor, cognitive and language assessments are carried out either as part of initial visit or at subsequent attendance. Feedback is provided to parents by the team. A report will be provided which with parents consent can be shared with education.

Follow up service: Where a diagnosis of Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder is made parents can access the following: Parent Workshop sessions - two ½ day parent workshop sessions offer information and advice on strategies to support the child at home, including the use of visual approaches and social stories; Medical clinics; Psychology clinics.

Multi-disciplinary assessment: Clinical Psychologist; Speech And Language Therapist; Paediatrician.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child

Gender: All genders

Referral Sources: NHS Only

Specialisms: Exclusively autism specific

Approaches and tools used: DISCO