Receiving a diagnosis of autism can be positive for a child or young person’s development in allowing others to understand the person better, appreciate their unique way of seeing the world and to signpost others to appropriate supports.
There is a range of help and support available across the Northern Trust.
This may include:
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
- Children’s Early Intervention Service
- Regional Integrated Support for Education NI (RISE NI)
- Community Paediatric Medical Service
- Health Visiting Service
- Social Services
Support is also provided by the Education Authority for autistic children and young people with ASD across all stages of the code of practice within schools.
Paediatric Autism Intervention Service
The Paediatric Autism Service provides intervention to support autistic children & young people and their families.
Post diagnostic support is offered to all families once a diagnosis of Autism is confirmed. As part of the post-diagnostic support package offered by the Paediatric Autism Service, families will be provided with a post diagnostic support neurodiversity toolkit alongside an invitation to training. The toolkit is designed to help support parents/carers to understand their child/young person’s neurodiverse profile and will equipe them with strategies to support their child/young person as they develop and pursue future goals. Parents/Carers will also be invited to attend a Parent and Carer Education (PACE) training session: Neurodiversity and Autism Awareness which accompanies the post diagnostic toolkit.
The Paediatric Autism Service offers a range of further intervention supports for parents and carers alongside direct intervention programmes for the child or young person.
It is acknowledged that many families will not require further help at this time as they are now equipped with practical advice and strategies provided at the PACE programme. However, as children and young people grow and develop their needs may change. Therefore, parents and carers are advised that they can contact the Paediatric Autism Service directly at any time in the future if they require help and support for them or their child or young person, up until the age of 18.
How to contact us
Paediatric Autism Intervention Service
The Cottage, 5 Greenmount Avenue, Ballymena, BT43 6DA
- Telephone: 028 2563 3777
- Email: PaediatricAutismService@northerntrust.hscni.net