Type of service: Assessment, Diagnostic services, Family support and information services, Interventions and therapies, Local groups, Occupational Therapists (independent), Play and leisure, Social skills, Speech and Language Therapists (independent)

Website: http://www.smoothstartsplus.co.uk

Smooth Starts Plus was set up by three local therapists Sam Gately (Occupational Therapist) Dr Sarah Hobson (Clinical Psychologist) and Dr Vicky Tozer (Clinical Psychologist). The service is independent and supports children and young people aged 0-25 years and their families, specialising in: autism spectrum conditions, brain injury, global developmental delay, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attachment difficulties and dyspraxia. Smooth Starts Plus aims to provide a range of high quality therapy services for families and children in South Wales. We currently offer support groups, activity sessions, diagnostic assessment and intervention programmes. Our team has established close connections with local charities and organisations, and is able to draw upon a group of experienced associate therapists who are able to provide additional services such as speech and language therapy as needed. There will be a full and varied daily timetable at the Therapy Centre, including weekends. Current and upcoming groups based at the centre include: Assessment Clinics, Sibling Support Group and Dad's Group. We run a Friday club for children during the summer holidays, Sensory Circuits, Music and Fishing, Vocational Skills and Horse Riding. Future groups will include: Social Skills, Anxiety Management and Relaxation Fostering Changes Pre-schoolers coffee morning, Touch Trust, Allotment Group. Individual support, assessment and intervention programmes will run alongside the weekly timetable. The early intervention sessions are not every morning but do run throughout the week. Smooth Starts Plus are launching brand new pre-school therapeutic sessions for children aged 2-5 years at our Integrated Therapy Centre at Walnut Tree Farm, St. Brides. The sessions are held Monday to Friday 9.45am-11.30am, fees £15 per session. Behaviours that challenge is an area of specialism. Functional assessments and bespoke intensive programmes are also available and overseen by the Clinical Team.

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Multi-disciplinary assessment: Professions involved: Psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, speech and language therapist.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Adult sibling, Child , Child/adolescent sibling, Parent/carer of a child, Parent/carer of an adult, Young person

Gender: All genders

Referral Sources: NHS and Private

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements

Other specialisms: Challenging behaviour, Learning disability

Approaches and tools used: ADI-R, ADOS, DISCO