FAQ's
Here are some of our most frequently asked questions...
Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions that need answering.
What does it Cost?
Our service is competitive and offers the best value for service in the southern UK. Please email us for more information.
We are reimbursed by BUPA and some employers.
How do referrals work?
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Through your GP: your GP may commission a referral through the NHS by making a case to your local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). This a specific pathway and not part of Patient Choice
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Through your local authority who may commission and fund and assessment in specific circumstances.
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Through a self-referral which can be self-funded or paid for by a private health card provider with their agreement.
What Autism Assessments are used?
Our professionally accredited assessor will use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) techniques, both of which are nationally recognised assessments.
ADOS-2 is a protocol that consists of a series of structured and semi-structured tasks involving interaction between the examiner and the subject. The examiner observes and identifies segments of the subject's behavior and assigns these to predetermined observational categories. The observations are categorised to produce quantitative scores that will allow the potential diagnosis of autism or related autism spectrum disorders, allowing a standardized assessment of autistic symptoms.
ADI-R is a complimentary assessment and comprises a structured interview conducted with the parents of the referred individual and covers the subject's full developmental history.
What causes Autism?
The cause of Autism is not known however researchers are linking a genetic component.
Is there a cure for Autism?
Autism is where your brain develops differently to non-autistic people. It is not an illness and there is no cure.
If you're autistic, a GP or local autism team may suggest approaches that can help you to:
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develop daily living skills
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develop communication skills
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manage other physical or mental health conditions, such as pain or anxiety
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manage harmful behaviours
Are ADHD and Autism related?
ASD has many similarities to ADHD, but there are also differences between the two. Can a person be diagnosed with both ADHD and ASD? More than half of all individuals who have been diagnosed with ASD also have signs of ADHD. In fact, ADHD is the most common coexisting condition in children with ASD.
Is Autism caused by trauma?
Trauma itself doesn't cause autism. Autism is primarily thought to have a genetic and neurodevelopmental basis. However, early traumatic experiences or extreme stress can sometimes lead to behaviors or symptoms that might resemble autism, but these are often a response to the trauma, not a cause of autism.
Can Autism worsen with age?
As people get older, they may face new stressors related to work, relationships, or health issues that can trigger or worsen their symptoms. In addition, certain medical conditions or medications used to treat other conditions can also affect the severity of autism symptoms.
Will Autism go away?
As a developmental disorder, autism has no known cure. Though this could change in the years to come, there's nothing available over the counter or as a prescription that can rid anyone of ASD. It'll last for the entirety of one's life.