You cannot refer yourself for an autism assessment
You need to speak to your GP first. This is because:
- Autism assessments are complex. There is no quick or simple test.
- Some signs of autism can also be caused by other things.
- Your GP will do an initial check (called a screening) to see if an autism referral is the right next step.
Autism and mental health
Autism is not a mental health condition. But autistic people are more likely to also have mental health difficulties. These can include:
- Anxiety
- Low mood or depression
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Some people who are not autistic may also experience things that are common for autistic people. For example:
- Finding social situations difficult
- Needing routine and predictability
- Having strong or focused interests
- Being sensitive to sound, light or other sensory input
Your GP can help work out whether your difficulties are more likely to be due to autism, mental health, or both.
Getting support for mental health and emotional well-being
If you need help with your mental health and or emotional well-being, speak to your GP who will have ideas to help you. They may refer you to mental health services, if they think you need it. You can also refer yourself.
- If you are under 18, or want to refer your child, you can use this link:
- If you are over 16and want talking therapy, you can use this link:
- For other resources and services that can help with mental health and emotional well-being, click the following link:
How to ask for an autism assessment
To start the process:
- Book an appointment with your GP.
- Your GP will decide if a referral is needed.
- If yes, they will ask you to complete some forms.
These forms help the autism assessment team understand what difficulties you or your child experience at home, at school or in work. It also helps be sure if an assessment is the right next step.
What forms do I need?
If you are an adult, your GP will give you the forms you need to complete.
If you are a parent or carer seeking an autism assessment for your child, you will need to complete:
- A Parent-Carer Questionnaire (for all ages)
- A School Questionnaire (for your child’s school to complete)
You can get these forms from your GP or download them here:
Electronic versions:
Printable versions:
You and the school must return the forms to your GP within 6 months.
Why are these forms important?
The forms ask about:
- What difficulties you or your child have at home
- What difficulties you or your child have in education or at work
- What support is already in place
This helps the autism assessment team make the best plan for you or your child. Parents, carers and schools should work together to complete the forms.
What happens next?
Once your GP sends the referral and forms to the autism team:
- The autism assessment team will review the information
- They will decide if they can accept the referral
- If they do, they will contact you with the next steps
More information
- Adult autism assessments in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
- Autism assessments in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for ages 12-18
- Autism assessments in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for children aged 2-12
- Information about autism assessments from Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board
- Private and Right to Choose autism assessment options
