Autism and waiting for an assessment

When you are waiting for an autism assessment, you can feel nervous about the process.

This animation takes you through how the autism assessment works and what you will need to do.

Click here to view a transcript of this video

Summary

• The doctor (normally a paediatrician) will ask you questions about your life and how you feel in social situations. They will also ask you about what things you find easy or difficult.
• Your parents/carers will be asked a lot of questions about your early development as a baby and your school will be asked to provide information too. This is so they can understand what kind of support you might need.
• You might need to see a speech and language therapist and/or an educational psychologist. Depending on what they say you might also see an occupational therapist.
• Getting a diagnosis of autism can be helpful but it won’t change who you are. The main reason for having an assessment is so that everyone around you knows how best to support you with the things you find difficult.
• There are lots of people out there who can provide further support. You can talk to your SENCO at school, your GP or your school nurse.

How to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively, you can always contact your school nurse.

• w: National Autistic Society
  
• w: Autism Space - Understanding the autism assessment process