Asking for an autism assessment
If you think you may be autistic, you may decide to ask your GP for a referral for an autism assessment.
The National Autistic Society has some good information about how to request an autism assessment. This includes people can face in getting a referral.
Autism diagnosis in Ñý¾«¶¯Âþ
Ñý¾«¶¯Âþ and Borders NHS Trust provides an . This provides diagnosis and some support for autistic adults across Ñý¾«¶¯Âþ. You must ask your GP to refer you for an assessment.
There is a waiting list for a diagnostic assessment. When it is your turn to be seen by the service you will be invited to a meeting with an autism specialist.
If you are diagnosed, you will be sent a letter that confirms your diagnosis. This is usually a 5 or 6 page letter.
Right to Choose
In England, patients have a legal Right to Choose who provides their healthcare, including who carries out an autism assessment. GPs should offer you the option to choose a service to carry out the assessment.
To be eligible for the 'Right to Choose’, the person should:
- be registered with a GP in England
- must not be a prisoner
- must not be detained under the Mental Health Act
- must not be a serving member of the armed forces
- must not be needing a test urgently or have been admitted to hospital
The service you request must be providing NHS services in England.
GPs should always offer the 'Right to Choose' before they refer to a service. This includes providing information about the services available and helping you decide which service is most suitable.
Some people prefer the 'Right to Choose' as they may have to wait a shorter time to be assessed, or the provider's location may be more convenient than other alternatives.
The Recovery College
offers a Post Diagnostic course of four 2-hour sessions open to anyone with an autism diagnosis, their family and support staff. There is also an 'Introduction to the Autism Spectrum' course available. This consists of 3 2-hour sessions and is open to anyone.