About Us
Our team of highly experienced clinicians include Speech and Language Therapists, Clinical Psychologists, Consultant Psychiatrists, and access to other professionals including Occupational Therapists
My name is Shakila Mustafa, HCPC Registered Principal Speech and Language Therapist, and Director of Spectrum Of Minds Services.
My career in Counselling Psychology and Speech and Language Therapy has spanned 25 years of working with adults, children and young people
About Us
Since qualifying in 1999, I have worked in both NHS and independent settings. I then trained as a Speech and Language Therapist and have worked in this field for the last 15 years.
I have worked as part of a multi-disciplinary team specialising in neurodevelopment conditions, autism spectrum condition and ADHD. I have also consulted with allied health professionals on a National Research Project for children with undiagnosed autism. I have worked as a Consultant for the Picking up the needs of children (PUNCH) in an exciting research project, investigating improving outcomes for children across primary schools.
Our team of highly experienced clinicians include Speech and Language Therapists, Clinical Psychologists, Consultant Psychiatrists, and access to other professionals including Occupational therapists.
One of the many considerations that individuals thinking about a private autism or ADHD assessment have to consider is whether the assessment and subsequent diagnosis will be recognised by public services, such as the NHS and Local Authority SEND Services.
In order for a private diagnosis to be recognised or accepted by public services, it must be robust and of the same standard of an NHS autism assessment or above.
Spectrum of Minds is fully accredited and our assessments are recognised by public services such as the NHS and Local Authority SEND Services.
NICE Requirements
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) produces evidence-based recommendations for health and care in England and Wales. The NICE guidelines outline best practice for the diagnostic assessment of autism, the guidelines are followed by the NHS. NICE guidelines for the diagnostic assessment of autism outline that an autism assessment should:
- be coordinated by a case coordinator who is the single point of contact
- be undertaken by a multi-disciplinary team
- gather information about current concerns
- gather details of the child’s or young person’s experiences of home life, education and social care
- include a developmental history
- include an individual assessment of social and communication skills and behaviours through interaction and observation
NICE also recommend that professionals consider using structured assessment tools such as the ADOS-2, ADI-r or RAADS-R.•Public bodies should accept a private assessment which is compliant with NICE guidelines and is supported by a full report outlining the evidence gathered and rationale for the diagnostic assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accreditations do you have?
Our team are HCPC registered, RCSLT certified, registered with the Royal College of Psychiatrists and The British Psychological Society.
Will a detailed report be given of an assessment?
Yes it will. our assessment team will always complete an ADOS assessment, and the multi-disciplinary team always rigorously adhere to the DSM 5 criteria.
Do you only work with children?
We offer a wide range of comprehensive private and independent neurodevelopmental assessments for both adults and children.
What if English is not the first language?
Assessments can also be performed in your home language if that is required.