Social Communication Disorders

Our Social Communication Disorders Department sees children from Sheffield aged up to 16 with social communication difficulties and conditions such as:

• Autism
• Asperger syndrome
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Pervasive developmental disorder

Assessments

Children up to 3-4 years old are assessed initially in the Communication Clinic by a paediatrician and followed up by members of our team in either the child’s own nursery or at Ryegate play sessions.

This is followed by further assessment by a clinical psychologist, speech therapist or autism teacher before the team concludes the assessment and a diagnosis is reached.

This process takes around four to six months.

For older children a focussed assessment of the child’s language and social communication is performed via detailed discussion with parents/carers and direct assessment of the child. Feedback from school is important and input from the Autism Teaching Service may be requested.

A report detailing the assessment is provided which parents can share with education professionals.

Follow up

Where a diagnosis of Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder is made parents can access:

Parent workshop sessions – two half day parent workshop sessions offer information and advice on strategies to support the child at home.

Medical clinics – children may be offered a follow up of medical issues.

Psychology clinics – children may be offered a follow up where there are concerns about emotional wellbeing or behaviour.