Autism

Autism is usually diagnosed by an assessment from a team of health professionals. A GP can refer you for an assessment.

Speak to a GP to find out how to get an autism assessment in your local area.

GPs can often refer children and adults to a local autism team for an autism assessment.

For children, your child’s school may need to make the referral.  If your child is not school age a health visitor may need to make the referral.

You may also be referred for an autism assessment when you're getting help for another condition. For example, a mental health professional may notice signs of autism and recommend a referral.

If your referral is accepted it can take a few months or longer to get an assessment. A GP or education professional can tell you what support is available while you’re waiting (or if you cannot get a referral).

If you're finding it hard to get a referral for an assessment, you could ask to speak to someone else, like another GP. This is called getting a second opinion.

In England, you can choose which NHS service does the assessment and you may be able to find a clinic with shorter waiting times. This is called Right to Choose.

Find out more

• How to request an autism assessment – National Autistic Society
• What can I do while I'm waiting for an assessment – National Autistic Society
• Your choices in the NHS, including Right to Choose

Autistic people can get help and support through a GP, local council, school or college, support groups and national charities.

• you think your child might be autistic

If the doctor thinks your child may be autistic, they can refer them for an autism assessment and let you know if there is support available near you.

You could also speak to a special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) at their school or nursery.

• you think you might be autistic

They may refer you for an autism assessment and let you know what support is available in your local area.

There may also be support available while you're waiting for your assessment.

Speak to a GP to find out how to get an autism assessment in your local area.

GPs can often refer children and adults to a local autism team for an autism assessment.

For children, your child’s school may need to make the referral.  If your child is not school age a health visitor may need to make the referral.

You may also be referred for an autism assessment when you're getting help for another condition. For example, a mental health professional may notice signs of autism and recommend a referral.

If your referral is accepted it can take a few months or longer to get an assessment. A GP or education professional can tell you what support is available while you’re waiting (or if you cannot get a referral).

If you're finding it hard to get a referral for an assessment, you could ask to speak to someone else, like another GP. This is called getting a second opinion.

In England, you can choose which NHS service does the assessment and you may be able to find a clinic with shorter waiting times. This is called Right to Choose.

Find out more

• How to request an autism assessment – National Autistic Society
• What can I do while I'm waiting for an assessment – National Autistic Society
• Your choices in the NHS, including Right to Choose

If you’re autistic or caring for an autistic child or adult, you can get support from:

• a GP or local autism team
• your local council
• your school, college or workplace
• local support services
• national charities