About
Dr Odet Mark Aszkenasy
FRCP · DCH · MFPHM
Consultant Community Paediatrician & Clinical Lead, Autism Diagnostic Services
University Hospitals of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
I have a personal as well as professional connection to autism and neurodiversity, and that shapes everything I do — clinically, in writing, and online.
Over the past decade I have led the under-5s autism diagnostic service in a busy North East England hospital, working alongside hundreds of families through those crucial early years. My role gives me a front-row seat to the latest research, assessments and interventions, but it is being a parent that 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
Leucovorin for Autism – 2nd Edition: A Guide for Parents and Professionals
An evidence-based guide to cerebral folate deficiency, folate receptor autoantibodies and folinic acid therapy — bridging complex science and the questions families most want answered.
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 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
Free Apps & Resources
-
SleepSpectrum
Sleep support and tracking for neurodivergent children and families.
sleepspectrum.co.uk
-
ARFID Wellness Tracker
Monitoring and support for avoidant/restrictive food intake difficulties.
arfidwellnesstracker.com
-
TransitionReady
Preparing young people for the move from paediatric to adult healthcare.
transitionready.app
-
NF1 Care Companion
Information and support for families affected by Neurofibromatosis Type 1.
nf1-care-companion.netlify.app
Upcoming Conference
15th Tees Neurodevelopmental Paediatrics Symposium
Monday 6th & Tuesday 7th July 2026
Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, Co. Durham
For consultants, specialist trainees, advanced nurse practitioners, therapists and senior nursing staff.