Seeking an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) diagnosis can feel like a significant step, whether it’s for yourself or a loved one. Understanding the process can alleviate anxiety and empower you to navigate it effectively. This guide provides a clear overview of how to pursue an Asc Diagnosis, what to anticipate during the assessment, and the support available throughout your journey.
The first step towards an ASC diagnosis involves a referral. This crucial initial action typically comes from a professional who has observed characteristics associated with autism. For children, this might be a General Practitioner (GP) or a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) at their school. Adults, too, should consult their GP to initiate the referral process for an ASC diagnosis. It’s important to be aware that waiting times for an assessment appointment can vary, potentially extending to a few months depending on location and service demand.
Find out more about the autism diagnosis process
Support While You Wait for Your ASC Diagnosis Assessment
The period between referral and the actual ASC diagnosis assessment can feel long. However, it’s important to know that support is available even before a formal diagnosis is confirmed. Proactive steps during this waiting time can make a positive difference.
Consider these supportive actions:
- Connect with Support Networks: Ask your GP if the assessment team or local services can recommend any autism-specific support groups. Connecting with others who understand can provide invaluable emotional and practical support.
- Speech and Language Therapy: If the referral is for a child, discuss with your GP the possibility of a referral for speech and language therapy. Early intervention can be beneficial in addressing communication challenges.
- Utilize the National Autistic Society Directory: Explore the National Autistic Society services directory to find local support groups and services in your area. This directory is a comprehensive resource for families and individuals affected by autism.
- Engage with Educational Support: For children in school, talk to teachers or the SENCO. They can implement strategies and offer support within the educational setting while you await the ASC diagnosis assessment. For students in college or university, reach out to student support services.
- Workplace Support: If you are seeking an ASC diagnosis as an adult and are employed, speak with your manager or human resources department about potential workplace adjustments and support.
- Local Council Needs Assessment: Contact your local council to request a needs assessment. This assessment can identify potential support and recommendations from social services.
What Happens During an ASC Diagnosis Assessment?
The ASC diagnosis assessment itself is a thorough process, often involving one or more appointments with a multidisciplinary team of professionals. This team may include psychiatrists, psychologists, specialist nurses, and speech and language therapists, all experienced in autism spectrum conditions.
ASC Diagnosis Assessment for Children
When assessing children for an ASC diagnosis, the team will gather information from various sources to build a comprehensive picture. This may include:
- Developmental History: Parents or caregivers will be asked detailed questions about the child’s developmental milestones, such as when they started talking, social interactions, and any early signs of autism traits.
- Observation of Interaction and Play: The team will observe how the child interacts with parents/caregivers and how they play. This observation helps assess social communication and interaction skills in a natural setting.
- Review of Reports: Any existing reports from the child’s GP, nursery, or school will be reviewed. These reports provide valuable insights from different environments and perspectives.
- Medical History and Physical Examination: The team will inquire about the child’s medical history and may conduct a physical examination to rule out any other underlying medical conditions.
- School Observation: In some cases, a member of the assessment team may visit the child’s school to observe them in the classroom and during break times. This provides further context on their social interactions and behaviors in a school environment.
ASC Diagnosis Assessment for Adults
For adults seeking an ASC diagnosis, the assessment process is tailored to reflect adult experiences and histories. This may involve:
- Questionnaires: Adults may be asked to complete questionnaires about themselves, focusing on current challenges and experiences related to autism traits.
- Childhood History: To understand developmental history, the team may speak to someone who knew the adult well during childhood, such as a parent or close family member. This helps gather information about childhood behaviors and development relevant to ASC diagnosis.
- Review of GP Reports: Reports from the GP regarding any other health problems are reviewed to ensure a holistic understanding of the individual’s health and well-being.
Understanding Your ASC Diagnosis Result
Following the ASC diagnosis assessment, you will receive a report detailing the team’s findings. This report is a crucial document that outlines the outcome of the assessment.
The report will typically state:
- Diagnostic Outcome: Whether or not you or your child meet the criteria for an ASC diagnosis. The wording might be “meets the criteria for autism spectrum diagnosis” or similar.
- Areas of Support: The report will identify areas where you or your child might need support. This could include social interaction, communication, managing specific behaviors, or sensory sensitivities (e.g., to lights, sounds, or colors).
- Strengths and Abilities: Importantly, the report will also highlight strengths and abilities. Recognizing strengths is a vital part of understanding the individual profile associated with ASC.
It’s common for these reports to contain professional terminology that can be difficult to understand. Don’t hesitate to ask the assessment team for clarification on any part of the report that is unclear.
Furthermore, you and your child (if applicable) should be offered a follow-up appointment a few weeks or months after receiving the report. This appointment provides an opportunity to discuss the report in detail with a member of the assessment team, ask questions, and plan for next steps.
Remember that an ASC diagnosis signifies a lifelong condition. The assessment report will be a valuable resource throughout childhood and into adulthood, guiding support and understanding.
If You Disagree with the ASC Diagnosis Outcome
Receiving the ASC diagnosis report can bring a range of emotions. In some instances, the report may indicate that an ASC diagnosis is not currently being made. This could be because the team does not believe the criteria are met, or because they feel further assessment is needed at a later stage, particularly for young children where autism traits may be less clear. Alternatively, you might receive a diagnosis that differs from what you expected, such as a learning disability diagnosis.
If you find yourself disagreeing with the outcome, it’s important to take steps to understand the reasoning behind the diagnosis.
- Seek Clarification: Ask the assessment team to explain in detail why they reached their conclusion. Understanding their perspective is the first step in addressing your concerns.
- Second Opinion: The assessment team may be able to arrange a second opinion from a different team within the service. If you still have concerns after this, you can ask your GP to refer you to another team for a further opinion. You also have the option to seek a private ASC diagnosis assessment outside of the NHS.
It’s worth noting that while seeking further opinions is your right, a second opinion may ultimately concur with the initial assessment.
Information adapted from NHS UK.
Find out more
For further information and resources on autism spectrum conditions, please refer to reputable sources such as the National Autistic Society and NHS UK websites.
