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

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.

View on Amazon →

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.

View on Amazon →

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.

View on Amazon →

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

View on Amazon →

Free Apps & Resources

• SleepSpectrum

  Sleep support and tracking for neurodivergent children and families.

  sleepspectrum.co.uk

• 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