Clinical Psychology and the Autism Pathway in Sutton

Clinical Psychologists are highly trained mental health specialists. They have all completed a high level of research and a doctoral degree.

Clinical Psychology can have many different roles and activities within a range of services in Sutton. Within Cognus, this responsibility is mainly assessing for Autism and mental health for young people aged 5-18 in Sutton. They also provide post diagnostic education and short term support/interventions specific to the young person's needs (The 'A' Plan) as it is understood that an autistic individual may also have mental health needs to be supported/

They understand that an autistic individual may also have mental health needs that need to be supported.

Step 1: Referrals

• Sutton CAHMS or the Paving The Way Service send through referrals.

• These are screened to see if they meet the criteria for further social communication assessments.

Step 2: Assessment and diagnosis

• The team carries out a detailed assessment which looks at the young person within different environments.

• From this, a decision is made as to whether the criteria is met for a possible diagnosis on the autistic spectrum.

Step 3: Post diagnosis support

• The Clinical Psychology team at Cognus run The 'A' Plan post diagnostic support.

• This provides you with an understanding diagnosis session/s and support for young people and their families.

Step 4: Group Activities

• The team provide group activities for autistic young people and their families.

• This provides an opportunity for them to meet others and reassures them that they are not alone.

• They also have parent education and support groups.

Step 4: Consultation/education

• The Clinical Psychology team provides educational sessions on autism and mental health.

• They also run consultations for professionals.

• They provide their view and expertise to a range of professionals in Sutton.

Specialist areas

• Autism, especially in girls and celebrating the strengths in the differences that come with this.

• Key transition life points. This includes transition of schools and transition to adulthood for the young person.

• Neurodevelopmental concerns other than Autism such as ADHD.

•  Mental health concerns that individuals with autism often face. This includes anxiety and low mood.

• Other mental health concerns such as trauma.   

• Autism and Culture

Autism Pathway

Step 1:

• Referrals from GPs, Schools and Paving the Way Team. 

Step 2:

• Referrals are sent to Cognus Clinical Psychology.

• They will assess if an Autism Assessment is possible. 

Step 3:

• Referrals screened by the team to see whether they are appropriate for the service.

• This includes looking at questionnaires, the young person’s history and school reports.

• They will also look at any reports from professionals who have worked with the young person.

Step 4:

• If accepted, the administration team is informed, and the family is contacted.

• You will be given an appointment within two weeks of acceptance.

• If rejected, the referrer will receive a letter explaining the reason for this.

• The team may include other explanations for how the young person presents.

Step 5 (if accepted):

• Assessment takes place. This includes a parent interview (with parent/parents or carers) for information on the young person’s history and present concerns. It also includes a face-to-face assessment of the young person.

• The team use standardised Autism assessment tools during the assessment process.

Step 6:

• They will discuss with you the information they have gathered and what they have observed.

• They will then use this information to decide on diagnosis.

• If a diagnosis is given, the 'A' Plan will begin.

• As part of this there will be follow up sessions and this takes into consideration all information and recommendations to date.

• You will also receive a written report.

• If a diagnosis is not given, you will be told why and any other explanations there may be.

• If there are other concerns, a referral will be made to Sutton CAMHS.

For more information about Clinical Psychology at Cognus, visit the Cognus Clinical Psychology page [External Link].