Autism spectrum disorder
Behavioural disorders in children
HCA UK's experts can help to diagnose and treat a range of behavioural disorders in children.
About behavioural disorders in children
Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often present from the ages of one to three. ASD is more common in boys than girls, and over one in every 100 people in the UK suffers from the condition overall.
At HCA UK, our team of experts specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of behavioural conditions in children including autism spectrum disorder, which affects their social skills, interests and communication.
Types of autism spectrum disorder
Autism
Asperger syndrome
Need to know
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What are the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder? icon plus
Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder include:
- Lack of vocal sounds in infancy and delayed language development
- Problems with non-verbal communication, including eye contact
- Lack of awareness and interest in others
- Difficulty in understanding the emotions of others
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How is ASD diagnosed? icon plus
Your GP or consultant will discuss your child’s autism spectrum disorder symptoms with you. In order to diagnose the type of autism that they have, they may:
- Refer your child for an autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS) test where their communication, social interactions and play will be assessed
- Ask about any existing medical conditions your child has
- Assess information provided by your child’s nursery or school in relation to their development and behaviour
- Give your child a physical examination to check for underlying conditions such as Down’s syndrome
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Potential treatment options icon plus
Although there is no cure, your GP or consultant may recommend working with a team of specialists such as paediatric psychologists and psychiatrists, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists in order to:
- Help improve your child’s communication skills
- Help them understand the emotions of others
- Encourage pretend play
They may also refer your child for psychosocial treatments to address any triggers for their behaviour. They will also continue to offer support to you and your child as they grow and develop.
Our consutants
Our locations
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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HCA UK City of London - 120 Old Broad Street
London
EC2N 1AR
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Wellington Hospital Elstree Waterfront
The Waterfront Business Park
Beaufort House, Elstree Road
Elstree WD6 3BS
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344