Social and communication needs including autism

To receive a diagnosis of autism a referral for assessment is needed. It is important to note that support can be given whilst seeking a diagnosis and not dependant on one. Currently:

• Around 1 in 100 people in the UK are known to be autistic – approximately 700,000 adults and children.
• Boys and men are more likely to receive a diagnosis than girls and women and the ratio is thought to be three to one. Girls and women may present differently to boys and men and are known to mask their challenges, especially in social situations.
• Historically, terms like Asperger’s syndrome or high-functioning autism were used. Today, the official diagnosis is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

If you believe yourself, child, young person or adult as being autistic, you may be considering being formally assessed. This may then result in diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) otherwise known as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).

Whilst many people and families may not wish to receive formal diagnosis, some feel the autism diagnosis is vital, as it means the appropriate support can be put in place to meet their short and long term needs or wishes. It may also help the individual understand why they are having any difficulties and what they can do.

If you are concerned about your child’s learning in their setting or school then speak to the practitioner/teacher in the first instance or request a meeting with the SENCO.

Referrals for children and young people under the age of 18 can be made by any professional or person who knows your child well, for example a teacher, a tutor, SENCO, a therapist (speech and language, occupational or play therapist), childminder or nursery staff. Your GP will advise you to talk with these professionals for the referral as they will need to complete the questionnaire.

Please see new leaflet that has been coproduced for those seeking a diagnosis and their families. It has key information and signposting to support available.

Autism is diagnosed by looking at child or young person’ social communications and interactions to check whether their activities, personal interests and routines have any restricted or repetitive patterns. What parents/carers have noticed about their strengths and differences is vital to this process.

Parents and carers should work closely with their child’s paediatricians, GP, and health visitors to understand the child’ needs and help implement early support interventions.

Awaiting an autism diagnosis can be a challenging period for families. However, there are numerous support groups and resources available to assist during this time. Diagnosis is not needed to access support and this includes support for children and young people in schools and settings.

To read more about support and strategies, please visit the support while waiting for an Autism diagnosis page.

For more information on the Bromley referral pathways download our social communication difficulties and autism information leaflets

Read the Do you know …? guide (PDF - 1.87 MB) for families with children and teenagers who have social and communication difficulties including autism. 

There are many local and national charities that may be accessed without diagnosis. Visit the social communication needs including autism support services page.

National Autistic Society: 

Visit the new diagnostic hub providing information, practical and multi-media resources to support autistic people and their families before, during and after diagnosis.