Aspergers Service

The Aspergers Service is provided across the South of Essex for individuals above the age of 18 years.

Diagnostic Assessment is a key part of the service using the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO – Wing and Gould) or using this framework, we also use the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised). The service also provides support and intervention around for example access to work, managing anxiety and low mood , social skills, accessing the community and daily living skills. This support is offered through 1-1 and group work.

The service is based in the Basildon Community Resource Centre but covers all of South Essex and appointments including home visits are offered in other areas across South Essex.

How to refer to the service and who can refer

Referral to the service come through Psychiatry and their colleagues in the First Response Team (FRT) as well as the Recovery and Wellbeing Team (RWB). The Emotional Wellbeing Mental Health Service (EWMHS) can also refer through their Child and Adolescent Psychiatry team.

Referral criteria

Individuals who are aged 18 and over where there is a query around an Autism Spectrum Disorder/Autism Spectrum Condition (ASD/ASC) which is impacting on day to day functioning. Individuals aged 18-30 who have an existing diagnosis who require further specific support.

Additional information to support referral criteria

Evidence of a longstanding history of difficulties in social communication and social interaction as well as information highlighting a pattern of behaviours usually seen in an Autism Spectrum Disorder/Autism Spectrum Condition for example a literal level of understanding, intense areas of interest or focus, difficulties in establishing and maintaining peer relationships.

Exclusion from the service

The service will not see individuals who may have a learning disability or who have a confirmed learning disability. These individuals will be most appropriately referred to the Adult Learning Disability Services.