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
Speak to your GP
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 to do a self-referral for this condition.
ASD can affect your mental health in ways such as an increase in anxiety. If you would like support with anxiety or another condition, we can accept a request for help, please go to the relevant health topic page where you will find further information on the condition, and a link to self-refer and self-help resources.
Follow these steps to get a referral through your GP
To start the autism assessment process:
- Book an appointment with your GP to talk about your concerns.
- 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):
Self referral
It is not possible to start a self referral for this condition because of the complexity you may be experiencing, which requires discussion with your GP.
Contact your GP (between 8am to 6pm) for a GP referral or if you require urgent help please call NHS 111 (option 2) and you can speak to a mental health clinician. Where there is an immediate, serious, and life-threatening emergency, call 999 or go to A&E.
There are some accessible websites available in the self-help resources which you can visit today.
Self help resources
Resources can be accessed below.
View self help resources
