Autism Specialist Birmingham
Our Autism Specialist will support you, your child and your family beyond diagnosis. We offer a screening for possible autism followed by educational support and therapy to improve mental health and communication. Get in touch to find out more information, book a consultation of speak to a therapist.
Autism Specialist in Birmingham
Our Autism Specialist delivers pivotal interventions to help people who believe or suspect they may be autistic. Being autistic means you may find navigating the world and daily life challenging. Our Autism Specialist provides interventions for children, families and adults, including:
Screening & Assessment*
An essential part of the process is screening using neurodevelopmental history taking and observation. It helps identify areas where support may be needed.
Educational Support
An intervention involves educating those who suspect or have been diagnosed with autism. Understanding an autistic identity can lead to better outcomes and set the groundwork for improving coping skills.
Functional Analysis
Understanding the context of your habits, what you hope for, and how well your strategies work for the life you want.
Therapy Sessions
Therapy such as CBT, Counselling and Systemic Family Therapy helps improve communication, handle anxiety, develop social relations and augment autonomy. Here you can find more information on this topic.
* We do not offer an NHS Autism diagnosis. We can screen for autism using neurodevelopmental history taking and observation. For a formal assessment, we recommend you ask your GP or a SENCO Worker for a referral.
What is Autism?
Autism is a neurotype and identity that describes the differences and disabilities that a person may have when encountering daily life. We are mindful that medical terminology such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or condition are often stigmatising. Autistic people face many social barriers; the last thing we want to do is add to them.
Many people who are autistic describe difficulties in one or more of the following areas:
- Language, e.g. taking longer to process conversations.
- Social Awareness, e.g. your ability to pick up on social etiquette and maintain relationships.
- Monotropic Mindset, e.g. narrow and intense ability to focus on a specific interest but difficulty switching focus.
- Information Processing, e.g. reduced ability to assimilate new information quickly or adapt to a new environment or situation.
- Sensory Processing, e.g., challenges interpreting sensory information, such as either too much or too little sensory feedback.
- Repetitive Behaviours, e.g. a tendency to ‘stim’ in response to varying emotions.
- Neuromotor Differences, e.g. ability to control body movements ranging from clumsiness to complete loss of ability to move intentionally.
However, many neurotypical people (i.e., not autistic) also experience difficulties in these areas. What’s the difference?
You will likely find an autism identity helpful if you recognise difficulties in most or all of these areas.
What does it mean to be on the Autistic Spectrum?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a medical term to describe neurological differences affecting individuals’ interactions with their environment. One way of thinking about autism is like having a unique operating system. It is not broken, defective or diseased. It is simply different. However, many autistic people feel disabled because of how society is structured for neurotypical people.
The term ‘spectrum’ means that autism comes in all shapes and sizes. Some people need more support, while others are independent superheroes.
- Social Interaction: Understanding feelings and social cues can be like solving a Rubik’s Cube.
- Communication: Talking and understanding can sometimes feel like a game of charades.
- Diverse Interests & Behaviour: We have passions that could rival a rocket scientist and routines that would make a Swiss watch jealous.
The exact cause of autism is still a mystery, but scientists think it’s a mix of genes and the environment. Learn more about autism here.
Having autism doesn’t mean life can’t be amazing. We may face challenges, but we also achieve incredible things. Understanding and support make all the difference. To book a consultation with our Autism Specialist, click here.
What is ADHD?
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental concept that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds. We needn’t consider it a disorder but a unique way of experiencing the world.
People with ADHD may struggle with sustained focus, but they’re masters of quick shifts in attention. It’s like having a superpower for multitasking. Unfortunately, traditional settings don’t always appreciate their superpowers.
To dive deeper into the ADHD world, check out Jessica McCabe’s awesome YouTube channel, How to ADHD. She’s got the inside scoop on living with ADHD.
- Different, not defective: Having an atypical brain doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you. Embrace your uniqueness.
- Find your strategies: We all have strengths and weaknesses. Discover methods of coping that work for those with ADHD.
- Power in numbers: Connect with others who understand your ADHD journey. It’s like having a support squad on speed dial.
In a nutshell, ADHD peeps might face challenges in a world not designed for them, but they’re still capable of leading kick-ass lives full of creativity and dynamism.
A Neuro-Affirming Approach to Autism Intervention
Autism interventions based on a neuro-affirming approach can be highly empowering. This perspective honours the unique experiences and capabilities of individuals with autism, advocating for acceptance rather than trying to ‘fix’ or ‘cure’ them.
Kieran Rose, an influential autistic advocate, has played a vital role in promoting this outlook through his writings on The Autistic Advocate. His work emphasises understanding autism as a neurological difference rather than a disorder.
- Respecting Neurodiversity: The first step in a neuro-affirming approach is recognising and respecting neurodiversity. It acknowledges that everyone’s brain functions differently, and these differences should be celebrated.
- Educating Society: This method also focuses on educating society about autism to reduce stigma and misconceptions. By doing so, it fosters greater acceptance towards people with autism.
- Promoting Self-Advocacy: Encouraging self-advocacy among individuals with autism is another crucial aspect of this approach. It empowers them to express their needs effectively while fostering independence.
A neuro-affirming approach promotes inclusion by encouraging society to adapt to the needs of those with different neural pathways instead of expecting individuals with autism to conform to societal norms. By enabling such measures, we can craft a setting where everyone is treasured for their own identity – not simply for what they are capable of or how accurately they match up to pre-set criteria.
Who is our Autism Interventions Specialist?
Hi, I’m Arpita
autism specialist
I am an autism and learning disabilities specialist, and I offer integrative psychotherapy (which includes CBT, person-centred, behavioural and systemic therapy-informed approaches) and parent support sessions. I like to adapt and tailor the intervention to meet your needs and work together through this process. It’s important to me that I support and empower you to achieve your goals and make positive changes in your life. I offer both in-person and online sessions.
Autism Intervention Services Birmingham:
- Identification and initial assessment for possible autism*
- Supporting children, adults and families following an Autism diagnosis.
- Providing education about Autism.
- Psychotherapy will equip you and your family to improve your mental health and well-being.
* We do not offer an NHS Autism diagnosis. We can screen for autism using neurodevelopmental history taking and observation. For a formal assessment, we recommend you ask your GP or a SENCO Worker for a referral.
Curious about Autism? Here are some Frequently Asked…
Can Autism be treated?
Although many call it Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), autism isn’t an illness, so it’s not about treatment. But interventions can make life better for those on the spectrum.
What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Everyone’s different, so what works for one may not work for another. Some find behavioural therapies helpful, while others benefit from speech and occupational therapy.
What therapy is best for autism?
It depends on individual needs. ABA, Speech Therapy for young children, Occupational Therapy, Social Skills Training, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy have shown positive results.
Does autism get better with therapy?
Definitely! Using personalised intervention approaches, those with autism can enhance their skills for the autistic features they find disabling
Can Autism Be Diagnosed Without ADOS?
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is one tool used in diagnosis, but it’s not always necessary. Other sources like developmental history or professional observation can provide sufficient evidence.
NHS Referral and GP Assistance
- To get an NHS referral for an autism assessment, talk to your GP. They’ll guide you through the process.
- If you’re unsure how to approach your GP about autism, prepare a list of the issues that concern you. It’ll help during your appointment.
What is the most effective intervention for autism?
The most effective intervention varies per individual, but Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) has shown significant results.
What are the top three interventions for a young child, teenager or adult with autism?
The top three interventions include CBT, Family Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Autism is not a condition. It is a neurotype and Identity
Personalised Interventions are crucial for individuals with autism in Birmingham and everywhere.
Get in touch today to speak to our Autism Specialist in Birmingham.
Get in touch
Our team of Counsellors, Psychotherapists, and Psychologists in Birmingham are here to help you work through your anxieties to rest your mind and start focusing on the life you want to live.