How to request and autism assessment?

Getting diagnosed with autism is a significant and often positive turning point to receiving vital help and resources. 

For many, receiving a formal diagnosis brings immense relief, clarity to understand their past experiences, access to workplace adjustments, and serves as an opportunity to connect with their peers. 

This page is a clear, step-by-step guide on how to request an adult autism assessment.

1.Speak to your GP: Speaking to your GP about signs and symptoms is the first step of getting an autism assessment.

Preparing for your appointment: 

In preparation to speak to your GP, spend a few days writing down a list of examples of autism traits. 

2.Complete the AQ-10 Questionnaire: A tool used by GPs to measure traits. It can be helpful to take a completed AQ10 form to help confirm whether your symptoms are consistent with a possible autism diagnosis.

The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10) is a quick, 10-question screening tool that NHS doctors use to check if a full assessment is needed. Download and print a copy online,  fill it out honestly, and calculate your score. If you score 6 or above, the NHS guidelines state your GP should offer you a referral.

3.Getting a referral: Once you have spoken to your GP, make sure to ask about waiting times and options.

If the GP agrees to refer you, ask them which specific local pathway or specialist team they are sending your paperwork to. A traditional referral will take the form of a letter sent from your GP, health care practitioner or educational professional to the diagnostic service that will carry out the assessment.

Note: Ensure you receive a copy of this referral letter. 

You are also entitled to get a second opinion if you are refused a referral by your GP. Another option is to seek a private assessment that is independent from the NHS.

Important Legal Right: If you live in England, you have a legal right called Right to Choose. 

What exactly is 'Right to Choose' (RTC?

In England, patients have a legal right to choose who provides their care. This includes mental health and neurodevelopmental assessments. If your local NHS trust has a long waiting list, you can ask to be referred to an independent, which includes some private clinics that have "Right to Choose" integrations with the NHS.

Who can use it 

To be eligible for Right to Choose for an autism or ADHD assessment, you typically need to:

• Be registered with a GP in England.
• Some require Adults aged 18 or over
• Not already be under the care of a specialist team for that specific condition.
• Be seeking a first-time diagnosis.

It is important to work with your GP to ensure you understand your options and select the provider organisation that supports your individual needs. 

What happens during an autism assessment

Autism assessments for children

Your child may have one or more appointments with a team of different professionals.

The assessment team may:

• ask you about your child's milestones and development
• ask your child to complete certain tasks to assess their abilities to: 
  
  • Communicate 
  • Move 
  • Think 
  • React
• ask about their medical history and carry out a physical examination
• see how your child plays and interacts with others
• look for signs of other conditions, such as ADHD or epilepsy, which they can then refer for other additional tests
• read any reports sent by their GP, nursery or educational institute
• speak to people who know your child well, such as family, friends, your GP or your child's teachers

A member of the team may also visit your child's school to see them in class and at 

Find out more: Assessment and diagnosis – National Autistic Society

Autism assessments for adults

You may have one or more appointments with a team of different healthcare professionals.

The assessment team may:

• ask you to fill in questionnaires about yourself, sign and symptoms 
• ask questions about how you behave interact with others 
• read any reports sent by their GP, nursery or educational institute
• ask about your childhood, home, work and/or college
• read your medical history
• speak to loved ones such as a family member, colleague, partner or carer
• ask you to provide other documents that may be helpful, such as school reports or assessments you’ve had at work

After the assessment you'll be given a report highlighting key findings. 

The report should say:

• if you or your child are autistic
• what you or your child are good at
• what you or your child might need help with
• if they found any other conditions

If you or your child are diagnosed as autistic, you may be offered a follow-up appointment with the assessment team a few weeks or months later.

You may also be given a care plan or some information to support you or your child. This should include any support that parents, family or carers might need.

Note: Inform your GP of the outcome so they can update your medical records and point you toward local NHS or community care resources 

Need more help? Contact the us at Referrals@halowproject.org.uk

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