St. Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
For Children 2-25
PARENT
INFORMATION
BOOKLET
St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
Contents
 Welcome!
 What is an autism spectrum disorder?
 Background
 Pathway Services
 Assessment Team
 Intervention
 Frequently Asked Questions
 Key Contacts
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
St. Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
(SHASP)
Welcome!
St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway has produced this fact
sheet for parents or carers. It aims to provide information
about the Pathway, what it can provide and information about
local and national support services.
The Pathway is a multi-agency initiative designed to improve
services and quality of life outcomes for children/ young
people whose needs are on the Autism Spectrum. It is a
response to increases in the incidence of Autism Spectrum
Disorder in St Helens over the last few years in line with the
rest of the country.
The Pathway aims to provide integrated education, health
and social care provision by modernising the way statutory
agencies work together in partnership with families.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
What is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
Autism
spectrum
disorders
(ASDs)
are
lifelong,
developmental disabilities that affect the way a person
communicates and relates to the people and environment
around them.
Children with ASDs are affected in a huge variety of ways
and to very different degrees. This is why it is called ‘the
autism spectrum’. Autism can affect children with any level of
intellectual ability, from those who may have significant
learning needs, to those with average or high intelligence.
Some children are more affected by their autism and may
have additional learning difficulties. These individuals will
require long-term high levels of support. Others may function
well - some children with Asperger’s syndrome or ‘high
functioning autism’ are very intelligent academically. They
may go on to continue to achieve great success. However,
they still experience significant social and communication
difficulties.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
Background
Historically, services and support to children and families
have been provided only after diagnosis. By providing
provisional diagnosis as soon as possible in the child’s life,
the child and their family are able to access preventative and
support services at the point when they are most needed and
most effective. In turn, this should help to improve the child’s
life chances as well as help reduce pressures and strains on
families resulting from caring responsibilities.
The Pathway has been developed in partnership with parents
by a multi-agency group of professionals from Health,
Education, Social Care, The Bridge Centre and the Voluntary
Sector. These practitioners sit within their disciplines. The
Pathway Coordinator and Administrator can be contacted via
the telephone number and e-mail address below.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
The ethos of the Pathway reflects current best practice and
national policy and legislation in relation to services for
disabled children and diagnostic services for autism. It is
underpinned by the principle of social and educational
inclusion and the social model of disability.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
Pathway Services
The Pathway is intended to provide a clear assessment
route, so that information is shared with parents and the
multi-disciplinary assessment team.
At the same time,
provision to meet identified needs will be provided, and
sources of further advice or support will be signposted. The
team will also provide advice, training and support to parents
and to other professionals who work with the child and the
family
There are 3 aspects to the Pathway
1. Assessment
2. Intervention
3. Training
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
Assessment
The team aims to produce a profile of the child's abilities and
needs,
particularly
in
terms
of
social/communication
development. This may or may not include confirmation of a
diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Whether or not ASD is confirmed, the team will provide
information on the local resources and services, which can
help to meet the child's needs. A comprehensive report is
shared with the family and with their consent, is also circulated
to other professionals.
Intervention:
A range of professionals could provide intervention: Speech
and Language Therapist, Specialist Teacher, Social Worker,
Teacher, Pre School Support Worker, Portage Worker, Senior
Learning Assistant, Early Intervention Worker, Community
paediatrician or Educational Psychologist. This group would
give support and advice
to the young person and
family/carers and to other people working with the child and
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
family in educational or other provision. Intervention provides
short-term work focused on meeting the child’s needs. It also
builds the family’s confidence in supporting their child and
linking with other support services. Families will be offered
information on local support groups and information centres.
Training:
There is a training strategy for those people who work with
children with ASD and the first part of this is to provide
courses for families. EarlyBird and EarlyBird Plus training
are programmes licensed by the National Autistic Society
(NAS), which are available for parents whose child has
received a diagnosis of ASD. Other training is available
depending on the age of the child.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
Pathway Assessment Team
The team aims to provide:
 A friendly and accessible assessment service in relation to
the needs of young children with ASD and their families.
 An early assessment of need as soon as possible after
queries are raised by the family, early years setting or
other professionals, about a possible autism spectrum
disorder.
 A clear verbal and written account of the child's abilities
and needs for the family which they may then use to
negotiate further support from Education, Health and
Social Services.
 Advice on appropriate support in relation to ASD and
direct
referral
to
other
Pathway
services.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
Staffing:
The team comprises of:
 Community Paediatrician
 Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
 Specialist Educational Psychologist
 CAMHS Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist/ Practitioner
 ASD Specialist Teachers
 Pathway Coordinator
With the exception of the Pathway Coordinator, all staff in the
Pathway Assessment Team work part-time within the
Pathway. They have all received specialist training in relation
to the assessment of ASD and are knowledgeable about the
local services available to support children with ASD and
other special needs.
The Pathway Coordinator ensures effective communication
between families, team members and schools, and is a point
of contact from the initial referral to the final conclusion. The
Coordinator may also be present at the Sharing the News
Feedback meeting, and offer a Follow Up Home Visit.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
Intervention
What Happens Next?
Post Diagnosis:
The next step will be to review the current provision and put
an updated programme into place to support you and your
child. There are a number of possible options and you will be
involved in deciding which is the most supportive for you and
your child. You may already receive some of these services.
It is possible to access more than one type of support such
as:
 Post diagnosis Follow Up Home Visit. The Pathway
Coordinator or your chosen Lead Professional may
come to your house to answer any questions you might
have about ASD, the assessment process or whatever
you feel you might need to discuss.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
 Post diagnosis emotional support. This is an
appointment for you and anyone from your family to
discuss how you are feeling about the diagnosis.
 Support through your local Sure Start Children’s Centre.
 Speech and language therapy.
 Behaviour, sleep, toileting advice and intervention.
 School will continue to meet the needs of your School
Age child via regular reviews and Individual Education
Plans if necessary.
 Sign Posting to Parent Partnership if necessary.
 In addition, Early years children might have access to
the following:
 Part time place in a specialist group for children with an
ASD.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
 Part time place where your child is supported in a
mainstream Children’s Centre or Nursery, which has
additional resources.
 Specialist Outreach support may be offered by Pre
School Support Workers who provide advice to settings
about your child’s access to learning.
 Portage. Portage is a home visiting service that offers
support, help and advice to families with a young child
who has additional needs. Portage workers will assess
and provide intervention in the home, to help your child’s
development.
 Placement in a pre-school provision near your home.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
Training
Families:
You will be offered a place on the waiting list for the Parent
Programmes available depending on the age of your child.
This will help you to understand ASD and how it affects your
child’s communication, learning and behaviour.
You will be given the contact details for local parent support
groups and information centres.
For further information about training and how you or someone
you know can access a course contact The Bridge Centre on
01744 673131, or LASCS on 01744 673135.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
 My child has been referred for specialist
autism spectrum assessments. What does
this mean?
The referral to our service means that a professional who
knows your child has some concerns about their social
interaction and play skills and their social communication
skills. Your child may have difficulties with change and new
situations, and they may have some behaviour that may be
seen as unusual or challenging. Sometimes children have
these difficulties for a variety of reasons, and do not fulfil the
criteria for a diagnosis of ASD. Some children will go on to
receive a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. This will
provide access to some services and help and support for
your child and you as a family. Try not to worry; Professionals
will support you through the process from identification to
post diagnosis if applicable.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
 Who can refer my child to the Early Years
(under 4’s) Pathway Assessment Team?
Referrals to the Assessment Team come through a MultiAgency General Developmental Assessment (GDA), which is
coordinated by Early Years team at The Bridge Centre. There
is an open referral system to Early Years Services and the
Early Years team may feel your child firstly requires a MultiAgency GDA. From this initial assessment, the professionals
may then recommend further autism specific assessment from
the Pathway team. The Pathway Team will only accept
referrals made with the family's full agreement and
understanding of what the referral means.
 What happens when my child is referred to
the Pathway Assessment Team?
The team will look at the information provided from the GDA
and decide how best to provide further assessment and
interventions. Before taking further action they may ask for
additional information. You will be informed of every stage of
the process and you will receive support from the Pathway
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
Coordinator if you do not already have your own Lead
Professional.
Your child may be observed and assessed at home, in An
Early Years developmental group or in their mainstream
nursery setting. You may also receive an invite for your child
to attend a standardized assessment called the ‘Autism
Diagnostic Observation Schedule’ or ‘ADOS’. This is a tool
designed for assessing children with possible ASD by
observing the child’s skills during play. We will try to provide
you with as much information as possible about the process
and the people involved. Sometimes professionals may need
to see your children more than once.
 What happens during the assessment?
The assessments include a detailed interview with
parents/carers and sometimes use standard questionnaires
relevant to ASD. It also includes observations of your child's
play and their interaction with others. If your child has an
ADOS, we may ask for your permission to video it, as the
assessment team may refer back to the video as an aid to
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
accurate scoring. The contents of the video will remain
confidential and will not be used for any other purpose without
your permission.
We would also usually want to visit your child’s nursery or
school or other familiar place. This is important to give us a
picture of your child’s abilities in a more natural setting.
What happens once the assessment is complete?
At the Sharing the News Feedback meeting, we will discuss the
assessment fully with you and will tell you what will be said in
the report.

How long does it take from referral to
completion of assessments?
The length of time it will take to complete all assessments
and come to a conclusion will depend on the individual child,
and the complexities of the case. Some children and young
people need more assessments than others, as it might not
be clear as to the basis of their difficulties. We may need
other agencies to see your child. Some appointments with
these other agencies might be subject to a waiting list.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk

What happens if my child gets a
diagnosis?
You will be involved in discussing with the professionals
involved with your child’s care and education, the most
appropriate interventions and in setting targets for them. You
will be offered post diagnosis emotional support, and training
to help you understand your child’s strengths and difficulties.
You will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns with
members of the Pathway team. This person will be able to
sign post you to services you may not already be receiving.
You will receive a summary report with individual reports to
follow.
 What happens if my child does not get a
diagnosis?
This means there was not enough evidence to suggest that
your child met the criteria for a diagnosis of autism spectrum
disorder, or their difficulties are due to something else. The
Pathway Team will provide a report describing your child's
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
strengths and needs and will, as far as possible, help you to
access more appropriate services.
 Who can refer my child to the School Age
(over 4’s) Pathway Assessment Team?
Although the School Age Pathway has an open referral
system, we suggest that referrals to the Pathway should be
done via your child’s Community Pediatrician/ other health
professional/ social care professional/ school/ educational
psychologist. This is due to a new pre-referral process being
put into place (please see Parents Guide to Pre-referral
Process). Your thoughts and feelings will be recorded and
documented in the pre-referral process. However, if you feel a
referral should be made for your child and the above
professionals have not done so, you can make the referral as
a parent (This should only be done if three or more of the
above professionals have previously seen your child).
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk

What happens if I am unhappy with the
outcome of the assessment?
You will be given a further opportunity to meet with a member of
the Pathway Team and with Parent Partnership. If your
concerns cannot be dealt with in this way you may ask your GP
to arrange an assessment independent of the Pathway.
 What does the Pathway Coordinator do?
Pathway Coordinator
The Pathway Coordinator’s role is to support families through
the assessment process and is the point of contact from the
initial referral to final conclusion, ensuring effective
communication between families, team members and
schools.
The Coordinator may see you for a Home Visit, complete an
observation of your child at school, and offer some
intervention advice should you need it. The Coordinator may
also be present at the Sharing the News Feedback meeting,
and offer a Follow Up Home Visit.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
 What does a Community Paediatrician do?
Community Paediatrician
Community Paediatricians are medical doctors specialising in
the diagnosis, treatment and care of children. They work with
families and children around aspects of the child’s social,
emotional and physical health. Paediatricians usually work as
part of a multi-disciplinary team.
A paediatrician will usually see the child and family in the
clinic setting. The assessment process may involve
observing the child interacting with others. He or she will also
interview the child and family as well as carrying out physical
health checks. Referrals to a Community Paediatrician can
come from the GP, school nurse, Educational Psychologist,
specialist teacher or school.
They are an essential part of the social communication
assessment.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
 What does an Educational Psychologist
do?
Educational Psychologist
An educational psychologist is concerned with helping
children and young people who are experiencing difficulties
with their learning. Educational psychologists will work with
the child or young person and their family and teachers.
Much of their work will be in school. An educational
psychologist will spend time speaking to and observing the
child. They will also speak to the family and others who know
the child best.
They will focus on what is preventing the child from learning,
and what can be done to help.
Your child will not necessarily need to see an Educational
Psychologist.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
 What does a Speech and Language
Therapist do?
Speech and Language Therapist
A speech and language therapist is someone who has been
trained to assess and treat speech, language and
communication skills. A speech and language therapist will
work with children who have a range of difficulties including
those who have social and communication difficulties.
They can also assess high order language skills. Speech and
language therapists may see children in a variety of settings
including home, school, clinic settings and Children’s
Centres.
They will work alongside other health and education
professionals and liase closely with the family and school.
Your child will not necessarily need to see Speech and
Language Therapist.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
 What does an Occupational Therapist do?
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists are trained to assist people to
manage everyday tasks that they may be having difficulties
with, either because of a disability or illness or injury.
Occupational therapists aim to help people to cope more
independently with the challenges they face.
Examples of the kind of work Occupational Therapists get
involved with include:
 Helping a child who is having difficulties with their
coordination or motor skills to do things like hold a pen or
pencil
 Tie their shoelaces
 Hold their knife and fork correctly
Occupational Therapists will also assist children who have
dyspraxic difficulties including things like poor muscle tone
and lack of coordination. Occupational Therapists can also
give advice about sensory difficulties.
Your child will not necessarily need to see an Occupational
Therapist.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
 What do Specialist Teachers do?
Specialist Teacher
Specialist teachers are trained teachers with experience in
working with children with special educational needs
including social and communication difficulties. Specialist
teachers are based within the local authority and will work
across a number of schools. Their main work is with children
who are experiencing difficulties in their school.
They will recommend practical strategies that can be used by
teachers in the school to support the child better. Specialist
teachers will work alongside other professionals. Sometimes
they meet with parents to suggest strategies that could help
the family at home. Specialist Teacher will do detailed
observations in class and on the playground, meet with staff
in school and, if considered necessary, she will do some
individual assessment of communication, emotions, thoughts
and feelings etc. Advice will be given to school and parents.
Your child will not necessarily need to see a Specialist
Teacher.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk

What do Child and Adolescent Mental
Health Services (CAMHS) do?
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Child and adolescent psychiatrists are medically qualified
doctors who specialise in understanding and working with
children and young people who have emotional, behavioural
and anxiety related difficulties. Most of the work that they do
with children, young people and their families is done through
outpatient appointments.
A large part of child and adolescent work is to identify the
problem, understand the causes and advise about what may
help. Child and adolescent psychiatrists work as part of a
multidisciplinary service that may include other professionals
such as child psychologists, children’s specialist nurses and
family therapists or counsellors.
They are known as CAMHS. Your child will not necessarily
need to be referred to CAMHS.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk

I need support as I am finding it hard to
deal with his/her behaviours, what can I
do?
Unfortunately we are unable to provide support for your child
directly as the service provides co-ordination of assessments.
However we can provide you with details of services that will
be able to assist you with support.
 Professionals have used some terms and
phrases that I don’t understand. How can I
find out what they mean?
If you are unsure on some of the words that you have come
across recently, you can e-mail us at
asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk to request a copy of our
electronic Glossary.
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
Key Contacts
Lindsey Best – Pathway Co-ordinator
– 01744 674178
Fiona Harris – Pathway Administrator
– 01744 674179
Community Paediatrics Appointments
– 0151 252 5615
Specialist Teachers (LASCS)
– 01744 673135
Specialist Teachers (Early Years)
– 01744 673131
Educational Psychology
– 01744 671116
Integrated & Targeted Specialist Child Health Services
(Speech and Language Therapy/ Occupational Therapy/
Phyisotherapy)
– 01744 646548
CAMHS Assessment and Response Team
– 01925 579 405
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk
Updated March 2014
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St Helens Autism Spectrum Pathway
Tel: 01744 674179 e-mail: asdpathway@sthelens.gov.uk