Autism
Who do I see?
Advice:
GPs are always happy to discuss and provide advice about a possible autism diagnosis particularly if there is a considerable impact on a patient’s life. However, GPs do not diagnose Autism – this is a specialist’s role.
For children, the issue may be picked up in schools and processes exist in schools for pupils with additional educational needs to be assessed. Schools can guide you through this process and following this route may be particularly appropriate when other issues/needs are being considered. The team that works with schools are often best placed to recommend the accommodations and adjustments that may be appropriate.
For adults, there is a separate service available for diagnosis in our area. This is actually a ‘self-referral’ – please refer to the website, self-referral form and instructions linked below.
You may be interested to perform a standardised questionnaire such as the Autism-Spectrum Quotient – 10 items (AQ-10). The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommend a specialist assessment for those who score 6 or more.
Please be aware that there is currently a high demand for this diagnostic service and it may take some time for you to be assessed. To keep this service available for those who really need it, please only consider referring yourself if you think there is a significant likelihood that you have autism (see the AQ-10 questionnaire above to check this) and you feel that there is a significant impact on your life because of it.