Getting an autism diagnosis and assessment
There are a number of online autism tests available, but none can tell you for definite if you’re on the autism spectrum. The only way to know for sure is to get a formal assessment.
A diagnosis may help you, and people close to you, understand why you may experience certain difficulties and what you can do about them. It could also help you get access to support and benefits, or correct a previous misdiagnosis, which means any mental health problems you may have can be better addressed.
It also means you will be entitled to have reasonable adjustments made by your employer, college or university.
How to get assessed
If you think you're autistic, you can ask your GP to make a referral for an assessment.
Your GP will need a reason to refer you for diagnosis, so you need to explain why you think you could be autistic and how a diagnosis would benefit you. Give your GP some examples of difficulties you've had in areas like:
- Social communication and speech
- Social interaction - understanding and relating to other people, using your imagination
- Expressing your feelings and thoughts
- Struggling to be flexible - restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, activities.
If you are over 16 and registered with a Wigan GP you will be referred to the Wigan Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Service (external link) at the Hazelmere Unit, Leigh Infirmary.
What happens during an assessment?
When you are at the top of the waiting list, one or two of our clinical psychologists will arrange an initial meeting to start the assessment. During the assessment, they will want to find out more about you and any difficulties you have. The assessment may take a number of sessions.
A series of questions will be asked about your developmental history, delving into:
- Your childhood
- Your behaviour in social situations
- Your life at home, college or work.
The psychologist may also request to speak with your parents or other older family members to gain their perspectives about your lifelong behaviour patterns.
After your assessment
If you're diagnosed with autism, the Wigan Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Service (external link) will offer you some short-term post-diagnostic support following your diagnosis.
This is made up of 8 sessions of one-to-one therapy or attendance at a group programme to help you work towards developing coping strategies for situations which may be difficult. The service also delivers a post-diagnostic workshop for individuals and their families to help people understand the condition and diagnosis.
If you need additional help with daily living, you will be entitled to an assessment of your needs from social services – see social care assessment.
The decision about your care and support options will depend on a number of factors, including: •
- The effect autism has on your daily life
- Any physical or mental health problems
- Any problems that could lead to a crisis.
If you’re formally diagnosed, further information can be found by visiting:
