can anyone recommend a private psychologist/therapist for child with autism

[thisisyesterday]

think ds1 would really benefit from someone who knows what they're doing and can help him with anger issues and self esteem.
he is very, very sad about having no friends, but everything i say just falls on deaf ears or i get shouted at and told i am wrong.

i think he needs someone unrelated to help him work through this in his own way, but also teach him how to make friends.
plus, as I say, anger issues and self esteem (which i think will help the friends issue too)

we're in the south east, willing to travel a reasonable distance to see someone who is coming highly recommended.

have googled til i'm dead almost, but i would really love a personal recommendation if anyone has one

I don't have any recommendations sorry, I'm in Scotland, but I've don't a lot of research and cognitive behavioural therapy is best for those on the spectrum so look for a therapist specialising in CBT.

Maybe look on the british psychological societies website too for a recommendation?

Thanks both, he is 7.

i've read tons of stuff, but I struggle putting it into practice, and he doesn't respond well to me so I think he would really benefit from someone else helping him out.

he has an appointment with his paediatrician at the end of the month so I will ask if she can suggest anyone :)

Sorry OP I can't offer any suggestions but just that Jackie Harland's a speech therapist, isn't she?

it isn't particularly close no, but will add it to list of possibilities

i think going into London will be a real hassle too, although clearly willing to put up with it for the right person

those of you who have done this, can you tell me how it worked? presumably you have some kind of initial assessment and then further visits? do you have to go to clinic or will they come to you?
how often did you see them?

Ooh merlin I didn't know that. We saw her for a SLT assessment (for tribunal), she was great - I can certainly imagine she'd be good for social skills groups, etc. We used her because she is very clued-up and positive about ABA, which kind of fits in with that.

Sorry to muddy the waters OP. As you were.

My DS sees Tony Lee at the Tavistock in London NW3, through the NHS. He has been wonderful.