Preparing for an autism assessment

In short

• An assessment usually includes questions about development or life history, observation, and questionnaires.
• Gathering information in advance can help you share a clear picture.
• You can ask for adjustments, such as a quiet room, shorter appointments or written questions.
• The outcome may be a diagnosis, a finding that you are not autistic, or a decision that more information is needed.

What usually happens

Autism assessments vary between services, but NHS guidance describes a common pattern. You or your child may have one or more appointments with a team of professionals.

For children, the team usually asks about early development and family history. They may watch how the child communicates and plays, and they may speak to parents, carers and teachers.

For adults, the team usually asks about childhood, school, work and daily life. You may be asked to complete questionnaires about your behaviour, interests and experiences. Some services also speak to someone who knew you as a child.

Autism assessments do not usually involve medical tests, but the team may check for other conditions that could explain what they see. The steps and timescales depend on the service.

What to gather beforehand

You do not need to prepare a perfect record. Useful information can include:

• Early development. Anything you remember about speech, movement, play and friendships. For children, the health red book or early years records can help.
• School or work information. Past school reports, learning plans, employer feedback or performance reviews.
• Previous letters. Letters from GPs, speech and language therapists, psychologists or other professionals.
• Examples. A short list of examples from home, school, work or social situations. Include what happened, where, and how it felt.
• Questions for the team. Write down anything you want to ask, so you do not forget on the day.

You can also ask a family member or friend who knows you or your child well to help you think about examples. Some services will ask them for their own views.

Adjustments you can ask for

Assessment teams should make reasonable adjustments so that you can take part. You can ask for:

• A quiet room, or a place with less noise and bright light.
• Shorter appointments or regular breaks.
• Written questions in advance, or a written summary of the appointment.
• A clear plan for what will happen, and a note of who will be there.
• A familiar person to attend with you, for support.
• A familiar setting for observation, such as home or school, where this is possible.
• Plain language and simple, clear instructions.
• Video or phone appointments, where the service offers them. Ask whether this is an option.

If something is not working on the day, you can say so. You can ask for a break, a change, or a different time.

Possible outcomes

The team will usually send a written report. The outcome may be:

• A diagnosis of autism, with information about strengths and support needs.
• A finding that you or your child are not autistic, with an explanation of the reasons. Other support may still be suggested.
• A decision that more information is needed, with a plan for what happens next.

You can ask the team to explain the report, and you can ask for a copy. If you disagree with the outcome, ask the team why they reached their decision. You can also ask your GP about next steps.

This guide is general information, not medical advice.