Purple House Clinic Birmingham has recently launched a new service that offers autism assessments for individuals of all ages. This initiative aims to address the significant delays many families face in the region. As of April 2024, according to Birmingham Community Healthcare, the average wait time from referral to first assessment for a child is a staggering 15 months1.
Dr Danielle Grey, Clinical Director of Purple House Clinic Birmingham, highlights why, for children in particular, it is so important to receive an autism assessment:
“Fifteen months is a significant amount of time in a child’s development – especially for a child who may be struggling with social interaction, communication, or sensory processing. Early diagnosis can lead to earlier intervention and make a real difference in the long-term outcomes of individuals with autism. Without a formal diagnosis, young people may find it harder to access the support they need at school and in their everyday life. This can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration and anxiety. Our new service aims to bridge this gap and ensure children on the autism spectrum receive the support they deserve as soon as possible.”
Autism is a developmental condition that can cause social, communication and behavioural challenges and the condition affects individuals differently. Some of the more common symptoms of autism include:
- Difficulty with social interaction and communication, such as making eye contact, understanding facial expressions, or carrying a conversation.
- Repetitive behaviours and interests, such as lining up toys in a certain way or becoming fixated on a particular topic.
- Sensory sensitivities, such as being overstimulated by loud noises or bright lights.
It’s important to note that autism can present differently in men and women. While autism diagnoses are historically more common in men, this gap is narrowing as understanding of autism improves and healthcare professionals become more attuned to the various ways autism can manifest.
“An autism assessment can help the individual understand themselves,” said Danielle. “Individuals on the autism spectrum find a world that isn’t quite in sync with them. For children, in particular, this can feel very alienating as they start to struggle with feelings of being different, or an outsider. An assessment helps frame the way someone with autism sees the world. It helps create a shared language and a framework for understanding these experiences. It validates their unique perspective and explains how autism impacts their processing and interaction with the world. This newfound knowledge can be incredibly empowering. It allows individuals to embrace their strengths and develop strategies to navigate their challenges.”
Research suggests that autism affects more than 1% of the population, translating to over 700,000 people in the UK, with some sources estimating even higher numbers2. This highlights the significant need for accessible diagnostic services. Following an autism diagnosis, various support options become available to help individuals thrive.
In a school setting, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) can be created, outlining specific accommodations and strategies to support learning for the young person’s wellbeing. Parents can receive guidance on navigating the education system and implementing strategies at home to foster social interaction, communication, and emotional wellbeing. Additionally, support groups connect families with others on a similar journey, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding. Early intervention and ongoing support across various environments can significantly improve quality of life for individuals with autism.
“The pandemic may have inadvertently led to increased awareness of autism in some children. The shift to remote learning and decreased social interactions allowed a young person to unmask, and no longer need to suppress or hide the way they experienced the world. We understand that an autism diagnosis is just the first step. We offer additional support services for children and their parents following a diagnosis. This comprehensive approach acknowledges the ongoing journey of individuals and families living with autism and ensures they have the tools they need to thrive.
“Families had been faced with anxieties from long waiting lists and being unable to access timely assessments and ongoing support. Since opening the clinic there is evidently a local need and we are delighted to be able to offer this valuable service” concluded Danielle.
For more information about Purple House Clinic Birmingham and the services they offer, call 0121 820 7851 or go online to www.purplehouseclinic.co.uk/psychologists-birmingham
1 – ASD, Birmingham Community Healthcare, 2024.
2 – What is Autism?, National Autistic Society, 2024.