The National Adult Outpatient Neurodevelopmental Clinic at Bethlem Royal Hospital in Beckenham has been shortlisted for the National Autistic Society's prestigious Autism Professionals Awards.

The clinic is one of three finalists in the Award for Outstanding Health Services. The team was shortlisted by an independent panel of 10 autism experts who judged them on their innovation, creativity, impact and sustainability.

The clinic provides diagnostic assessments for autism, ADHD and a range of other conditions and provides bespoke recommendations for post-diagnostic support. They have a specialist team including doctors, nurses, psychologists, neurodevelopmental specialists, managers and administrators and recently received an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission.

The clinic makes sure the latest research informs their work through its strong links with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, as well as a genetics team at Guy’s Hospital. The team also provides training and advice to other services and professionals in order to make sure that autistic people are receiving the best possible care.

The annual Autism Professionals Awards, which are sponsored by Axcis Education Recruitment, were launched in 2013 to recognise and promote good autism practice and inspire others to improve their own work. There are 14 awards, covering education, health, social care, employment, community projects and volunteering.

Dr Anastasios Galanopoulos (Consultant Psychiatrist) at the National Adult Outpatient Neurodevelopmental Clinic, said: “Everyone at this clinic is honoured to be shortlisted in the Autism Professionals Awards 2017.

“We pride ourselves on providing gold-standard and tailored diagnostic assessments, with bespoke support recommendations for each individual. This is the main part of our work but we also think it’s important to share our expertise by providing training and advice to other services and professionals.

“It is wonderful that our commitment to providing the best possible care to autistic people is being recognised by a national award.” Carol Povey, Director of the National Autistic Society’s Centre for Autism, said: “We run the Autism Professionals Awards each year to celebrate the people, projects and organisations making a difference to the lives of autistic people and their families in the UK.

“The standard of nominations is always very high so the National Adult Outpatient Neurodevelopmental Clinic should be commended for impressing the judges and being shortlisted.

“Autism can have a profound effect on individuals and families but the right support from passionate and caring people and organisations can make all the difference. It’s important that we recognise the amazing people who provide this support so we can share best practice and inspire others.”

To find out more information about the awards please visit www.autismprofessionalsawards.org.uk.

Submitted by Richard Morley