The CHildren with Autism in Newham - Diagnosis Service
The Autism Diagnosis Pathway within Child Development Services has been renamed to:
The CHildren with Autism in Newham - Diagnosis Service (CHAND)
Because every child deserves to shine
In Sanskrit based languages such as Bengali/Urdu/Hindi/Punjabi, ‘Chand’ means ‘the moon’ or ‘to shine’. In old English and French ‘Chand’ comes from the word for candle – as in Chandelier.
Working with families, our multidisciplinary team will gather information and observations, aiming to form a unique picture of the child’s abilities and challenges.
If a child meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Condition, the diagnosis can help families, professionals and communities have a greater understanding of the unique way in which that child navigates the world. This in turn can lead to better connection, better learning and the opportunity to achieve their true potential – because every child deserves to shine.
We acknowledge around the country and across the NHS, waiting lists time is long for Autism assessments due to increased demand and limited resources. This has been affected further by the COVID 19 PANDEMIC
At your assessment, you could be seen by any of the below
At your assessment, you could be seen by any of the below
- Speech & Language Therapist
- Paediatrician
- Nurse
- Clinical or Education Psychologist
- Assistant Psychologist
You may have one or more appointments with a team of different professionals, these could be both virtual/Face to Face, You will be interviewed about your child's development, such as when they started talking, your child will be observed through a number of activities.
The team will also review previous reports such as those from your child's school or GP, In some cases, we may also carry out a school interview with your child's class teacher to gather more information
Whilst you're waiting support
If you think your child needs support you can start getting help before an assessment. We advise you to speak to your child's health visitor and /or school SENCO about your concerns and how they can be best supported at home and at school.
Service information downlaod Chand Booklet
Children who are under 5 and referred to CHAND will be seen first for an assessment by Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) who will gather some information from you. The SLT will then observe and assess your child's play and talking. They will offer advice, support, and strategies so that you can help your child at home
Helpful supporting information
- https://resourcesforautism.org.uk
- www.newham.gov.uk/childrenshealth
- For information on supporting a child with social communication needs please watch the vidoes on our SCYPS Speech Therapy Youtube channel:
- https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw0PyfjPrssXVaIeiEGvuEMXVPjuHPjJ2
- For more information about Autism services and support in Newham please see the local offer:
- https://families.newham.gov.uk/kb5/newham/directory/localoffer.page?localofferchannel=0
- For difficulties with sleep please access the scope sleep service:
- https://families.newham.gov.uk/kb5/newham/directory/service.page?id=o73BadqsUD8
- For difficulties with managing behaviour please access the following parenting groups
- https://families.newham.gov.uk/kb5/newham/directory/family.page?familychannel=1-1
- https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour
- For Autism Diagnoses over 12 years and ADHD referrals (over 6 years) please go to CAMHS (link)
- https://www.elft.nhs.uk/services/newham-child-and-adolescent-mental-health-service
Other Services
- Please refer to the following link for other services https://www.elft.nhs.uk/scyps
- If you feel your child needs to be seen by the Dental service please speak to the team during your assessment.
- At your assessment, if the doctor feels your child needs to be referred to Occupational Therapy/Speech Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, or Dieticians they will make an internal referral.
- If you require support regarding /completing your Disability Living Allowance application (DLA) please speak to the Citizens Advice Service-https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Referral
- We are currently an Autism diagnosis service only
- Referrals can be emailed to newhamcds@nhs.net
- For Autism Diagnoses over 12 years and ADHD referrals (over 6 years) please go to CAMHS (link) https://www.elft.nhs.uk/services/newham-child-and-adolescent-mental-health-service
- Here at the CHAND service, we take referrals from professionals, for children aged 2- 12 years, where there are concerns about the possibility of Autism. Referrers, please ensure you specify Autism in your referral and that you have discussed this possibility with parent and carers.
- For children under 2 years with concerns about Autism please discuss concerns with your health visitor.
- For children in preschool with concerns about Autism we recommend that they are seen by our speech and language therapy (SLT) service first – please fill in the attached CDS referral form and if the child is in the nursery please also ask the nursery to fill out the ‘school’ report.
- Children of school age - can be referred to the CHAND pathway by filling in both the CDS referral form and the accompanying school report. We encourage nurseries and schools to make direct referrals to SLT/CHAND rather than send to the GP to make the referral
- Children who are under 5 and referred to CHAND will be seen first for an assessment by Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) who will gather some information from you. The SLT will then observe and assess your child's play and talking. They will offer advice, support, and strategies so that you can help your child at home
- For support with sleep or behaviour please look at the useful links section.
Referrals can be emailed to newhamcds@nhs.net