Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) does not mean you have an illness or disease. It means that your brain works in a different way from other people.

Autistic people often experience differences in:

• communication, interaction, and relationships
• sensory processing (how they experience sounds, lights, textures, smells, etc.)
• a need for predictability, routine, and repetition
• intense thinking and focused interests

Every autistic person is different Autism looks different in every person. Each autistic individual has their own:

• strengths and challenges
• communication style
• sensory preferences
• ways of thinking and behaving

For example:

• One autistic person might enjoy maths, prefer not to speak, and dislike tight clothing.
• Another might find maths difficult, enjoy talking, and feel more comfortable wearing tight clothes.

Autistic people may face everyday challenges

Because of their differences, autistic people may find some situations more difficult, such as:

• making and keeping friendships
• expressing feelings, ideas, or thoughts
• coping with changes or surprises
• managing sensory input like noise, light, or touch

How to ask for help with autism or mental health difficulties

If you think you or your child might be autistic, speak to your GP. You can’t ask for help via this website directly for an autism assessment because:

• autism assessments are complex – there isn’t a quick or simple test
• some traits that look like autism might be caused by other reasons

Your GP will carry out an initial check (called a screening) to decide if an autism assessment is the right next step.

Understand how autism and mental health can overlap

Autism is not a mental health condition. However, autistic people are more likely to experience mental health challenges, such as:

• anxiety
• low mood or depression
• obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Some people who are not autistic may also have traits that are common in autism – like needing routine, having intense interests, or being sensitive to sound or light.

Your GP can help you understand whether your experiences are related to autism, mental health, or both.

If you need support with mental health, your GP can refer you to services. You can also refer yourself for some types of support. Visit the relevant health topic page to find more information, self-help resources, and referral links.

Due to the complexity of ASD, and the need for supporting documentation from your GP, it is not possible for us to refer you for this concern.

ASD can affect your mental health in ways such as an increase in anxiety. If you would like help with anxiety or another condition, we can accept a request for support, please go to the relevant health topic page where you will find further information on the condition, and an option to request support. There are also some self-help resources.

Follow these steps to get a referral through your GP

To start the autism assessment process:

1. Book an appointment with your GP to talk about your concerns.
2. Bring completed forms (links below) from your school and parent/carer to the appointment.

These forms help your GP understand your experiences at home and at school. You must complete them within 6 months of your GP appointment.

What you need to do

• Ask your GP for the correct forms for you and your school.
• Work together with your school and parent/carer to complete the forms.
• Bring the completed forms to your GP appointment.
• Your GP will send the referral to the autism assessment team.
• The assessment team will decide whether they can accept the referral.

Summary

If you or your child are experiencing challenges and think autism or mental health might be involved, your GP is the best place to start. They can help you understand what’s going on and guide you to the right support. Autism is a difference, not a disorder, and getting the right help can make a big difference in everyday life.

Referral Forms (Electronic versions):

Parent-Carer Questionnaire – ALL AGES 

School Questionnaire – SECONDARY SCHOOL

Referral Forms (Manual versions):

Parent-Carer Questionnaire – ALL AGES

School Questionnaire – SECONDARY SCHOOL