Why an autism assessment can help
An autism assessment can help you:
- understand how the young person thinks and experiences the world
- identify strengths and support needs
- access helpful support or adjustments
You do not always need a diagnosis to get support.
Understanding different possible causes
Some behaviours or differences may look like autism, but they may also be linked to:
- another neurodivergent condition (such as ADHD)
- a mental health difficulty
- past experiences or trauma
A full assessment looks at the whole person.
Find out more:
www.leicspart.nhs.uk/autism-space/assessment-diagnosis/thinking-about-an-autism-assessment/
How to ask for an assessment
You cannot self-refer in LLR.
To ask for a referral you need to:
- book an appointment with a GP
- attend with a parent, carer or trusted adult
You can complete forms before your GP appointment:
www.leicspart.nhs.uk/referrals-2/?v=12881
You will need to share information about:
- social communication
- social interaction
- routines or repeated behaviours
- sensory differences
- impact on daily life
School or college will usually also provide information.
What needs to happen before referral
CAMHS will only accept a referral if there is enough evidence the young person may be autistic.
This evidence comes from:
- the young person
- parents or carers
- school or college
It must show the impact on daily life.
What happens after a GP referral
If CAMHS accepts the referral, they will first offer an appointment with their Access team.
At this appointment, a clinician will gather information to work out
- if CAMHS can offer a neurodevelopmental assessment (autism and/or ADHD)
- if support is needed for a mental health condition
- what help may be most useful
Other professionals in a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) will discuss this information and decide if there is enough information to offer more assessment or support from CAMHS.
If a neurodevelopmental assessment is offered:
- the young person will go on a waiting list
- they will get advice on self-help and support while waiting
More information about CAMHS:
www.leicspart.nhs.uk/service/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-services-camhs/Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
How to prepare for the assessment
You and the young person can:
- write down questions or concerns
- collect school reports showing early differences
- note strengths as well as challenges
This helps give a clear picture.
What happens during the assessment
There may be a wait before appointments begin.
Appointments may take place at:
- the Valentine Centre in Leicester
- or another local clinic
The team may include:
- psychiatrists
- psychologists
- nurses
- speech and language therapists
- occupational therapists
They will ask about:
- education
- friendships
- interests
- routines
- feelings and wellbeing
The aim is to understand how the young person’s brain works and what support may help.
The young person can choose whether to speak alone and can skip questions.
How assessors make decisions
Assessors look at all the information. They consider:
- an autism profile
- other neurodivergent conditions
- mental health needs
- more than one possible factor
They make a careful, balanced decision.
What happens after the assessment
You will have a feedback appointment to:
- hear the outcome
- ask questions
- plan next stepsYou will get a written report explaining the decision and support options.
If there is a diagnosis:
- you will receive recommendations
- access to MyGuidance workshops
- a support pack
If there is no diagnosis:
- support may still be offered
- you may be signposted to helpful services
Support is available with or without a diagnosis.
Key points
- This process is for young people aged 12 to 18 in LLR
- You need a GP referral
- CAMHS will offer an Access appointment first
- You may join a waiting list for assessment
- Similar behaviours may have different causes
- Assessors consider autism, other conditions and mental health
- You will receive feedback and a report
- Support is available even without a diagnosis
Further reading
www.leicspart.nhs.uk/autism-space/all-about-autism/
www.leicspart.nhs.uk/autism-space/assessment-diagnosis/
www.leicspart.nhs.uk/autism-space/health-wellbeing-resources/
www.leicspart.nhs.uk/autism-space/education-resources/
www.leicspart.nhs.uk/autism-space/social-resources/
www.leicspart.nhs.uk/autism-space/groups-clubs/
