Associate Specialist Community Child Health
I graduated in medicine in 1980 (Queen’s University) and entered paediatrics following my pre-registration year initially doing three years in hospital before moving into the community in 1984.
I have worked in a variety of locations both in N. Ireland and England and was appointed to my present post in 1999 although had worked in the Larne and Carrickfergus area from 1984-87 and returned to the area including Newtownabbey in 1987.
East Antrim PAPA first contacted Homefirst Trust, about developing diagnostic services for children with ASD, in 1997. This was to be the beginning of a long-term relationship with Autism NI. In 1997, Arlene and I were instrumental in getting diagnostic training for paediatricians, and a few other interested professionals, in N.I. for the first time.
I was the lead clinician involved in establishing a pilot diagnostic clinic within Homefirst Trust in 1997. A multi-disciplinary diagnostic team was formed in 2000 with the clinic eventually rolled out to the entire Trust area in 2000 and 2001. Our team is comprised of community paediatricians, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, a clerical officer and an educational psychologist.
We use a variety of assessment methods including group assessments, which have helped to reduce the ever-increasing waiting lists. Group assessments take place over several weeks, parent training is included and parents are able to offer each other significant support.
Together with my colleagues, I am also involved in raising the awareness of ASD to other professional groups e.g. health visitors; social workers and most recently dentists. Members of the team including myself are often asked to speak at Autism NI branch meetings and other voluntary groups e.g. NIPPA. My interest in Autism has taken me to conferences both at home and in England, the House of Commons (many years ago), and more recently a meeting with the Secretary of State.
I have been invited to sit on a variety of steering groups for Autism NI: The Diagnostic Scoping Study (June 1997 – December 1998); Connecting with Autism project (drawing to a close) and also An Evaluation of the Need and Early Intervention Support for Children (aged 2-4 years) with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Northern Ireland (DENI). In 2002, I was also invited to facilitate a workshop at the launch of the Report of the Task Group on Autism. I continue to be involved in the assessment and longer-term support of parents of children with ASD. Many of these young people are now leaving children’s services and entering the adult sector where there is little or no support.
