Scottish Autism Service Network

Roles of Professionals

A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Paediatrician

Paediatricians are doctors who are expert in the health and development of children, particularly those with development disorders such as an ASD. They should know when and how to refer children to other specialists. They can often be called upon to diagnose an ASD, especially in younger children. They can work from a hospital setting or out in the community.

Physiotherapist

A physiotherapist provides treatment and advice to help relieve pain and increase mobility. Using exercise and movement a physiotherapist will help the individual to gain as much independence as possible.
They can also give you advice, for example on lifting individuals correctly.

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a doctor trained in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders and behaviour.
Psychiatrists usually work within one of the following specialties: general psychiatry; the psychiatry of learning difficulties; forensic psychiatry; the psychiatry of old age; psychotherapy and child and adolescent psychiatry. Most psychiatrists work for the NHS in a range of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, day centres, community homes and in patients' homes. To see a psychiatrist, patients must be referred by their GP.