The Centre works with children and young people age 0-18 years that may have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The multi-disciplinary team provides a national second opinion assessment and diagnostic service on complex or contentious cases for children and young people, which includes a consultation only service for professionals on request. In addition to this the centre offers an intensive parent-based early years intervention programme for pre-school children who have a diagnosis of autism focusing on the core areas of social interaction, communication, imagination, and flexibility of behaviour as well as providing parent counselling and support with issues around eating, sleeping and toileting.

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Early Years Intervention 

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Referrals will only be accepted for children:

• Prior to their 4th birthday

• Who have a diagnosis of autism

• Who do not have a significant global delay

• Who present with persistent inflexible behaviours

• Whose families are motivated and in a position to attend regularly

Therapy focuses on the core areas of difficulty in autism. The aim is to help each child become more flexible in their behaviour and more able to access learning from their social environment. Frequency and length of treatment offered is dependent on individual need.

Parents play a central role in intervention and are encouraged to use strategies and techniques they learn at the Centre, at home and throughout their daily life. Staff also provide supportive counselling, enabling parents and other family members to understand more about autism in relation to their child.