Diagnosis Pathway
If you think you may be autistic and would like to explore formal diagnosis, please read…
How do I find out if I am autistic?
Some people identify as autistic without being diagnosed, however many find diagnosis a helpful step towards understanding their experiences and accessing specialist forms of support, including DSA funded support.
- Make an appointment with your GP
In some cases you can self-refer for a diagnostic assessment, but usually a GP referral is required. - Discuss your reasons
You will be asked to discuss why you think you are autistic. You may wish to take someone to help you communicate this, or note down your thoughts to take into the appointment. - Share your experiences
It is helpful to think of some examples of times that you’ve experienced difficulty or difference. This may relate to social communication or sensory processing, for instance. - Ask for a Referral
Your GP will probably refer you to a local diagnostic centre. If they decide not to refer you, you can ask them why. You can then ask for a follow-up appointment or to see a different GP, or you may wish to pursue a private referral. - Diagnostic Assessment
Once you have been referred, your GP will no longer be involved in your assessment. Read on to find out how the assessment process works.
The Diagnostic Assessment
In most cases you will be referred to speak to a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist who are part of a specialist autism diagnosis team. They may ask you to bring someone with you who can provide information about your childhood, so taking a parent or sibling, or someone else who knew you as a child is a good idea.
How is autism diagnosed?
Every autistic person is different and the autistic community is hugely diverse.
A medical diagnosis of autism assesses a set of behavioural characteristics, thought to indicate an Autism Spectrum Condition.
These characteristics may be linked to experiences of difference, impacting some of the following:
- social communication
- social relationships
- employment
- sensory processing
- preference for a set routine
- a strong dislike of uncertainty
You may also exhibit restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour. You (and, if appropriate, the person who has accompanied you) will be asked questions about your development from childhood to help make a diagnosis. There is no physical or medical examination required.
How is the diagnosis given?
After your assessment, the professional who has carried out the diagnostic assessment will tell you if they believe you are autistic. Sometimes this happens at the assessment session, but it could also be at a later date, either by telephone or in writing. They may also provide you with a ‘profile’, outlining how they believe your autism affect you. If you have any questions about your profile, your diagnostician can explain what the profile means.
Coming to terms with the outcome
Understanding an autism diagnosis
Some assessment centres offer follow-up support for those diagnosed with autism, but not all of them do. You will no doubt have lots of questions about what this diagnosis means for you and you may want to meet other people with autism to help you understand your diagnosis and relate it to your experiences.
You may feel overwhelmed but there are services and resources available to help. The NHS website lists support groups, charities and other places you can go for help.
If you are told you are not autistic
You may be advised that you are not in fact autistic, which you may or may not agree with.
If you want a second opinion, you will need to revisit your GP and explain that you would like to be reassessed by a different diagnostician. If your GP does not refer you a second time, you be able to pay for a private assessment or request to see a different a GP. A second assessment does not guarantee a diagnosis however.