• Referrals for assessment can be made by GPs and mental 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 cannot 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. Please take a look at the support available while you are waiting.

• If you have a query about the waiting time for your assessment, please email awp.wads@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 development and experiences
• Your relationships and communication skills
• Your experiences of school, education and work
• Your current adult functioning
• 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 chosen informant (a person you know and trust) at some point during the assessment process with your consent.

Formulating a diagnostic opinion and feedback:

We will send you a written report of your assessment outcome.

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 provide recommendations.

Some people seen by our Diagnostic Service will not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of autism.

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, provide background information, education and employment history.

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

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

Observational Interview: Sometimes you will meet with one or two clinician for approximately an hour to complete some practical tasks and answer some questions.

Results: You will be sent your report with the results. If you have questions you can e-mail the team on awp.wads@nhs.net

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. 

• In an emergency, call 999.
• Shout: is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. If you’re experiencing a personal crisis, are unable to cope and need support, text Shout to 85258.
• MIND: An independent charity supporting people in Wiltshire who are experiencing mental health problems or emotional distress. Our services are accessible for everybody in our community.​​​​​​​
• Talking Therapies: This is an NHS service providing a range of short-term talking therapies.​​​​​​ For Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire, call: 01380 731 335 ​​​​​​​or email: awp.wiltshiretalkingtherapies@nhs.net. 
• Citizens Advice Bureau: We provide free, confidential and impartial advice and campaign on big issues affecting people’s lives. Call: 0808 278 7813 or email via their contact form.

• Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS): If you would like to raise any concerns or give compliments about our service. Call: 01225 362 900 or email: awp.pals@nhs.net.

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:  

Wiltshire Intensive North Team: 01380 731 292 

Wiltshire Intensive South Team: 01722 820 173