Barking & Dagenham, Havering, and Redbridge Children’s Autism Service

The BHR (Barking & Dagenham, Havering, and Redbridge) Children’s and Young People’s Autism Service sits within the wider neurodevelopmental service operating within Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and Redbridge Community Paediatrics and CAMHS teams. An integrated, multi-disciplinary team support young people and their families where there are suspected autistic traits to ensure timely, effective, and efficient diagnostic assessment, pre and post diagnostic support, necessary interventions and needs-led offers. Effective partnerships with the Local Authorities and education are crucial to early intervention and needs-based support. The multidisciplinary team that may be involved in the child’s care include Paediatricians, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, and Specialist Nursery Nurses, supported by Autism Coordinators.

The service aims to deliver a National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) compliant integrated multidisciplinary autism pathway from presentation of child through to stages of early help intervention, pre-diagnostic support, diagnostic assessment and investigation and post diagnostic support. We focus on providing high quality care underpinned by robust clinical governance processes. In 2024 the service established formal partnerships with the University of Cambridge Autism Research Centre to further drive development of evidence-based clinical strategies, innovative therapies, and improved diagnostic tools with the aim to advance medical knowledge, ultimately to support improved outcomes for children and their families. We aim to equip children, young people, and their families with strategies to support them to live fulfilled lives.

What is Autism?

Autism is a natural variation in how a person experiences and interacts with the world. It’s a different way of thinking, sensing, and communicating - not a deficit or something to be ‘fixed’. Because autism exists on a spectrum, every autistic person is unique, with their own strengths and challenges.

An autistic child or young person might:

  • Process social interactions differently, sometimes finding things like small talk or body language unclear, while often valuing direct and honest communication.
  • Experience the world intensely - lights, sounds, textures, and emotions may feel heightened, which can be overwhelming but also bring deep joy and focus.
  • Prefer structure and predictability, as this can provide comfort and reduce stress in a world that often feels unpredictable.
  • Have passionate interests and deep curiosity, which can lead to incredible knowledge and creativity.
  • Use stimming (such as rocking, hand-flapping, or repeating words) as a natural way to regulate emotions and feel comfortable.

With understanding, acceptance, and the right support, autistic children can thrive and embrace their unique way of being in the world. You can watch a short video to find out more about autism here:

Referral criteria

Children and young people can be referred via a single point of access (SPA) form, and screening process. Children and young people come to BHR Children and Young People’s Autism Service from their local GPs, Health Visitor, Education, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Care, Nursery, Universal Services, and tertiary providers. The service is available to children and young person who are registered with a GP in Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and Redbridge. All referrals will be triaged by an experienced NHS practitioner. As part of this, referrers may be contacted to gather more information to further understand the needs of the child or young person. The triaging practitioner may also signpost young people/families to services that are better suited to meeting their needs if an assessment for Autism is deemed not appropriate.

Service contact

Redbridge Paediatrics team

Email address: RBAutism@nelft.nhs.uk

Webpage: Community medical paediatrics- Redbridge | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust

Redbridge CAMHS team

Email address: RBEWMHS@nelft.nhs.uk 

Webpage: Redbridge | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust

Havering Paediatrics team

Email address: Havering.PaedSCC@nelft.nhs.uk

Website: Community medical paediatrics service- Havering | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust

Havering CAMHS team

Email address: havering.camhs@nelft.nhs.uk

Website: Havering | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust

Barking & Dagenham Paediatrics team

Email address: BDAutism@nelft.nhs.uk

Website: Community medical paediatrics- Barking | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust

Barking & Dagenham CAMHS team

Email address: BDCAMHSDuty@nelft.nhs.uk

Website: Barking Dagenham Child Adolescent Mental Health Services NELFT CAMHS | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust

Useful links and resources

There are many local and national services that can support children/young people and their families while they are waiting for an Autism assessment and after a diagnosis.

National Autistic Society

Is the leading UK charity for people with autism and their families. They provide information, support, and services to help increase opportunities and reduce social isolation. The website is extensive and informative. They offer a helpline (0808 800 4104); advice and guidance; local volunteer branches; educational services; training for parents/carers and professionals; parent to parent emotional support helpline; resources to purchase.

Tel: Call 0207 833 2299 (Monday to Friday 9am-12pm and 1-3pm)

Website: https://www.autism.org.uk 

Email nas@nas.org.uk

Contact

National charity supporting families of children with disabilities. They offer advice and information, family workshops and events, a not-for-profit shop for toys, clothing, and sensory resources. They also provide a helpline and a free one to one listening ear service to talk to a family support advisor.

Parent helpline 0800 808 3555

General enquiries 0207 608 8700

Website https://contact.org.uk

Ambitious about Autism

Is a charity dedicated to supporting autistic children and young people. It provides education, employment support, and advocacy to improve opportunities and quality of life for autistic individuals. The organisation runs specialist schools and colleges, delivers training for professionals, and campaigns for policy changes to promote inclusion and understanding of autism.

Website https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/ 

Autism Education Trust

Is an organisation that works to improve education for autistic children and young people. Supported by the Department for Education, AET provides training, resources, and guidance for schools, teachers, and education professionals to create inclusive learning environments. It aims to ensure that autistic students receive the support they need to succeed in education and beyond.

Website https://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/ 

Autism Level UP!

Is an organisation focused on empowering autistic individuals by providing practical, strengths-based tools and strategies. Founded by Dr. Amy Laurent and Dr. Jacquelyn Fede, it emphasises self-regulation, communication, and inclusion through education, research, and consulting. The organisation collaborates with autistic individuals, families, and professionals to promote a deeper understanding of autism and support meaningful participation in daily life.

Website https://www.autismlevelup.com/ 

Autism Education Trust For Parents — For Parents | Autism Education Trust

Other information

Treatments that are not recommended for autism - NHS

Strategies and interventions

Local Support Organisations and Charities

Barking and Dagenham

The Sycamore Trust https://www.sycamoretrust.org.uk/ 

CYPD Hub https://www.lbbd.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/disability-and-special-needs/children-young-people-disability 

Havering

The Sycamore Trust https://www.sycamoretrust.org.uk/ 

RAGS https://www.rags-havering.org.uk/ 

Redbridge

The Sycamore Trust https://www.sycamoretrust.org.uk/ 

STAAR https://www.staar-redbridge.org.uk/