Questions and answers about autism assessment and support

I think my child might be autistic. What should I do first?

If you are concerned about your child’s development, you can speak to:

• your GP
• your child’s school or nursery
• a health visitor

They can discuss your concerns and refer your child for an autism assessment if appropriate. Schools and nurseries can also begin putting support in place based on need, even before a diagnosis.

I am an adult and think I might be autistic. Can I still get assessed?

Yes. Adults can ask their GP for a referral for an autism assessment. You do not need to have been assessed as a child.

Some adults seek assessment after recognising signs in themselves, or after their child has been diagnosed. Your GP can refer you to a specialist service for assessment.

What are some common signs of autism?

Autism can look different for everyone. Some common signs may include:

In children:

• delayed speech or language development
• difficulty with social interaction
• sensitivity to sounds, lights, or textures
• strong interests or repetitive behaviours
• becoming upset by changes in routine

In adults:

• finding social interaction tiring or confusing
• preferring routines
• sensory sensitivities
• difficulty understanding social cues
• needing time alone after social situations

Not everyone will have the same signs.

Do I need a diagnosis before I can get support?

No. You can ask for support based on need.

Schools, colleges, workplaces, and services can make reasonable adjustments without a formal diagnosis. This might include:

• changes to communication
• flexible routines
• sensory adjustments
• additional learning support

A diagnosis can help access some services, but it is not always required to start getting help.

What can I expect from an autism assessment?

Autism assessments usually happen in stages rather than a single appointment. The process may include screening, one or more assessment appointments, and follow-up afterwards. It can also involve different professionals.

Screening (before assessment):

Before a full assessment, you may be asked to complete screening questionnaires. These help the service understand your experiences and decide whether a full autism assessment is appropriate.

This stage may include:

• questionnaires about communication and behaviour
• forms completed by parents, carers, or partners
• information from school, nursery, or workplace
• a short appointment to discuss concerns

If the screening suggests autism may be present, you will usually be invited to a full assessment.

Assessment:

For children

A child’s assessment often involves more than one appointment. It may include:

• talking to parents or carers about development and behaviour
• observing how your child communicates and plays
• gathering information from school or nursery
• structured assessment activities
• questionnaires or rating scales

The assessment team may include paediatricians, psychologists, speech and language therapists, or other specialists. Parents or carers are usually involved throughout.

For adults

Adult assessments are often carried out over more than one appointment. Some people may be seen by different professionals, for example, a psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist. The assessment may include:

• talking about your experiences growing up
• discussing communication, routines, and sensory differences
• questionnaires about behaviour and social interaction
• exploring mental health history
• sometimes speaking to someone who knew you as a child, if possible
• questionnaires or rating scales for you and friends/family to fill out

Different professionals may focus on different areas before reaching a shared decision.

What happens after the assessment?

After the assessment, you will usually receive feedback from the team. This may be at the end of the final appointment or at a separate feedback session. Sometimes it will take a few months to get a final answer.

You should then:

• be told whether you meet the criteria for autism
• receive a written report
• be given information about support
• be signposted to local services

If you receive a diagnosis, you may be offered post-diagnostic support, workshops, or advice about adjustments at school, college, or work.

How long does the process take?

Waiting times for autism assessments can be long. In some areas, people may wait well over a year for an assessment.

This can be frustrating, especially if you need support. It is important to know that you do not need a diagnosis before asking for help. Support can still be provided based on need.

While waiting, you can:

• speak to your GP about support
• ask schools or colleges about additional help
• contact local organisations
• explore community support options
• access London Waiting Room for support and practical tools and resources - https://londonwaitingroom.nhs.uk/

If you are concerned about waiting times, you may be able to access an assessment more quickly through the NHS Right to Choose pathway. This allows your GP to refer you to another provider that offers autism assessments.

What is Right to Choose?

Right to Choose is an NHS pathway that allows you to choose a different provider for your autism assessment. This can often reduce waiting times.

You can ask your GP to refer you to another provider if:

• the provider has an NHS contract
• they accept Right to Choose referrals

This is most commonly used for adult autism assessments.

You can find more information here:
National Autistic Society Right to Choose guidance
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/right-to-choose

What support is available in Islington?

Several organisations offer support for autistic people and their families, as well as more general psycho-social support to improve overall wellbeing.

Centre 404
https://centre404.org.uk/
Support for children, adults, and families, including groups, advice, and activities.

Elfrida Society
https://elfrida.com/
Advocacy and support for adults with learning disabilities and autism.

Autism Hub Camden and Islington
https://theautismhub.org.uk/
Peer support, advice sessions, and information for autistic adults.

Growing Hope (Kings Cross)
https://growinghope.org.uk/kings-cross/
Therapy support for children and young people with additional needs, including autism.

Islington Local Offer
https://www.islington.gov.uk/children-and-families/send-local-offer
Information about support for children and young people with additional needs.

Lift Youth Hub
https://www.liftyouthhub.org/
Support and activities for young people, including opportunities to meet others and build confidence.

Mind in Islington
https://www.mindinislington.org.uk/
Mental health support, wellbeing activities, and advice for residents.

Stuart Low Trust
https://stuartlowtrust.org/
Free wellbeing activities, peer support, and groups for young adults experiencing mental health challenges.

Where can I find more information?

NHS autism information
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/

National Autistic Society
https://www.autism.org.uk/

Autism diagnosis guidance
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/getting-diagnosed/

London Waiting Room
https://londonwaitingroom.nhs.uk/
Information and support for people waiting for mental health services, including practical tools and local resources.