Our assessments

Assessments are undertaken by trained, registered health professionals with extensive knowledge and experience of assessing autism. 

The core multi-disciplinary team is made up of professionals such as psychologists, doctors, speech and language therapists and specialist nurses.

Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder is made based on criteria as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth revision (DSM-5) or the newly published International Classification of Diseases (ICD11). 

• Referrals for assessment can be made by GPs and other health professionals using this form.

• Referrers must provide clear reasons for referral, including evidence of symptoms related to autism AND how these symptoms impact on functioning. 

• We currently do not accept self referrals.

• There is currently a high demand for our service  which means that waiting times for assessment are currently long. Please keep us updated of any changes to your contact details during this time.

• We know how difficult it may feel not knowing when you might start the assessment process with our service. There are local services available who can support you for example,  Mind offer a pre assessment support package.

• If you have a query about the waiting time for your assessment, please email awp.swindonautismteam@nhs.net and we will get back to you, as soon as we can.

The components of the assessment will normally be:

Clinical Interviews

Your assessor will want to find out about the following:

  • Your childhood and what you were like               
  • Your relationships and communication
  • Your experiences of work and school
  • Your current adult presentation
  • Any sensory sensitivities you may have

These interviews can be spread over more than one session. Appointments may take an hour or two hours.

We may talk to your informant (a person you trust, that knows you well) at some point during the assessment process with your consent.

Formulating a diagnostic opinion and feedback

We will talk to you about the outcome of your assessment and discuss this decision.

Follow-up

This will generally be a couple weeks after you have had the outcome of your assessment. If you have received a diagnosis, we will talk about any thoughts or worries you may have in relation to this. We will also discuss post-diagnostic support and recommendations.

A certain percentage of people seen by our Diagnostic Service will not get a diagnosis of autism. Nonetheless, we will try to help you to understand your individual profile of strengths and needs, and perhaps to understand why you might experience them. In some cases, we will be able to signpost to other support services.

Multidisciplinary Team: A team of professionals from different clinical backgrounds.

Referral: Information sent by email from your GP to explain why you need an autism assessment.

Initial assessment: This is to discuss your referral information in more detail. At the end of this assessment, you may be placed on a waiting list for further assessment or discharged.

Developmental Information: Gathered from a family member or someone who knows you well. This will happen after your initial appointment.

Clinical Interview: The appointment will take around 2 hours, with one clinician. You will be asked about differences and difficulties you have experienced over your life. 

Observational Interview: This is the second part of your diagnostic assessment. You will meet with a different clinician for approximately an hour to complete some practical tasks and answer some questions.

Feedback appointment: A clinician will discuss the outcome of your assessment with you. We may need to ask you for more information, or to meet you again for a further appointment.

Please note we are not a crisis team and are unable to offer support in an emergency. If you are experiencing difficulties or significant distress and want support please contact the following places to discuss your situation:

Adult Intensive Services offer rapid assessment and treatment for people who are experiencing a mental health emergency. 

Each team across the region provides proactive and intensive support to avoid the symptoms of a mental health emergency getting worse. The aim of the service is to offer treatment and care in an individual’s own home, as an alternative to hospital admission. 

To make a referral, please contact our 24-hour service: 

Swindon Intensive Service

Sandalwood Court

Highworth Road

Swindon   

SN3 4WF 

Phone: 01793 836 820