At Island Psychology Services, we are committed to helping individuals and families understand and learn to manage autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We are passionate about providing education and support to those dealing with ASD, and strive to create a safe, welcoming and understanding environment for all.

 

Dr Pearce provides comprehensive care and resources to help individuals and families living with ASD. We believe in staying informed and up-to-date on the latest research and treatments for ASD, so we can provide the best care possible.

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For a child:

• For children under five years: We recommend you try to access the local Child Development Service (CDS).  It is particularly important to access an assessment from a paediatrician for young children, and as we do not currently have access to one we do not feel it is ethical to offer assessments to children under the age of 5 at the present time. 

• You can potentially get a referral from health, social care or educational professionals that supports you or your child such as your GP, School Nurse, Health Visitor or Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator. The CDC will talk to you and assess your child through a multi-agency panel so that your child's assessment is thorough and the team gives the right information they need.

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• For children over five years of age a referral can be made to the Autistic Spectrum Disorder Assessment Team (ASDAT). This can be either by your GP, speech and language therapist or school educational psychologist. 

• The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) will assess young people in secondary education for autism when appropriate if they have an existing mental health problem and are already being seen in the CAHMS service.

• **Island Psychology Services can also offer an assessment to children and young people, and we can typically offer these within two weeks of an enquiry being made. Furthermore, we do not require engagement with mental health services in order for an assessment to take place.**

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For an adult:

• For a dual diagnosis for an individual with autism and a learning difficulty, a referral is made usually by your GP to the Adult Disability Service for an assessment.

• **Island Psychology Services also offer assessments to adults. Again, we can offer these in a timely manner and do not require individuals to be engaged with mental health services prior to engaging in the assessment process.**