Professionals involved in an autism assessment
A specialist team of professionals will be involved before, during and sometimes after an autism assessment. This page provides information about the types of professionals that may be involved throughout the process.
What is a multidisciplinary team?
NHS assessments are carried out by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, sometimes called a specialist team. The involvement of different specialists helps to make the assessment more accurate, as it allows different aspects of a person’s experience and characteristics to be identified.
The range of specialists involved will depend on the needs and situation of the person being assessed and the approach of the health service and assessment team in your area, or on the independent diagnostic service you are using. There are also some differences in the professionals involved in adult assessments compared to child assessments.
Our Clinical Director explains multidisciplinary teams
Which professionals are involved in an adult autism assessment?
The specialist team for assessing adults can include:
- clinical psychologist
- nurse
- occupational therapist
- psychiatrist
- social worker
- speech and language therapist
- physiotherapist
- support staff (to help you access services).
Which professionals are involved in a child or young person’s autism assessment?
The specialist team should include:
- paediatrician and/or child and adolescent psychiatrist
- speech and language therapist
- psychologist with training and experience in working with autistic children and young people.
The specialist team should also include, or have regular access to, the following professionals, if they are not already part of the team:
- paediatricians or paediatric neurologists
- child and adolescent psychiatrists
- occupational therapists.
NICE guidelines state that a case coordinator should be involved in the assessment process, however unfortunately this isn’t common in practice. If a case coordinator is involved, they may be responsible for:
- acting as a single point of contact for the parent or carer
- keeping everyone updated on what is required and when appointments will happen
- providing relevant supporting information
- gathering any information required for the assessment process.
If assessing a young person at the time of transition to adult services, the team should consider carrying out the autism diagnostic assessment jointly with the adult specialist team. For further information please see the NICE and SIGN guidelines.
-
- Autism Services Directory: for services and support
- Branches: offering support, information and social activities for autistic adults, children and their families in their local areas
- Community: our online community is a place for autistic people and their families to meet like-minded people and share their experiences
- Lorna Wing Centre: offers a range of specialist diagnostic and assessment services for children, young people and adults
-
ResearchAuthor: Wigham et. al. (2023)
Title: Consensus statements on optimal adult post-autism diagnosis support and services: Delphi process following a UK survey of autistic adults, relatives and clinicians
Source: Autism: 27(2,)344-355
Author: Huang et al. (2022)
Title: A Qualitative Study of Adults’ and Support Persons’ Experiences of Support After Autism Diagnosis
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Author: Crane et al. (2021)
Title: Supporting newly identified or diagnosed autistic adults: An initial evaluation of an autistic-led programme.
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders: 51(3), 892-905,Author: Jones et al. (2014)
Title: Experiences of receiving a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder: A survey of adults in the United Kingdom.
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders: 44(12), 3033-3044,Author: Scattoni et al. (2021)
Title: Real-world experiences in autistic adult diagnostic services and post-diagnostic support and alignment with service guidelines: Results from the ASDEU study
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders: 51, 4129-4146,Author: Stagg and Belcher (2019)
Title: Living with autism without knowing: receiving a diagnosis in later life
Source: Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine: an Open Access Journal, 7(1): 348-361,Author: Corden et al. (2021)
Title: Personal Identity After an Autism Diagnosis: Relationships With Self-Esteem, Mental Wellbeing, and Diagnostic Timing
Source: Frontiers in Psychology, 12: 1-12Author: Powell and Acker (2016)
Title: Adults’ Experience of an Asperger Syndrome Diagnosis: Analysis of Its Emotional Meaning and Effect on Participants’ Lives
Source: Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities 31(1): 72-80Author: Hatten and Lee (2022)
Title: An evaluation of the online post-diagnostic groups facilitated by the autism spectrum condition service at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS
Source: Advances in Autism, 8(4): 319-331Author: Leedham et al. (2020)
Title: ‘I was exhausted trying to figure it all out’: The experiences of females receiving an autism diagnosis in middle to late adulthood
Source: Autism, 24(1): 135-146Author: Harmens et al. (2022)
Title: Autistic women’s diagnostic experiences: Interactions with identity and impacts on well-being
Source: Women’s Health 18: 1-11Author: Kock et al. (2019)
Title: Autistic women’s experience of intimate relationships: the impact of an adult diagnosis
Source: Advances in Autism 5(1): 38-49Author: Evans et al. (2022)
Title: A Survey of Autistic Adults from New Zealand on the Autism Diagnostic Process During Adolescence and Adulthood
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 52: 771-781Author: Wilson et al. (2023)
Title: The experience of seeking, receiving, and reflecting upon a diagnosis of autism in the UK: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies conducted with autistic individuals
Source: Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders 103: 1-15Author: Gellini and Marczak (2023)
Title: “I always knew I was different”: Experiences of Receiving a Diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Adulthood – a Meta-Ethnographic Systematic Review
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental DisordersAuthor: Crompton et al. (2022)
Title: “A Group of Fellow Travellers Who Understand”: Interviews With Autistic People About Post-diagnostic Peer Support in Adulthood
Source: Frontiers in Psychology 13: 1-12Author: Atherton et al. (2022)
Title: Autism Though the Ages: A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding How Age and Age of diagnosis Affect Quality of Life
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 52: 3639-3654Author: Lilley et al. (2023)
Title: “Peas in a pod”: Oral History Reflections on Autistic Identity in Family and Community by Late-Diagnosed Adults
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 53(3): 1146-1161Author: Lupindo et al. (2022)
Title: Late diagnosis of autism: exploring experiences of males diagnosed with autism in adulthood
Source: Current PsychologyAuthor: Arnold et al. (2020)
Title: "The single most important thing that has happened to me in my life”: development of the impact of diagnosis scale – preliminary revision
Source: Autism Adulthood 2: 34-41Author: Finch et al. (2022)
Title: “We couldn’t think in the box if we tried. We can’t even find the damn box”. A qualitative study of the lived experiences of autistic adults and relatives of autistic adults
Source: PLOS ONE 17(3): 1-22Author: Harmens et al. (2022
Title: The Quest for Acceptance: A Blog-Based Study of Autistic Women’s Experiences and Well-Being During Autism Identification and Diagnosis
Source: Autism in Adulthood 4(1): 42-51Author: Tan (2018)
Title: “I’m a normal autistic person, not an abnormal neurotypical”: Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis as biographical illumination
Source: Social Science and Medicine 197: 161-167Author: Bargiela et al. (2016)
Title: The Experiences of Late-diagnosed Women with Autism Spectrum Conditions: An Investigation of the Female Autism Phenotype
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 46: 3281-3294Author: Hidalgo et al. (2022)
Title: Psychoeducational group intervention for intellectually able adults with autism and their close relations (Prisma) – an open feasibility study
Source: BMC Psychiatry 22(1): 1-15Author: Rogers et al. (2016)
Title: Experiences of diagnosing autism spectrum disorder: A survey of professionals in the United Kingdom
Source: Autism 20(7): 820-831Author: Crane et al. (2018)
Title: Autism Diagnosis in the United Kingdom: Perspectives of Autistic Adults, Parents and Professionals
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 48(11), 3761-3772Author: Grant et a. (2016)
Title: Intervention decision-making processes and information preferences of parents of children with autism spectrum disorders
Source: Child: Care, Health and Development 42(1): 125-134Author: Hurt et al. (2019)
Title: Understanding and improving the care pathway for children with autism
Source: International Journey of Health Care Quality Assurance32(1): 208-223Author: Mogensen and Mason (2015)
Title: The meaning of a label for teenagers negotiating identity: experiences with autism spectrum disorder
Source: Sociology of Health and Illness 37(2): 255-269Author: MacLeod et al. (2013)
Title: ‘Why should I be like bloody Rain Man?!’ Navigating the autistic identity
Source: British Journal of Special Education 40(1): 41-49Author: Mesa and Hamilton (2022)
Title: “We are different, that’s a fact, but they treat us like we’re different-er”: understandings of autism and adolescent identity development
Source: Advances in Autism 8(3): 217-231Author: Gordon et al. (2015)
Title: A randomised controlled trial of PEGASUS, a psycho-educational programme for young people with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder
Source: The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 56(4): 468-476Author: Legg et al. (2022)
Title: Exploring the Experiences of Parents Whose Child has Received a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adulthood
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 53: 205-215Author: Raymond-Barker et al. (2016)
Title: Biographical disruption: Experiences of mothers of adults assessed for autism spectrum disorder
Source: Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability 43(1): 83-92Author: Milgramm et al. (2022)
Title: Community-based Parent Education for Caregivers of Children Newly Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Source: DeepdyveAuthor: Cutress and Muncer (2014)
Title: Parents’ views of the National Autistic Society’s EarlyBird Plus Programme
Source: Autism, 18(6): 651-657Author: Abbott et al. (2013)
Title: Communicating a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder – a qualitative study of parents’ experiences
Source: Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry 18(3): 370-382Author: Dawson-Squibb and de Vries (2020)
Title: A comparative feasibility study of two parent education programmes for autism spectrum disorder in a low-resource South African setting
Source: Autism 24(8): 2269-2284Author: Burton and Fox (2023)
Title: Are families supported to come to terms with an autism diagnosis? A service evaluation of referrals to family therapy for young people with autism in one NHS trust
Source: Journal of Family Therapy45(2)Author: Crane et al. (2016)
Title: Experiences of autism diagnosis: A survey of over 1000 parents in the United Kingdom
Source: Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice: 20(2),153-162Author: Crane et al. (2021)
Title: Autistic parents’ views and experiences of talking about autism with their autistic children
Source: Autism 25(4): 1161-1167Author: Almog et al. (2022)
Title: Mapping the Dilemmas Parents Face with Disclosing Autism Diagnosis to their Child
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental DisordersAuthor: Crane et al. (2019)
Title: Parents views and experiences of talking about autism with their child
Source: Autism, 23(8), 1969-1981Author: Potter (2016)
Title: “I received a leaflet and that is all”: Father experiences of a diagnosis of autism
Source: British Journal of Learning Disabilities 45(2): 95-105Author: McKenzie et al. (2020)
Title: SAFE, a new therapeutic intervention for families of children with autism: a randomised controlled feasibility study
In: BMJ Open 10(12): 1-11Author: Iadorola et al. (2020)
Title: Mind the gap: an intervention to support caregivers with a new autism spectrum disorder diagnosis is feasible and acceptable
Source: Pilot and Feasibility Studies 6(1): 1-13Author: Jacobs et al.
Title: Parents’ views and experiences of the autism spectrum disorder diagnosis of their young child: a longitudinal study
Source: European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 4: 1-12Author: Egglestone et al. (2019)
Title: Obtaining an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and supports: New Zealand parents’ experiences
Source: Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders 62: 18-25Author: Ho et al. (2014)
Title: ‘Do It Yourself’ in the parent-professional partnership for the assessment and diagnosis of children with autism spectrum conditions in Hong Kong: A qualitative study
Source: Autism 18(7): 832-844Author: Hock et al. (2022)
Title: A Pilot Study of a Co-parenting Intervention for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Source: Journal of Child and Family Studies 31: 2091-2107Author: Hennel et al. (2016)
Title: Diagnosing autism: Contemporaneous surveys of parent needs and paediatric practice
Source: Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 52(5): 506-511Author: Tolmie et al. (2017)
Title: The Early Intervention Readiness Program (EIRP): A Post-ASD Diagnosis Family Support Program
Source: Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 36(4): 242-250Author: Legg and Tickle (2019)
Title: UK parents’ experiences of their child receiving a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of the qualitative evidence
Source: Autism 23(8): 1897-1910Author: McLinden and Sedgewick (2023)
Title: ‘The girls are out there’: professional perspectives on potential changes in the diagnostic process for, and recognition of, autistic females in the UK
Source: British Journal of Special Education 50(1): 63-82Author: Jashar et al. (2019)
Title: Parental Perceptions of a Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation for Toddlers at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 49: 1763-1777Author: Selimoglu et al. (2014)
Title: An examination of the views of parents of children with autism about their experiences at the post-diagnosis period of autism
Source: International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education, 5(2): 162-167Taylor et al. (2021)
Title: An investigation of adherence to best practice guidelines for autism diagnosis in New Zealand
Source: Autism, 25(7): 2087-2100Author: Pellicano et al. (2022)
Title: A Capabilities approach to understanding and supporting autistic adulthood
Source: Nature Reviews: Psychology, 1: 624-639Author: Henley (2012)
Title: Being diagnosed with autism in adulthood: a personal case study
Source: Advances in Autism 7(3), 256-262Author: Hashmi and Conor (2021)
Title: Reasonable adjustments for autistic adults
Source: BJPsych Open 7(S1)Author: Hendel et al. (2021)
Title: Factors Affecting Family Compliance with Genetic Testing of Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 51: 1201-1209Lemay and Langenberger (2016)
Title: Parental Satisfaction Towards Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Assessment Process for Children 12-39 months
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health 21(S5): 137Author: Hine et al. (2021)
Title: Enhancing developmental-behavioural pediatric rotations by teaching residents how to evaluate autism in primary care
Source: Autism 25(5): 1492-1496Author: Brosnan and Mills (2016)
Title: The effect of diagnostic labels on the affective responses of college students towards peers with ‘Asperger’s Syndrome’ and ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’
Source: Autism 20(4): 388-394Author: Rodgers et al. (2019)
Title: Uncertain Futures: Reporting the Experiences and Worries of Autistic Adults and Possible Implications for Social Work Practice
Source: British Journal of Social Work 49(7): 1817-1836Author: Lewis (2017)
Title: “We will never be normal”: The experience of discovering a partner has autism spectrum disorder
Source: Journal of Marital and Family Therapy 43(4): 631-643Author: Baldwin and Costley
Title: The experiences and needs of female adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder
Source: Autism 20(4): 1-13Author: Zener (2019)
Title: Journey to diagnosis for women with autism
Source: Advances in Autism 5(1): 2-13Author: Hickey et al. (2018)
Title: Suddenly the first fifty years of my life made sense: experiences of older people with autism
Source: Autism 22: 357-367Author: Treweek et al. (2019)
Title: Autistic people’s perspectives on stereotypes: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Source: Autism 23(3); 759-769Author: Oshima et al. (2020)
Title: Cognitive-behavioural family therapy as psycho-education for adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders: Aware and Care for my Autistic Traits (ACAT) program study protocol for a pragmatic multisite randomised controlled trial
Source: Trials 21(1): 1-10Author: Reed et al. (2019)
Title: Actual and perceived speedy diagnoses are associated with mothers’ unresolved reactions to a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder for a child
Source: Autism, 23(7): 1843-1852Author: Leadbitter et al. (2022)
Title: REACH-ASD: a UK randomised controlled trial of a new post-diagnostic psycho-education and acceptance and commitment therapy programme against treatment-as-usual for improving the mental health and adjustment of caregivers of children recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
Source: Trials 23(1)Author: Heasman and Gillespie (2019)
Title: Participants Over-Estimate How Helpful They Are in a Two-Player Game Scenario Toward an Artificial Confederate That Discloses a Diagnosis of Autism
Source: Frontiers in Psychology 10: 1-15Author: Falk et al. (2014)
Title: The Factors Predicting Stress, Anxiety and Depression in the Parents of Children with Autism
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 44(12): 3185-3203Author: Chao et al. (2018)
Title: How Taiwanese parents of children with autism spectrum disorder experience the process of obtaining a diagnosis: A descriptive phenomenological analysis
Source: Autism 22(4): 388-400Author: Turowetz et al. (2023)
Title: Disorder or difference? How clinician-patient interaction and patient age shape the process and meaning of autism diagnosis
Source: DeepdyveAuthor: Tait et al. (2016)
Title: Understanding Hong Kong Chinese Families’ Experiences of an Autism/ASD Diagnosis
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 46(4): 1164-1183Author: Taylor et al. (2021)
Title: An investigation of adherence to best practice guidelines for autism diagnosis in New Zealand
Source: Autism 25(7): 2087-2100Author: Overton et al.
Title: Understanding the Self-identification of Autism in Adults: a Scoping Review
Source: Springer LinkAuthor: Parsloe
Title: Discourses of Disability, Narratives of Community: Reclaiming an Autistic Identity Online
Source: Taylor & Francis OnlineAuthor: Au-Yeung et al.
Title: “Experience of mental health diagnosis and perceived misdiagnosis in autistic, possibly autistic and non-autistic adults”
Source: Deepdyve
Author: McDonald
Title: Autism Identity and the “Lost Generation”: Structural Validation of the Autism Spectrum Identity Scale and Comparison of Diagnosed and Self-Diagnosed Adults on the Autism Spectrum
Source: Liebert PubAuthor: Lewis
Title: Exploring the Experience of Self-Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults
Source: Archives of Psychiatric NursingAuthor: Lewis
Title: “A Mixed Methods Study of Barriers to Formal Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults”
Source: Springer LinkAuthor: Sarrett
Title: Biocertification and Neurodiversity: the Role and Implications of Self-Diagnosis in Autistic Communities
Source: Springer LinkAuthor: Kapp et al.
Title: Deficit, Difference, or Both? Autism and Neurodiversity
Source: DeepdyveAuthor: Brosnan
Title: An Exploratory Study of a Dimensional Assessment of the Diagnostic Criteria for Autism
Source: PubMedAuthor: Doherty et al.
Title: Barriers to healthcare and self-reported adverse outcomes for autistic adults: across-sectional study
Source: BMJ OpenAuthor: Hearst et al.
Title: Supporting Newly Identified or Diagnosed Autistic Adults: An Initial Evaluation of an Autistic-Led Programme
Source: City Research OnlineAuthor: Botha et al.
Title: "Autism is me": an investigation of how autistic individuals make sense of autism and stigma
Source: Taylor & Francis OnlineAuthor: Zener
Title: Journey to diagnosis for women with autism
Source: Emerald InsightAuthor: de Broize et al.
Title: Exploring the Experience of Seeking an Autism Diagnosis as an Adult
Source: Liebert PubAuthor: Belcher et al.
Title: Shining a Light on a Hidden Population: Social Functioning and Mental Health in Women Reporting Autistic Traits But Lacking Diagnosis
Source: DeepDyveAuthor: Moore
Title: The Fourth Degree of Autism: Self-Identification
Source: The Nine Degrees of Autism: A Developmental ModelAuthor: Pearse
Title: Autistic subjectivities: A critical narrative analysis of the stories of women who self-identified as autistic in adulthood
Source: UWE Bristol – WorktribeAuthor: Lister
Title: What’s in a label? An exploration of how people acquire the label ‘autistic’ in adulthood and the consequences of doing so
Source: University of ExeterAuthor: Sandland
Title: The spiral of self-identification of autism: understanding self-identification of autism through first-hand experiences
Source: University of Birmingham
Professional practice
Author: NICE (accessed November 2022)
Title: Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism: what to expect
Source: NICE websiteAuthor: NICE (2011 last updated 2017)
Title: Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: recognition, referral and diagnosis
Source: NICE websiteAuthor: NICE (2012 - updated 2021)
Title: Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis and management
Source: NICE websiteAuthor: NICE (2014, last updated 2022)
Title: Autism Quality Standard
Source: NICE websiteAuthor: NHS Digital, 2022
Title: Autism Statistics, July 2021 to June 2022
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: NHS, (accessed November 2022a)
Title: How to get an autism assessment
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: NHS, (accessed November 2022b)
Title: What happens during an autism assessment
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: Healthcare Improvement Scotland, (2016a)
Title: SIGN 145 - Assessment, diagnosis and interventions for autism spectrum disorders
Source: SIGN guidelinesAuthor: Healthcare Improvement Scotland, (2016b)
Title: Patient Booklet – Adults
Source: SIGN guidelinesAuthor: Healthcare Improvement Scotland (2017a)
Title: Patient Booklet - Parents and Carers
Source: SIGN guidelinesAuthor: Healthcare Improvement Scotland (2017b)
Title: Patient Booklet - Young People - Healthcare Improvement Scotland
Source: Healthcare Improvement ScotlandAuthor: American Psychiatric Association (2013)
Title: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition DSM-5
Source: Psychiatry OnlineAuthor: The World Health Organization (2022)
Title: ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics
Source: ICD-11 websiteAuthor: The National Autistic Society (accessed November 2022)
Title: The Autism Act, 10 Years On
Source: National Autistic SocietyAuthor: Public Health England (2019)
Title: Autism self-assessment exercise 2018: overview of results
Source: GOV.UKAuthor: The World Health Organization (1992, last updated 2016)
Title: ICD-10 Version:2016
Source: World Health OrganizationAuthor: NHS England (accessed November 2022)
Title: Findings about the autism diagnostic pathway based on stakeholder feedback and research evidence
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: Department for Education and Department of Health & Social Care (2021)
Title: The national strategy for autistic children, young people and adults: 2021 to 2026
Source: GOV.UKAuthor: NHS Berkshire Healthcare (accessed 31/10/2022)
Title: Autism Assessment Referral Criteria
Source: NHS Berkshire HealthcareAuthor: NHS University Hospitals Plymouth (accessed 31/10/22)
Title: Do you think you might have autism?
Source: NHS University Hospitals PlymouthAuthor: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2017)
Title: Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: recognition, referral and diagnosis
Source: NICE websiteAuthor: Ambitious About Autism (accessed 31/10/2022)
Title: Right from the Start Appointment Checklist
Source: Ambitious About AutismAuthor: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2021)
Title: Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis and management
Source: NICE websiteAuthor: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2014)
Title: Quality statement 1: Diagnostic assessment by an autism team
Source: NICE websiteAuthor: NHS (2022)
Title: Autism Statistics, July 2021 to June 2022
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: NHS (2022)
Title: How to get an autism assessment
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: NHS Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear 2020
Title: Adult Autism Diagnostic Service – Information for referrers
Source: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS websiteAuthor: Child & Family Health Devon (accessed 31/10/22)
Title: Referral Information
Source: Children and Family Health Devon NHS websiteAuthor: Telford Autism Hub (accessed 31/10/22)
Title: Adult Autism Assessments
Source: Telford Autism Hub websiteAuthor: NHS Kent Community Health (accessed 01/11/22)
Title: Assessment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
Source: NHS Kent Community Health websiteAuthor: Autism Wales (accessed 01/11/22)
Title: Managing Referrals
Source: Autism Wales websiteAuthor: Sheahan, et al. (2019)
Title: Clinical Guideline - Autism Diagnostic Assessment
Source: Community Children’s Health PartnershipAuthor: Care & Support in Cornwall (accessed 01/11/22a)
Title: The assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children and young people: Information for Secondary Schools
Source: Care and Support in CornwallAuthor: British Medical Association (2019)
Title: Failing a generation: delays in waiting times from referral to diagnostic assessment for autism spectrum disorder
Source: British Medical AssociationAuthor: Pinpoint (accessed 01/11/22)
Title: Autism/ADHD referrals and support
Source: Pinpoint WebsiteAuthor: Autism Anglia 2022
Title: Getting an Autism Diagnosis
Source: Autism Anglia WebsiteAuthor: Autism Empowerment (accessed 01/11/22)
Title: Getting an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis / The Diagnostic Process
Source: Autism Empowerment websiteAuthor: NHS Hertfordshire Community (accessed 01/11/22)
Title: Referral Information
Source: NHS Hertfordshire Community websiteAuthor: NHS England (accessed 01/11/22)
Title: Findings about the autism diagnostic pathway based on stakeholder feedback and research evidence
Source: NHS EnglandAuthor: The Family Psychologist (accessed 01/11/22)
Title: Frequently asked questions
Source: The Family PsychologistAuthor: North Lincolnshire CAMHS (accessed 01/11/22)
Title: Frequently Asked Questions
Source: North Lincolnshire CAMHSAuthor: NHS Gloucestershire Health and Care 2022
Title: A professionals guide to referring
Source: Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS FTAuthor: NHS North Central London (accessed 01/11/22)
Title: Autism Assessment and Diagnosis (SLAM)
Source: NHS North Central LondonAuthor: Health Improvement Scotland 2016a
Title: SIGN 145 - Assessment, diagnosis and interventions for autism spectrum disorders
Source: Health Improvement ScotlandAuthor: Healthcare Improvement Scotland 2016b
Title: Autism: A booklet adults, partners, friends, family members and carers
Source: Healthcare Improvement ScotlandAuthor: Healthcare Improvement Scotland 2017a
Title: Autism: A booklet for parents, carers and families of children and young people with autism
Source: Healthcare Improvement ScotlandAuthor: Healthcare Improvement Scotland 2017b
Title: Autism: A booklet for young people
Source: Healthcare Improvement ScotlandAuthor: Department for Health and Social Care 2020
Title: The NHS Choice Framework: what choices are available to me in the NHS?
Source: Department for Health and Social CareAuthor: Psychiatry UK (accessed 02/11/22)
Title: Your Right to Choose Psychiatry-UK for adult ASD NHS assessments
Source: Psychiatry UKAuthor: NHS 2019
Title: Your choices in the NHS
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: Clendining (accessed 02/11/22)
Title: Autism Diagnosis – what your GP needs to know to help you
Source: Living Autism websiteAuthor: Autism Anglia 2021
Title: Diagnostic Service FAQs
Source: Autism Anglia websiteAuthor: Reach North West (accessed 02/11/22)
Title: All About Diagnosis
Source: Reach North West websiteAuthor: Cambian Group (accessed 02/11/22)
Title: How do I get a diagnosis for my child?
Source: Cambian Group websiteAuthor: Department of Health 2010
Title: ‘Fulfilling and Rewarding lives’ The strategy for adults with Autism in England
Source: Department of Health ArchivesAuthor: Department for Health 2015
Title: Statutory guidance for Local Authorities and NHS organisations to support implementation of the Adult Autism Strategy
Source: Department of HealthAuthor: National Autistic Society 2019
Title: The Autism Act, 10 Years On
Source: The Pears FoundationAuthor: NHS Grampian 2021
Title: Adult Autism Assessment Team
Source: NHS Grampian YouTube channelAuthor: Psychiatry UK, accessed February 2023
Title: How it works
Source: Psychiatry UK websiteAuthor: NICE
Title: Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis and management
Source: NICE websiteAuthor: NICE
Title: Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: support and management
Source: NICE websiteAuthor: NICE
Title: Assessment and diagnosis of autism: what to expect
Source: NICE websiteAuthor: NICE
Title: Enabling positive lives for autistic adults
Source: NICE websiteAuthor: NICE
Title: Quality Standard
Source: NICE websiteAuthor: NICE
Title: Scenario: Managing confirmed autism
Source: NICE websiteAuthor: NICE
Title: Glossary
Source: NICE websiteAuthor: Think Local, Act Personal
Title: TLAP Care and Support Jargon Buster
Source: Think Local, Act PersonalAuthor: NHS
Title: Types of talking therapy
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: NHS
Title: Help for Families
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: NHS
Title: Other conditions that affect autistic people
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: NHS
Title: Where to get autism support
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: NHS
Title: Newly diagnosed with autism: things to help
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: NHS
Title: Advice about school
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: NHS
Title: What happens during an autism assessment
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: NHS
Title: Treatments that are not recommended for autism
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: NHS
Title: Introduction to care and support
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: NHS
Title: Moving to a new home: housing options for older people or people with disabilities
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: NHS
Title: Help at home from a paid carer
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: NHS
Title: What is PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)?
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: NHS
Title: The NHS Long Term Plan
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: Mencap
Title: Autism and Asperger's syndrome
Source: MencapAuthor: Ambitious about Autism
Title: Making sense of your autism diagnosis
Source: Ambitious about AutismAuthor: Ambitious about Autism
Title: Post-diagnosis support
Source: Ambitious about AutismAuthor: Scottish Government
Title: Autism national post diagnostic support: pilot project
Source: Scottish GovernmentAuthor: Scottish Government
Title: Adult Neurodevelopmental Pathways Report on Actions, Outcomes and Recommendations from Pathfinder Sites in Scotland
Source: Scottish GovernmentAuthor: Scottish Government
Title: National Autism Post-Diagnostic Support Service Evaluation of pilot programme 1st Dec 2020 -1st June 2021
Source: Scottish GovernmentAuthor: Scottish Government
Title The Scottish Strategy for Autism Menu of Interventions
Source: Scottish GovernmentAuthor: Scottish Government
Title: Additional support for learning: statutory guidance 2017
Source: Scottish GovernmentAuthor: SIGN
Title: SIGN 145: Assessment, diagnosis and interventions for autism spectrum disorders
Source: SIGNAuthor: Different Minds
Title: Where to Find Autism Help and Support
Source: Different MindsAuthor: Action for Children
Title: What happens after my child gets an autism diagnosis?
Source: Action for ChildrenAuthor: Action for Children
Title: What SEND or additional needs support can my child’s school provide?
Source: Action for ChildrenAuthor: Action for Children
Title: What does a SEND or ALN diagnosis mean for me and my child?
Source: Action for ChildrenAuthor: HM Government
Title: 'Think Autism': an update to the government adult autism strategy
Source: HM GovernmentAuthor: Department for Education and Department of Health and Social Care
Title: The national strategy for autistic children, young people and adults: 2021 to 2026
Source: Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareAuthor: Department for Education and Department of Health and Social Care
Title: Summary of findings from the government’s review of the National Autism Strategy 'Think Autism': call for evidence
Source: Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareAuthor: Autistica
Title: Autistica publishes new post-diagnosis support plan
Source: AutisticaAuthor: Autistica
Title: Building Happier, Healthier, Longer Lives: Briefings to improve autism policy and research
Source: AutisticaAuthor: The Spectrum
Title: Help following a diagnosis
Source: The SpectrumAuthor: The Spectrum
Title: Autism strategies and interventions
Source: The SpectrumAuthor: The Spectrum
Title: Support and Services
Source: The SpectrumAuthor: The Spectrum
Title: Speech pathologists
Source: The SpectrumAuthor: The Spectrum
Title: Occupational therapists for people with autism
Source: The SpectrumAuthor: The Spectrum
Title: Autism Communication Strategies
Source: The SpectrumAuthor: The Spectrum
Title: Autism Sensory Strategies
Source: The SpectrumAuthor: Speech and Language UK
Title: Signs and symptoms
Source: Speech and Language UKAuthor: Royal College of Occupational Therapists
Title: What is Occupational Therapy?
Source: Royal College of Occupational TherapistsAuthor: The Challenging Behaviour Foundation
Title: What does good support look like for adults with learning disabilities who display challenging behaviour?
Source: The Challenging Behaviour FoundationAuthor: The Challenging Behaviour Foundation and The Council for Disabled Children
Title: PAVING THE WAY HOW TO DEVELOP EFFECTIVE LOCAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES WHOSE BEHAVIOURS CHALLENGE
Source: The Challenging Behaviour Foundation and The Council for Disabled ChildrenAuthor: Cerebra
Title: Investing in Early Intervention
Source: CerebraAuthor: Autism at Kingwood
Title: How To Tell People About My Diagnosis
Source: Autism at KingwoodAuthor: Amaze
Title: Information Sheet: Sharing an Autism Diagnosis
Source: AmazeAuthor: Early Intervention Foundation
Title: EIF Guidebook
Source: Early Intervention FoundationAuthor: Early Intervention Foundation
Title: What is Early Intervention?
Source: Early Intervention FoundationAuthor: Early Intervention Foundation
Title: How do we know it works?
Source: Early Intervention FoundationAuthor: Scope
Title: Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support
Source: ScopeAuthor: Autism Education Trust
Title: What is Autism?
Source: Autism Education TrustAuthor: Department for Education
Title: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Improvement Plan Right Support, Right Place, Right Time
Source: Department for EducationAuthor: Disability Rights UK
Title: Adjustments for disabled students and apprentices
Source: Disability Rights UKAuthor: Embracing Complexity Coalition
Title: Embracing Complexity - Towards New Approaches for Supporting People with Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Source: Embracing Complexity CoalitionAuthor: JCQ
Title: JCQ Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments
Source: JCQAuthor: Swansea University
Title: AUTISTIC SPECTRUM CONDITIONS
Source: Swansea UniversityAuthor: University of Kent
Title: Autism Support
Source: University of KentAuthor: University of Warwick
Title: Autism support services
Source: University of WarwickAuthor: University of Chester
Title: Autism Toolkit
Source: University of ChesterAuthor: UCAS
Title: STUDENTS WITH PHYSICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS AND LEARNING DIFFERENCES
Source: UCASAuthor: APPGA
Title: The Autism Act, 10 Years On: A report from the All Party Parliamentary Group on Autism on understanding, services and support for autistic people and their families in England
Source: National Autistic SocietyAuthor: National Autistic Society
Title: The Moonshot Vision
Source: National Autistic SocietyAuthor: National Autistic Society
Title: Vision to Reality Strategy 2023-2026
Source: National Autistic SocietyAuthor: National Autistic Society
Title: Not Enough
Source: National Autistic SocietyAuthor: The National Autistic Society
Title: Strategies and interventions
Source: The National Autistic SocietyAuthor: Education Authority Northern Ireland
Title: Statement of Special Educational Needs
Source: Education Authority Northern IrelandAuthor: Welsh Government
Title: The Additional Learning Needs Code
Source: Welsh GovernmentAuthor: Council for Disabled Children
Title: Education, Health and Care plans examples of good practice
Source: Council for Disabled ChildrenAuthor: Amanda Morin
Title: Sensory integration therapy: What you need to know
Source: UnderstoodAuthor: Kate Kelly
Title: What is a Sensory Diet?
Source: UnderstoodAuthor: Communication Matters
Title: Types of AAC
Source: Communication MattersAuthor: UK Parliament
Title: Autism: Overview of policy and services
Source: UK ParliamentAuthor: Autism CRC
Title: Interventions for children on the autism spectrum
Source: Autism CRCAuthor: Autism CRC
Title: Developmental interventions
Source: Autism CRCAuthor: Autism CRC
Title: Naturalistic developmental behavioural interventions
Source: Autism CRCAuthor: Autism CRC
Title: National Guideline for supporting the learning, participation, and wellbeing of autistic children and their families in Australia
Source: Autism CRCAuthor: Raising Children
Title: Social stories
Source: Raising ChildrenAuthor: Raising Children
Title: Visual supports and visual schedules
Source: Raising ChildrenAuthor: SCIE
Title: Autism: Improving access to social care for adults
Source: SCIEAuthor: Department of Health
Title: Statutory guidance for Local Authorities and NHS organisations to support implementation of the Adult Autism Strategy
Source: Department of HealthAuthor: Mind
Title: Types of complementary and alternative therapies
Source: MindAuthor: Autism NI
Title: Guide for Parents/Carers with a recent diagnosis
Source: Autism NIAuthor: UK Government
Title: Financial help if you're disabled
Source: GOV.UKAuthor: UK Government
Title: Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition
Source: GOV.UKAuthor: UK Government
Title: Help if you're a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability
Source: GOV.UKAuthor: UK Government
Title: Intensive Personalised Employment Support
Source: GOV.UKAuthor: UK Government
Title: Work and Health Programme
Source: GOV.UKAuthor: NI Direct
Title: Workable (NI)
Source: NI DirectAuthor: NI Direct
Title: Condition Management Programme
Source: NI DirectAuthor: See Ability
Title: Meet Ready, Willing and Able
Source: See AbilityAuthor: ACRE
Title: Autism Centre for Research on Employment
Source: ACREAuthor: Contact
Title: Extra support in Mainstream Schools
Source: ContactAuthor: Contact
Title: Support in education NI
Source: ContactAuthor: Contact
Title: Support in education Scotland
Source: ContactAuthor: Contact
Title: Support in education Wales
Source: ContactAuthor: Contact
Title: EHC Plans
Source: ContactAuthor: Contact
Title: Introduction to special educational needs (SEN)
Source: ContactAuthor: HMSO
Title: Equality Act 2010
Source: HMSOAuthor: HMSO
Title: Children and Families Act 2014
Source: HMSOAuthor: Department for Education
Title: Supported internships
Source: Department for EducationAuthor: NDTi
Title: Supporting Autistic Students
Source: NDTiAuthor: Autism and Uni
Title: Autism & Uni online toolkit
Source: Autism & UniAuthor: University of Bath
Title: Centre for Applied Autism Research
Source: University of BathAuthor: Autism West Midlands
Title: Choosing autism interventions Key principles
Source: Autism West MidlandsAuthor: Autism West Midlands
Title: Talking to your child about autism
Source: Autism West MidlandsAuthor: Rebecca Duffus
Title: Helping young people to understand their autistic identity
Source: National Autistic Society Professional PracticeAuthor: The Westminster Commission on Autism
Title: SUPPORT SURROUNDING DIAGNOSIS: An Inquiry into Pre- and Post-Support for the Autism Diagnosis Pathway
Source: University of BathAuthor: NHS England
Title: A national framework to deliver improved outcomes in all-age autism assessment pathways: guidance for integrated care boards
Source: NHS EnglandAuthor: NHS England
Title: Operational guidance to deliver improved outcomes in all-age autism assessment pathways: Guidance for integrated care boards
Source: NHS EnglandAuthor: ASAN
Title: For Whose Benefit?: Evidence, Ethics, and Effectiveness of Autism Interventions
Source: ASANAuthor: Information Autism
Title: Interventions, Treatments and Therapies and Autism
Source: Information AutismAuthor: NHS, 2022a
Title: Signs of autism in children
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: NHS, 2022b
Title: Signs of autism in adults
Source: NHS website
Author: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2017a)
Title: Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: recognition, referral and diagnosis
Source: NICE websiteAuthor: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2017a)
Title: Appendix to Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: recognition, referral and diagnosis: Features suggesting possible autism
Source: NICE websiteAuthor: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 2021
Title: Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis and management
Source: NICE websiteAuthor: Health Improvement Scotland 2016a
Title: SIGN 145 - Assessment, diagnosis and interventions for autism spectrum disorders
Source: Health Improvement ScotlandAuthor: Healthcare Improvement Scotland 2016b
Title: Autism: A booklet adults, partners, friends, family members and carers
Source: Healthcare Improvement ScotlandAuthor: Healthcare Improvement Scotland 2017a
Title: Autism: A booklet for parents, carers and families of children and young people with autism
Source: Healthcare Improvement ScotlandAuthor: Healthcare Improvement Scotland 2017b
Title: Autism: A booklet for young people
Source: Healthcare Improvement ScotlandAuthor: NHS 2022a
Title: How to get an autism assessment
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: Telford Autism Hub (accessed 31/10/22)
Title: Adult Autism Assessments
Source: Telford Autism Hub websiteAuthor: NHS University Hospitals Plymouth (accessed 31/10/22)
Title: Do you think you might have autism?
Source: NHS University Hospitals PlymouthAuthor: Ambitious About Autism (accessed 31/10/2022)
Title: Right from the Start Appointment Checklist
Source: Ambitious About AutismAuthor: The Westminster Commission, 2021
Title: Support surrounding diagnosis
Source: University of BathAuthor: Care & Support in Cornwall, accessed February 2023
Title: Reasons for and against seeking a Diagnosis
Source: supportincornwall.org.ukAuthor: NHS Fife, 2023b
Title: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – Diagnosing Autism
Source: NHS Inform websiteAuthor: Scottish Autism, accessed February 2023
Title: Identifying Autism
Source: Scottish Autism websiteAuthor: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 2021
Title: Autism Diagnostic Service
Source: NHS Greater Glasgow and ClydeAuthor: The Spectrum, accessed February 2023
Title: Autism first signs and checklist for teenagers
Source: The SpectrumAuthor: Surrey Additional Needs and Disabilities Partnership
Title: Autism Pre-diagnosis Information Pack
Source: Surrey Local Offer websiteAuthor: East Sussex Local Offer, accessed February 2023
Title: East Sussex Local Offer
Source: East Sussex Local OfferAuthor: AsIAm.ie, accessed February 2023a
Title: How do I access an Autism Diagnosis for my Child?
Source: As I Am websiteAuthor: AsIAm.ie, accessed February 2023b
Title: Common Characteristics of Autism
Source: As I Am websiteAuthor: NHS Sheffield Children’s, 2021
Title: Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder
Source: NHS Sheffield Children’s Channel YouTubeAuthor: NHS University Hospitals Plymouth (accessed 31/10/22)
Title: Do you think you might have autism?
Source: NHS University Hospitals PlymouthAuthor: NHS Education for Scotland, accessed February 2023
Title: Has my next patient got autism spectrum disorder?
Source: NHS Education for ScotlandAuthor: NHS Great Ormond Street Hospital, 2017
Title: Autism Spectrum
Source: NHS Great Ormond Street Hospital websiteAuthor: Angels Autism & ADHD Support, accessed February 2023
Title: What to do if you suspect your child might have Autism or ADHD
Source: Angels Autism & ADHD Support websiteAuthor: Autism West Midlands, 2023
Title: Talking to your child about autism
Source: Autism West Midlands websiteAuthor: Wheeler, accessed February 2023
Title: Getting Started: Introducing Your Child to His or Her Diagnosis of Autism
Source: Indiana Resource Centre for AutismAuthor: Kent County Council, accessed March 2023a
Title: Understanding Autism
Source: Kent County Council websiteAuthor: Wiltshire Children’s Services, accessed 2023
Title: Neurodevelopmental Pathway
Source: Wiltshire Children’s ServicesAuthor: Centers for Disease Control, 2019
Title: Spotlight On: Racial and Ethnic Differences in Children Identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Source: Centers for Disease control websiteAuthor: Lawrence, et al., 2021
Title: Being autistic and Black
Source: Black History Month 2024 websiteAuthor: Slade, 2014
Title: Diverse Perspectives
Source: The National Autistic SocietyAuthor: Chinese in Wales, accessed February 2023
Title: Chinese Autism Support Group
Source: Chinese in Wales websiteAuthor: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 2014
Title: Culture Factors Influence How We Experience Autism
Source: Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles websiteAuthor: Papadopoulos, 2016
Title: Autism stigma and the role of ethnicity and culture
Source: The National Autistic SocietyAuthor: Seattle Children’s, 2021
Title: A Panel Discussion: Multicultural Perspectives on Autism Spectrum Disorder
Source: Seattle Children’s Channel – YouTubeAuthor: Bennie, 2012
Title: Autism Diagnosis and Service Delivery for Immigrant Families
Source: Autism Awareness Centre Inc.Author: Exeter Test Group, 2023
Title: A review of screening for autism spectrum disorders in pre-school children under the age of 5 years
Source: UK National Screening CommitteeAuthor: Da Conceicao, 2017
Title: Autism and diagnosis: advice for teachers
Source: The National Autistic SocietyAuthor: Lister-Brook, 2019
Title: Autism assessment: an interview with Dr Sarah Lister-Brook
Source: The National Autistic SocietyAuthor: Duffus, 2023
Title: Helping young people to understand their autistic identity
Source: The National Autistic SocietyAuthor: NHS Education for Scotland, accessed March 2023
Title: Autism Spectrum Disorders and Additional Conditions
Source: NHS Education Scotland websiteAuthor: The Spectrum, accessed March 2023a
Title: What other conditions co-occur with autism?
Source: The Spectrum websiteAuthor: Davidson Institute, 2022
Title: Gifted, On the Spectrum, or Both?
Source: Davidson Institute websiteAuthor: Lovering, 2021
Title: Autistic and Gifted: How to Support a Twice-Exceptional Child
Source: Psych Central websiteAuthor: Kastberg, accessed March 2023
Title: Falling Through the Cracks: Better Identification and Integrated Treatment for ELL Students with Autism or other Special Education Needs
Source: Stages Learning websiteAuthor: Seach, et al., 2022
Title: An Evidenced Based Guide to Autism and Bilingualism
Source: West Sussex Council websiteAuthor: NHS Fife, 2023a
Title: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Source: NHS Inform websiteAuthor: Autistica, 2022
Title: Autistica Research Festival 2022: Diagnosis and autistic women
Source: Autistica Channel– YouTubeAuthor: Hendrickx, 2019
Title: Girls and Women and Autism: What’s the difference?
Source: NAS South Hampshire - YouTubeAuthor: Scottish Government, 2021
Title: Autism Myths: Full Films
Source: Scottish Government - YouTubeAuthor: Autisitca, accessed March 2023
Title: Autism myths and causes
Source: Autistica websiteAuthor: NAS, 2013
Title: Autism Myths and Facts
Source: The National Autistic Society - YouTubeAuthor: Ambitious About Autism, 2015
Title: Busting #AutismMyths
Source: Ambitious about Autism - YouTubeAuthor: Harper, 2016
Title: 10 misconceptions about autism
Source: Ambitious about Autism websiteAuthor: Otsimo, 2022
Title: 10 Myths About Autism You Should Know
Source: Otsimo websiteAuthor: Autism Awareness Australia, accessed March 2023
Title: Myths and misconceptions
Source: Autism Awareness Australia websiteAuthor: Autism Association of WA, March 2023
Title: Autism Myth Busters
Source: Autism Western Australia WebsiteAuthor: Autism Toolbox, accessed March 2023a
Title: Assessing and Monitoring
Source: Autism Toolbox websiteAuthor: Autism Toolbox, accessed March 2023b
Title: Identification of autism
Source: Autism Toolbox websiteAuthor: Kent County Council, accessed March 2023b
Title: Common Myths about Autism and ADHD
Source: Kent County Council websiteAuthor: Bennie, 2020
Title: Am I Autistic? A Guide to Diagnosis for Adults
Source: Autism Awareness Centre Inc.Author: UW Autism Center, 2021
Title: Self Diagnosis Friendly Resources and Communities
Source: University of Washington Autism Center websiteAuthor: The Spectrum, accessed March 2023b
Title: Autism signs and characteristics: checklist for adults
Source: The Spectrum websiteAuthor: NHS Community Health and Care, accessed March 2023
Title: Pre-diagnostic information
Source: NHS Norfolk Community Health and CareAuthor: Thriving Autistic, 2022
Title: Neurodiversity-Affirmative Child Autism Assessments
Source: Thriving Autistic Channel - YouTubeAuthor: Belcher, 2022
Title: Autistic people and masking
Source: The National Autistic SocietyAuthor: North East Autism Society, accessed March 2023
Title: How do I know my child is masking?
Source: North East Autism SocietyAuthor: Pearson, 2021
Title: Autistic Masking - what do we need to know?
Source: Scottish Autism websiteAuthor: Woods, 2020
Title: Ten tips for talking to your child about their autism diagnosis
Source: University of Washington Autism CenterAuthor: NHS Gloucestershire Health and Care 2022
Title: A professional’s guide to referring
Source: Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS FT – YouTube channelAuthor: NHS Lothian
Title: The assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children and young people: Information for Secondary Schools
Source: NHS LothianAuthor: Cambian Group (accessed 02/11/22)
Title: How do I get a diagnosis for my child?
Source: cambian group websiteAuthor: Department for Health and Social Care 2020
Title: The NHS Choice Framework: what choices are available to me in the NHS?
Source: GOV.UKAuthor: The Family Psychologist (accessed 01/11/22)
Title: Frequently asked questions
Source: The Family Psychologist websiteAuthor: NHS, 2022c
Title: Children and Young People, Consent to Treatment
Source: NHS websiteAuthor: Harrington, 2020
Title: Could I Be Autistic?: A Free Workshop for the Self-Diagnosed and Wondering
Source: UW Autism CenterAuthor: The Westminster Commission on Autism
Title: Support Surrounding Diagnosis: An Inquiry into Pre- and Post-Support for the Autism Diagnosis Pathway
Source: University of BathAuthor: Criminal Justice Joint Inspection
Title: Neurodiversity in the criminal justice system: A review of evidence
Source: Criminal Justice Joint Inspection (2021)Author: Autistic Self Advocacy Network, accessed May 2023
Title: What We Believe
Source: Autistic Self Advocacy Network websiteAuthor: Autism Awareness Australia, accessed May 2023
Title: Why pursue a diagnosis
Source: Autism Awareness AustraliaAuthor: Reframing Autism, accessed May 2023
Title: I am questioning my identity
Source: Reframing AutismAuthor: Sia Spark and Melanie Heyworth
Title: Questioning your neurotype as an adult: A journey to clarity
Source: Reframing AutismAuthor: Living on the Spectrum
Title: Receiving an Autism diagnosis as an adult, is it really that difficult?
Source: Living on the SpectrumAuthor: AutAngel
Title: What do we do?
Source: AutAngel – Growing Autistic CommunityAuthor: Caroline Hearst and Laura Crane
Title: “Exploring Being Autistic: An Autistic-Led Programme for Supporting Newly Identified or Diagnosed Autistic Adults”
Source: Scottish AutismAuthor: Victoria Allen
Title: “Autistic people should be able to diagnose THEMSELVES in some cases because 'you don't need a doctor to tell you who are you', top expert says”
Source: The Daily MailAuthor: Fletcher-Watson, 2023
Title: Autistic people should be able to diagnose THEMSELVES in some cases because 'you don't need a doctor to tell you who are you', top expert says
Source: The Daily Mail
Lived experience
Author: Happy Lady (Vera)
Title: Friends and family, I’m autistic!
Source: Ambitious about AutismAuthor: Geoffrey and Lucy
Title: Twists, reliefs, and rewards: understanding your autism diagnosis
Source: Ambitious about AutismAuthor: Bella
Title: My autism diagnosis: The long journey to acceptance
Source: Ambitious about AutismAuthor: Saffron Baldoza
Title: How to explain autism to friends and family
Source: Ambitious about AutismAuthor: Georgia
Title: My advice on explaining your autistic needs
Source: Ambitious about AutismAuthor: Yo Samdy Sam
Title: Life after autism diagnosis – what next?
Source: NeuroclasticAuthor: Andi Barclay
Title: Newly Diagnosed ASD Shame: I’m Not Really Autistic, Right?
Source: NeuroclasticAuthor: Andi Barclay
Title: Recently Diagnosed as Autistic and Realizing My Own Prejudice
Source: NeuroclasticAuthor: Emmanuel
Title: My Late Autism Diagnosis: I Was Angry
Source: NeuroclasticAuthor: Emmanuel
Title: 5 observations on my late diagnosis
Source: NeuroclasticAuthor: Jo Bloggs
Title: Reactions to Late Autism Diagnosis
Source: NeuroclasticAuthor: Leonardo Yeates
Title: Isolation & Self-Help After an Autism Diagnosis
Source: NeuroclasticAuthor: Cynthia Kim
Title: ADULT ASD: MOVING FORWARD AFTER DIAGNOSIS
Source: Musings of an AspieAuthor: Cynthia Kim
Title: ADULT ASD: DISCLOSURE
Source: Musings of an AspieAuthor: Shannon Des Roches Rosa
Title: AFTER AN AUTISM DIAGNOSIS: 13 NECESSARY NEXT STEPS FOR PARENTS
Source: Thinking Person’s Guide to AutismAuthor: Andrea Michael
Title: Imposter Syndrome and my late autism spectrum diagnosis
Source: Thinking Person’s Guide to AutismAuthor: Ariane Zurcher
Title: What I Wish I’d Been Made Aware of When My Daughter Was Diagnosed With Autism
Source: Thinking Person’s Guide to AutismAuthor: Helen Needham
Title: How my autism diagnosis helped me to open up
Source: Me DecodedAuthor: Steve Slavin
Title: The new autistic adults – how a diagnosis saved his life
Source: Adults with AutismAuthor: Steve Slavin
Title: Why I No Longer Tell People I’m Autistic
Source: Adults with AutismAuthor: Debra Brisch
Title: Autism diagnosis aftermath
Source: Old Lady with AutismAuthor: Debra Brisch
Title: After Adult diagnosis
Source: Old Lady with AutismAuthor: Debra Brisch
Title: Autism Diagnosis can be life changing
Source: Old Lady with AutismAuthor: Pam Aculey
Title: What does autism look like?- Raising a Mixed Race Autistic Son
Source: The Black CurriculumAuthor: Aisja Mahmood
Title: How an autism diagnosis helped me find my individuality within South Asian culture
Source: Gal DemAuthor: Louise
Title: How Do You Feel When Your Child Gets an Autism Diagnosis?
Source: My Autistic ChildAuthor: Kyle Eldridge
Title: Why my autism diagnosis was just one step on my journey
Source: Leonard CheshireAuthor: Outdoor Prescription
Title: Autism and me, the diagnosis
Source: Outdoor PrescriptionAuthor: Kaylene George
Title: What I Wish the Doctors Told You at Your Child’s Diagnosis
Source: Autistic MamaAuthor: Kaylene George
Title: No One Knows Your Autistic Child’s Future
Source: Autistic MamaAuthor: Kaylene George
Title: 5 Powerful Autism Secrets They Don’t Tell You at Diagnosis
Source: Autistic MamaAuthor: Kaylene George
Title: 5 Steps to Take When Embracing Autism is Hard
Source: Autistic MamaAuthor: Kaylene George
Title: 5 Important Steps to Take After Your Child’s Autism Diagnosis
Source: Autistic MamaAuthor: Ann Hickman
Title: What would I go back and tell myself when my kids received an autism diagnosis
Source: Rainbows are too beautifulAuthor: Miriam Gwynne
Title: Six Years On: How Has Having A Diagnosis Of Autism Helped?
Source: Faith MummyAuthor: Miriam Gwynne
Title: They never told me THAT at diagnosis!
Source: Faith MummyAuthor: Danielle
Title: An Adult Autism Diagnosis at 37
Source: Someone’s MumAuthor: Purple Ella
Title: Diagnosis Doubt
Source: YouTube
Author: Purple Ella
Title: Four Things After A Late Autism Diagnosis
Source: YouTubeAuthor: Yo Samdy Sam
Title: Getting an adult autism diagnosis – is it worth it?
Source: YouTubeAuthor: Orion Kelly
Title: Impact of Late Autism Diagnosis on Your Mental Health #autism #asd
Source: YouTubeAuthor: Olivia Hops
Title: Getting an Adult Autism Diagnosis | AUTISM IN GIRLS
Source: YouTubeAuthor: Pooky Knightsmith
Title: Adult Autism: what's it like to get a late diagnosis? My story
Source: YouTubeAuthor: Paul Micallef (Autism from the Inside)
Title: Late Autism Diagnosis: Re-Evaluating Your Life and Re-Discovering Yourself!
Source: YouTubeAuthor: Toni Morales
Title: Why I’m Proud to be Autistic: Finding the Beauty in Divergence
Source: Artfully Autistic on MediumAuthor: Amy Richards
Title: It’s official. I have Asperger’s
Source: Square PegAuthor: Helen Olivier
Title: The Day I Was Diagnosed Brought a Surprising Realisation
Source: Artfully Autistic on MediumAuthor: Thaddeus
Title: Autistic Unmasking: Not Easy, If I Am Honest
Source: Artfully Autistic on MediumAuthor: Jen Bluhm
Title: If I Would Have Known I had Asperger’s
Source: NeuroclasticAuthor: Brittney Neal
Title: What Autism Means to Me
Source: NeuroclasticAuthor: Autism & Noah
Title: Unmasking Your Autism and Healing Your Trauma
Source: Artfully Autistic on Medium
Related videos
Expert Q&A with Dr Sarah Lister Brook
Our Clinical Director answers common questions about autism assessment and diagnosis in this YouTube playlist.
View on YouTubeMy diagnosis story: Finty
Our Young Ambassador shares her experience of autism assessment and diagnosis.
Watch the videoRelated services
Online Community
Our online community is a place for autistic people and their families to meet like-minded people and share their experiences.
Diagnostic services
Our specialist diagnostic and assessment service for children, young people and adults.
Autism Services Directory
The UK’s most comprehensive directory of services and support for autistic people, their families, and the people who work with them.