About
Dr Odet Mark Aszkenasy
FRCP · DCH · MFPHM
Consultant Paediatrician, Care ADHD
Formerly Consultant Community Paediatrician and Clinical Lead for Autism Diagnostic Services (NHS), until September 2026
I have a personal as well as professional connection to autism and neurodiversity, and that shapes everything I do — clinically, in writing, and online.
For over a decade I led the under-5s autism diagnostic service in a busy North East England hospital, working alongside hundreds of families through those early years. I retired from the NHS in September 2026. I now work as a consultant paediatrician for Care ADHD. Being the father of an autistic child keeps me grounded. What matters most is not what works in theory — it is what actually helps on a Tuesday morning when your child is overwhelmed.
Through Practical Autism Research and the projects below, I aim to bridge the gap between academic studies and real life: reviewing research that can genuinely support autistic children and, just as importantly, empowering them to understand themselves and speak up for what they need.
Books
The Genetics of Autism: Information for Parents and Professionals
Making sense of genetic testing — from NHS pathways and whole genome sequencing to what a result (or a variant of uncertain significance) actually means for your family.
All About My Health series
Zak’s Blood Test
A social story helping children prepare for having a blood test, with tips for parents and carers at the back.
All About My Health series
Zak’s Operation
Follow Zak’s journey through hospital for an operation — meeting the people who take care of him and seeing how he gets back to feeling his best.
All About My Health series
Zak’s MRI Scan
A social story helping children prepare for an MRI brain scan.
All About Procedures in the Radiology Imaging Department
Anna’s Ultrasound Adventure
By Dr Moira McCarty, Consultant Paediatric Radiologist
A children’s guide to ultrasound scans, with a companion web app at annas-ultrasound-adventure.app
Mother’s Autism Daily Progress Journal
By Dr Sanchaita Das
A 60-day day-by-day companion for noticing behaviour, sensory needs, and small wins — with daily pages and weekly check-ins.
Free Apps & Resources
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SleepSpectrum
Practical sleep information for neurodivergent children and families — no sleep data collected.
sleepspectrum.co.uk
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TransitionReady
Preparing young people for the move from paediatric to adult healthcare.
transitionready.app
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NF1 Care Companion
Information and support for families affected by Neurofibromatosis Type 1.
nf1-care-companion.netlify.app