The Autism Service

02/02/2026

𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁… 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀?

If you’ve sat down this morning with a full to-do list and found your concentration drifting before the coffee’s even kicked in, you’re not alone.

Difficulty focusing is one of the most common challenges we hear about, at work, at school and at home.

In our blog, we explore why focus can be so hard, what’s normal and when persistent difficulties with attention may be linked to something more, such as ADHD.

This article breaks down the science in a clear, reassuring way and helps readers understand what their struggles might really be telling them.

A worthwhile read to start the week with clarity.

Read the full article here: https://www.theautismservice.co.uk/news/why-cant-i-focus/

Struggling to focus? Our guide explains how your environment and health can impact your ability to concentrate, as well as common causes like ADHD.

27/01/2026

We’re extremely grateful to Philippa for sharing her experience with our Shrewsbury clinic.

“Very supportive and helpful. Efficient and easy to book. The assessments are very thorough and detailed, and the feedback is helpful, with diagnosis accepted by schools/GPs etc.”

Clear, thorough assessments and reports that are understood and recognised by schools and GPs are essential for families seeking meaningful support. Feedback like this reassures us that we’re delivering exactly that.

Thank you to Philippa for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review!

20/01/2026

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀.

We’re proud to share that our Clinical Director, Dr Lisa Williams, has been quoted in a recent article by The Independent addressing claims around paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism.

In the article, Dr Williams provides vital clinical clarity:

“𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙢 𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙜𝙣𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 787% 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙆 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚 1998, 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙙. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙢 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙪𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙡 𝙙𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.”

At a time when sensational headlines can cause unnecessary anxiety for families, expert, evidence-based voices matter. This contribution reflects exactly what we stand for: rigorous science, responsible discussion, and calm reassurance.

You can read the full article here: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/trump-paracetamol-tylenol-pregnancy-autism-study-fact-check-b2901837.html

We’re incredibly proud to see our clinical leadership contributing to national conversations that truly matter.

Researchers warned avoiding paracetamol might expose mothers to risks associated with untreated pain and fever, such as miscarriage or congenital defects.

16/01/2026

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗗𝗛𝗗? 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗲𝗿.

Long waiting lists can leave children struggling at school and at home, often without the understanding or support they need. Our Child ADHD Assessments are designed to provide clarity, reassurance and timely answers when they matter most.

At The Autism Service, assessments are:

✅ Led by experienced clinicians
✅ Thorough, evidence-based and child-focused
✅ Clear on outcomes, next steps and support options

Most importantly, we take the time to understand your child as an individual, not just a checklist of symptoms. If you’re seeking answers and a way forward then we’re here to help.

Learn more about our Child ADHD Assessments: https://www.theautismservice.co.uk/services/child-adhd-assessment/

Book a Child ADHD Assessment with our expert clinicians. Fast diagnosis, no waiting lists, & recognised reports to support your child.

12/01/2026

𝟱-𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰

Stories like this remind us why timely access to care matters.

Jasmine recently shared her experience with our Shrewsbury clinic, explaining how long NHS waiting times left her family facing the prospect of their son starting secondary school without answers or support.

By choosing The Autism Service, they were able to access clarity sooner and just as importantly, feel listened to, supported, and reassured throughout the entire process.

“Choosing The Autism Service was honestly the best decision we could have made… From start to finish the whole process was smooth, professional, and well communicated.”

We’re proud to support families at such pivotal moments and grateful to Jasmine for trusting us and sharing her experience.

07/01/2026

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝗔𝗗𝗛𝗗 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀, 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲?

Many adults live with ADHD traits for years without realising there may be an underlying reason for the challenges they face at work, at home or in relationships.

Our free online Adult ADHD test is a simple, confidential starting point.

✅ Takes just a few minutes
✅ Clinically informed screening questions
✅ Helps you decide whether a full assessment may be worth exploring

It’s not a diagnosis but it is a clear first step towards understanding yourself better.

Take the free test here: https://theautismservice.co.uk/tests/adult-adhd/

02/01/2026

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲

As we step into the New Year, we’d like to thank all the families, individuals, clinicians, and partners who have been part of The Autism Service journey over the past year.

We look ahead with renewed commitment to providing clear answers, compassionate care, and trusted support to those we serve.

Wishing you a healthy, hopeful, and positive New Year from all of us at The Autism Service.

24/12/2025

𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲🎄

As the year comes to a close, we’d like to take a moment to thank all the families, individuals, clinicians and professionals who have trusted and supported The Autism Service throughout the year.

It has been a privilege to support so many people on their journey and we remain committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care in the year ahead.

We wish you and your loved ones a peaceful Christmas, filled with warmth, rest and moments that matter. Merry Christmas from all of us at The Autism Service.

19/12/2025

𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀🎄

As the festive period approaches, we’d like to let families and professionals know our Christmas & New Year opening hours so you can plan ahead.

We will be closed on:

❌ Friday 19th December
❌ Saturday 20th December
❌ Sunday 21st December
❌ Christmas Eve
❌ Christmas Day
❌ Boxing Day
❌ Saturday 27th December
❌ Sunday 28th December
❌ New Year’s Day

Our team will respond to all enquiries as soon as we reopen. Thank you for your understanding and continued trust in The Autism Service.

We wish you and your families a peaceful Christmas and a healthy New Year!

11/12/2025

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗢𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗗𝗛𝗗 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀

Is ADHD and autism being over-diagnosed? Wes Streeting's review has sparked nationwide debate.

We’ve now published a full blog summarising the issue, with insight from our Clinical Director, Dr Lisa Williams. It covers:

🔍 Why the Government has launched a review
🔍 The concern about rising online assessments
🔍 The “elephant in the room” few have talked about
🔍 Why people who need support are struggling to access it
🔍 What to do if you believe you may have ADHD or autism

If you’ve been confused or concerned by the recent news, this blog will help you understand the bigger picture with clarity and compassion.

📘 Read all about it: https://tinyurl.com/ycxafdbt

09/12/2025

We’re proud to share that our Founder & Clinical Director, Dr Lisa Williams, has been featured in The Guardian responding to the national conversation around the overdiagnosis of autism and ADHD.

In her letter, Dr Williams highlights the urgent need for quality, evidence-based assessments delivered only by qualified clinicians. Not the unregulated providers who are causing real harm to children, adults and families.

At The Autism Service, our commitment remains the same:

✔️ Clinical excellence
✔️ Rigorous, research-led assessments
✔️ Compassionate, ethical care

This is an important and polarising moment for neurodevelopmental assessment in the UK and we’re grateful to be helping lead the discussion with integrity.

🔗 Read Lisa’s letter in The Guardian: https://tinyurl.com/3zv6pcrc

05/12/2025

𝗜𝘀 𝗔𝗗𝗛𝗗 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿-𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱?

Following yesterday’s announcement that Health Secretary Wes Streeting has ordered a review into the rise of ADHD and autism diagnoses, our Clinical Director, Dr Lisa Williams, shared concerns many families and clinicians have felt for years:

💬 “There’s an elephant in the room people haven’t spoken about for fear of judgement.”
💬 “People who truly need support are struggling to access it because the system is overwhelmed.”
💬 “If we diagnose every other person with ASD or ADHD, the diagnosis becomes meaningless.”

This isn’t about gatekeeping.
It’s about protecting the integrity of diagnosis so that children, adults and families get the right support at the right time.

🎧 You can listen to the full interview here: https://tinyurl.com/ycxafdbt