Diagnosis: the process for children

I think my child has an autistic spectrum disorder. How do I go about getting them diagnosed?

Autistic spectrum disorders can normally be diagnosed at around the age of two years. In many instances professional workers may spot the tell-tale signs of autism via the normal childhood health checks and this will eventually result in them being formally diagnosed.

If this does not happen and you feel that there is a possibility that your child has an autistic spectrum disorder you should go to your GP and request that they refer them to a consultant or diagnostic team with a good understanding of the condition.

I have been to my GP but they refuse to refer my child on.

Due perhaps either to financial constraints or lack of knowledge about autistic spectrum disorders some GPs are unwilling to refer people on. Unfortunately you have few legal rights in this situation. Under the Patients Charter you can request to see a consultant of your choice or seek a second opinion if you are dissatisfied with the first, but only with the agreement of your GP. However, being assertive and persistent can help. You might also find the following tips useful;

Prepare notes on what you want to say to your GP prior to your appointment
Keep a diary to record any unusual behaviours exhibited by your child and their frequency
Supply your GP with some NAS information on autism or encourage them to contact our Information Centre (tel: 0845 070 4004, email: nas@nas.org.uk) if they have any specific questions on the condition
If part of a group practice, ask to see one of the other doctors

Is there a particular kind of doctor that my child needs to see?

There are a number of different doctors and health professionals who may be involved in diagnosing the condition. Most frequently though these would be psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and, in the case of children, paediatricians. In some areas there may be multi-disciplinary teams (i.e. made up of a number of different health professionals) involved in diagnosing autism. It is important to ensure that whoever sees your child has a good knowledge of autistic spectrum disorders.

My GP is willing to refer my child on for a diagnostic assessment but does not know of any people with the relevant expertise.

The Autism Helpline has a list of doctors and diagnostic teams who have an interest in autistic spectrum disorders and may, therefore, be able to supply you with the name of an appropriately experienced person. We must stress however, that this list does not offer comprehensive coverage across the country i.e. some areas are better served than others, and we cannot guarantee the service offered by individual doctors or diagnostic teams.

I have heard about The National Autistic Society's own diagnostic service, The NAS Lorna Wing Centre for Autism (formerly The Centre for Social and Communication Disorders). Would this be the best place to take my child to be diagnosed?

The NAS Lorna Wing Centre for Autism aims to be a centre of expertise and excellence in the field of autism and would be a very appropriate place for someone to go to find out if their child has an autistic spectrum disorder. However, it is not the only option as there are a growing number of health professionals with an interest in the condition and it is therefore quite possible that there may be someone relatively local to you who could make a diagnosis. If you do see someone local there is the extra benefit that they may be able to advise you on sources of help in the vicinity and possibly offer some kind of follow up service.

Does everybody with an autistic spectrum disorder need to be diagnosed?

In the experience of the Autism Helpline very many people with autistic spectrum disorders and their families benefit from having an official diagnosis of their condition. Having an explanation for the problems that the person has been experiencing, possibly for many years, can bring a sense of relief both for the parent, and sometimes for the person themselves, particularly in the case of those at the more able end of the spectrum. It also provides them with the ammunition to argue for the most appropriate services.

There are some occasions where people would prefer not to have a formal diagnosis. Sometimes this is because a parent feels that their child will be able to make greatest progress if they do not think of themselves as having a disability. We also know of adults who suspect that they be mildly autistic but would prefer not to be formally diagnosed. For such people, knowing what is the possible cause of their problems seems to be enough.

If you require further information please contact the NAS Autism Helpline

Tel: 0845 070 4004
Email: autismhelpline@nas.org.uk

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