Autism - steps to take for diagnosis
I get asked a lot about the diagnosis pathway for autism. These are the current options:
Private diagnosis
NHS diagnosis via GP
NHS diagnosis using 'Right to Choose' (England only).
Private diagnosis:
Cost: £750 plus
Wait time: variable
How to do it: Find a psychiatrist/psychologist and book an assessment.
Two ways you can find a psychiatrist/psychologist:
- Join a local neurodiversity facebook group and ask for recommendations.
- Type 'autism diagnosis pychologist/psychiatrist (& your town)' into google and contact three different organisations to weigh up costs.
NHS via GP
Cost: Free
Wait time: Years (dependent upon your postcode)
How to do it:
Download and fill in the document linked page and take it to a GP appointment. This will help you have the conversation with the GP about autism. If your GP agrees there is a possibility of autism, you can then be referred for an assessment on the NHS.
NHS via GP using 'Right to Choose'
Cost: Free
Wait time: 6 months to one year
How to do it:
Look up ‘autism Right to Choose’ on google and you’ll find a number of organisations that offer autism assessments.
SELF ASSESSMENT PDFS TO PRINT OUT
https://docs.autismresearchcentre.com/tests/AQ10.pdf
https://psychiatry-uk.com/2020/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/this-AQ50-form.pdf
https://embrace-autism.com/cat-q/#test
* I have tried to make this post as clear as possible. If there is anything that doesn't make sense or is no longer up to date please email me so I can make changes. Thank you.