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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Private Autism Spectrum Disorder treatment, therapy and support in London at Schoen Clinic Chelsea
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by challenges in social communication and behaviour. At our private mental health clinic in London, we recognise ASD as a spectrum encompassing a diverse range of strengths and unique traits. Individuals with ASD may experience difficulties in navigating social interactions, and expressing emotions, and may engage in repetitive behaviours.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the medical name for what is more commonly known as autism. It is characterised by persistent difficulties in the development of social communication and social interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities. People with autism spectrum disorder might have trouble understanding how others feel, get anxious about certain social events, or take longer to understand some types of information or communication.
As a spectrum disorder, the severity of symptoms can vary significantly. Some people live with autism all of their lives and manage to lead a healthy, happy life with minimal disruption. Others with autism might struggle to find work owing to their condition or find it difficult to make meaningful relationships. How it affects individuals varies from person to person.
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, our approach involves understanding the individual's specific needs, tailoring interventions to foster their strengths, and providing support to enhance their overall well-being. We prioritise a compassionate, individualised approach that acknowledges the complexity of ASD and empowers individuals to thrive within their unique capabilities.
What are some common symptoms of ASD?
The exact cause of autism is not well understood and is thought to be a combination of development, genetics, neurological, and environmental/external factors. Research has found many factors that play a part, but there is not a clear link to the overall cause as of yet. It is, however, a condition which affects people in very different ways, making finding a cause even more difficult. Understanding your symptoms and what might be causing them is one step on the road to recovery.
Some of the most common symptoms that are exhibited by people with autism spectrum disorder are:
Challenges communicating effectively with others
Finding social situations difficult
Being hypersensitive in certain environments
Making limited eye contact
Intense focuses on hobbies or interests
Interrupted language development
Organisation challenges which others take for granted
Repetitive movements
Has difficulty expressing strong emotions
Favours routines rigidly
Limited interest in social settings
Autism spectrum disorder is a complex condition that can present itself in many ways, so it's important to seek a professional diagnosis if you feel like you or a loved one is struggling. At Schoen Clinic we’ve more than 35 years of experience in providing support and care to those with autism spectrum disorder. If you’d like to discuss a professional diagnosis or treatment for ASD please get in touch with our team.
If you're looking for ASD support, please reach out to our caring team in London today. We have appointments available in as little as 24 hours so you can begin treatment with minimal wait.
To access private treatment as swiftly as possible, simply fill out our online pre-screening questionnaire at any time to suit you.
Highly specialised treatment for ASD Autism Spectrum Disorder
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, our approach to treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is rooted in evidence-based, personalised care. Our specialised autism treatment facilities offer a welcoming environment, suitable for both children and adults including sensory-friendly spaces and dedicated diagnostic and treatment rooms.
Our treatment plans are bespoke to you, to get you on the road to recovery and a more fulfilling life. Treatment is unique depending on the nature of your condition, but will include some or all of the following:
Therapy, such as Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA). This works to target specific behaviours which we've identified, teaching you to overcome them, and develop coping strategies.
Communication training - such as that from our speech-language therapists will help you to develop verbal and non-verbal communication skills, to help you in your interpersonal relationships.
Social skills training to help you understand social cues, and both develop existing relationships as well as create new ones.
Medication, where appropriate, can help you with some of the co-occurring aspects of ASD such as anxiety or depression.
Other specialist therapies such as group therapy, and other talking therapies might also be applied, depending on the severity of your condition, as well as your age, and history.
Each individual is unique, as is our approach to the treatment of autism. If you'd like to discuss your options or arrange an assessment, contact us today.
Our ASD treatment facilities are designed to help you recover
Schoen Clinic Chelsea is a leading facility for autism treatment in London, where we’re renowned for our commitment to excellence in mental health care. As part of a global hospital group, we have been supporting individuals on the autism spectrum for over 35 years. Our state-of-the-art facilities are meticulously designed to provide compassionate and effective care, fostering a conducive environment for recovery.
Our autism treatment plans are crafted based on the latest research from leading experts in the field. Utilising outcome-focused techniques, our approach ensures the best prospects for recovery and ongoing support. These bespoke plans are tailored to individual needs, regularly reviewed by a multidisciplinary team, and delivered with a consistent and empathic approach. We are committed to supporting individuals with autism in all aspects of their lives for comprehensive well-being.
Getting a diagnosis of Autism ASD
The first step to making any recovery or better managing the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder is getting a medical diagnosis.
Diagnosing ASD involves a detailed and multidisciplinary assessment conducted by one of our specialist ASD therapists. Once you've come for your initial consultation, we'll ask you questions about your medical history, and concerns you have about your (or your loved ones) social communication, behaviours, and sensory processing. We'll observe you and make assessments on your social interactions, and other symptoms you tell us about.
You can ask as many questions as you like, and our team is trained in compassionate care, so you’ll be made to feel comfortable, and only share what you want to. Using all of this information, we’ll use medically proven methods of assessment such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) to assess your conditions. This might involve working with other members of the team such as language therapists, education professionals, and others depending on your individual symptoms.
Following the assessment, we'll talk you through your options, and any diagnosis (including ruling out other conditions) and let you know what the potential next steps are.
Autism Frequently Asked Questions | ASD treatment FAQs
What is the best treatment for ASD?
As Autism Spectrum Disorder is such a complex and multi-faceted condition, it is widely accepted that there is no single "most successful" treatment that works universally. At Schoen Clinic we apply a bespoke approach to treatment, which suits the management of autism disorders well.
A multimodal approach tailored to the individual's specific that includes a focus on enhancing communication and social skills, as well as addressing significant behavioural challenges can help the individual lead a more fulfilling life. Treatment plans should be highly personalised, so contact our caring team if you're in search of a more professional approach to ASD treatment.
Is ASD treated with medication?
Medication can be used as part of a wider treatment plan for ASD to help manage specific symptoms or co-occurring conditions that individuals with the condition might also experience. Medication does not treat the underlying autism, but it can help individuals cope with other aspects of autism such as ADHD, anxiety or depression.
What happens to ASD if left untreated?
As the name suggests, autism spectrum disorder covers a wide range of symptoms. Some individuals are high-functioning and continue life without any real impact on their day-to-day lives, while others are seriously debilitated. If left untreated, individuals suffering from ASD can face life-impacting challenges such as difficulty communicating in relationships or at work, social isolation, behavioural difficulties, and co-occurring issues such as anxiety and depression.
Our specialist ASD psychiatrists, counsellors and therapists
Our team of compassionate and caring counsellors and therapists specialise in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, deeply understanding the unique challenges that come with ASD.
Their extensive experience in helping those with autism get the care they need means they are skilled in diagnosing and treating complex cases. With years of experience across multiple disciplines and a variety of patients from diverse and different backgrounds, you can be confident you're receiving the right level of care.
Learn more about the team, or get in touch to book an appointment with your chosen specialist below.
