Diagnosis pathway
Diagnosis pathway
Referrals for assessment are increasing, and the numbers of children and young people being diagnosed are also increasing. Health professionals work with families and schools to assess for autism and make a diagnosis.
The NHS website has a range of information about autism.
In York, there are 3 autism diagnostic services, depending on the age of the child or young person:
You can also find support for children and young people with autism.
Under 5
Assessment is undertaken by the child development centre at York Hospital. Referral to the service is from either a GP or a speech and language therapist. The whole pathway at York Hospital can take about 1 year, because paediatricians will want to rule out any other health or development issues before considering a full assessment for autism. If your child is diagnosed with autism, then you'll be invited to a discussion and advice session with the specialist teacher for autism and the autism speech and language therapist. There will be help and support in early years’ settings and into school, depending on the level of need your child has, which will be discussed with you.
5 to 18 years
If your child or young person is of school age and under 18, the referral for potential assessment is made to CAMHS – our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
Due to a considerable increase in referral rates, there is currently a significant wait for autism and ADHD assessments within CAMHS.
You may self-refer to the service or be referred by your GP or on the advice of your child’s school. To self-refer call York Single Point of Access (SPA) by telephone: 01904 615345.
The initial situation will be discussed with you and your family by our Single Point of Access (SPA) team, who will be able to guide you through the process or signpost you to other services, depending on your child's need.
Diagnosis pathway for Autism
The referral and assessment process
- There will be an initial 30-minute call with our Single Point of Access (SPA) team, to discuss the referral. If it is agreed that further assessment is needed, a questionnaire will be sent out to families or carers and school
- Once the questionnaires have been returned in full, they will be reviewed by the team. Our team will decide, based on information provided, if an autism assessment is needed. Families will be informed of the outcome via letter
- If it is felt that an autism assessment is needed, the child/young person will be added to the waiting list for an appointment to the assessment clinic
- If an autism assessment is offered, this will be undertaken by our team and include a parent/carer interview and a separate play-based assessment.
Post diagnosis – autism
If a diagnosis is given, families will be given feedback alongside a written report of the assessment. A post-diagnostic pack will also be given, which includes resources and information to support the family/carers and young person.
Unfortunately, CAMHS are not commissioned to provide specific post-diagnostic support/interventions for children/young people with autism.
If the outcome is no diagnosis of autism, other recommendations may be made on what support could be most appropriate for your young person/family.
Over 18
Referrals are made through your GP, your social worker or the community mental health team to the Tuke Centre on Heslington Lane for assessment and diagnosis.
Visit the Retreat Clinic website for more information.
Support for children and young people with autism
Find a range of support available to families and young people with or without a diagnosis of autism.