Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)

What is an Autism Spectrum Condition?

Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) are a range of related developmental disorders that begin in childhood and persist throughout adulthood.  ASC is the new umbrella term used to describe conditions including Asperger's Syndrome, Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. 

ASCs can cause a wide range of symptoms, which are grouped into three broad categories:

• Problems and difficulties with social interaction, such as a lack of understanding and awareness of other people's emotions and feelings.
• Impaired language and communication skills, such as delayed language development and an inability to start conversations or take part in them properly.
• Unusual patterns of thought and physical behaviour. This includes making repetitive physical movements, such as hand tapping or twisting. The child develops set routines of behaviour, which can upset the child if the routines are broken.

Assessment

The "gold standard" approach to the assessment of ASCs places an emphasis on multi-professional input, but in practice this is often difficult to arrange even within established NHS services. As a consequence, diagnoses are often made by professionals in isolation, or are not made at all. 

PSP offers a comprehensive assessment service for young people and adults where there are queries around Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC).  Our broad range of experience means that we are able to provide a combination of clinical and educational assessments that highlight a person's strengths as well as difficulties.

View our ASC Assessment Packages

Therapy and consultation

 PSP can provide support to families who have received a diagnosis from other organisations, or where we have undertaken as assessment ourselves.  Learn more about this support.

Our Lead Professionals for ASC

Dr Simon Bird is a Clinical Psychologist working both independently and within the NHS. He has formal training in the use of the Austism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), in addition to 10 years experience of interview-based assessment approaches.

Dr Jonathan Jones is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist working with adults with an ASC. He has formal training in the DISCO assessment interview and has been involved in the diagnosis and treatment of people with ASCs for over 10 years.

Links

National Autistic Society (NAS) - general site http://www.autism.org.uk/ - the UK's main ASC-specific support organisation. A great starting point for families or individuals with questions about Autism Spectrum Conditions

NAS services directory http://www.autism.org.uk/directory.aspx - a comprehensive list of resources for people with an ASC and their families, searchable by area and type of input required

Wrong Planet.net http://www.wrongplanet.net/ - a web community designed for individuals (and parents / professionals of those) with Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD, PDDs, and other neurological differences