Neurodiversity –  ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder)

 

 The information below is designed to allow you to understand neurodiversity and the processes by which you can approach a formal diagnosis and assessment.

 Please note that whilst these conditions are relatively common, an assessment is only required if it is significantly impacting on daily life.

 

 

 

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Seeking a Diagnosis for ASD in the UK

PLEASE NOTE:

• From 1st November 2026 -  A new all-age Autism and ADHD Single Point of Access (SPoA) triage Hub is being introduced, this will replace the Owl Centre for Children's ASD referrals.

Please see below the links with more up to date information:

Autism and ADHD Assessment Services :: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight

All-Age ADHD and Autism Single Point of Access and Triage Hub :: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight

NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (HIOW ICB) is introducing a new All Age Autism and ADHD Single Point of Access (SPoA) and Triage Hub.

The Hub and SPoA, provided by PHL Group in Hampshire will provide a single route for people who may be Autistic, may have ADHD, or both. It will review referral information and help ensure referrals are forwarded to the most appropriate NHS-commissioned service or eligible Right to Choose provider for diagnostic assessment and, where appropriate, ADHD medication services.

The development of the Single Point of Access (SPoA) and Triage Hub has been informed by survey feedback and co-produced with people with lived experience, clinical experts and system partners. Their insights and expertise have helped shape the design of the service to ensure it is person-centred, accessible and responsive to the needs of local people and referring professionals.

The introduction of the SPoA and Triage Hub forms part of wider work across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to improve co-ordination of access to Autism and ADHD assessment services and support a more consistent approach to referral management.

The SPoA and Triage Hub will:

• provide a single referral route for new patients identified as requiring ADHD or autism       assessments 

• determine the most appropriate pathway or service;

• provide the patient with support within the local system whilst waiting

The SPoA and Triage Hub will receive referrals only from Primary Care, or Health Education. Social Care, Mental Health Services and Community Hubs. No self-referrals will be accepted The SPoA and Triage Hub will not undertake autism or ADHD diagnostic assessments, make autism or ADHD diagnosis, prescribe medication or provide ongoing clinical treatment.  

What happens after a referral?

The Hub's clinical team will review the information provided and determine the most appropriate autism diagnostic assessment service, ADHD diagnostic assessment service, based on the individual's needs and circumstances.

Specialist staff will then discuss the available onward referral options with individuals, including locally commissioned services, and eligible Right to Choose providers, the likely waiting times and other local avenuaes for support of safer waiting for patients, enabling the patient to make a well-informed decision about the most appropriate provision. If the patient already has a preferred Right to Choose provider, they will need to inform the GP so this can be indicated on the referral form. The Hub will also provide information about relevant support available to individuals, families and carers while they are waiting for an assessment or accessing other support services.

What happens to people already waiting for assessment?

People who have already been referred for an autism or ADHD assessment or are currently on a waiting list will remain within their existing pathway and will continue to be managed through current arrangements. The new Hub is intended to provide a consistent referral and triage route for new referrals and will not require people already in existing pathways to start the referral process again.

Contact the surgery via E-Consult for a potential referral.

 

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Children (under 18)

Please contact your child's education setting (school/college), to make this referral for ASD / ADHD. They can refer to the Neurodevelopmental Single Point of Access Triage Hub. Please see below link for further information about the triage hub.

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 Right to Choose.

 

•  Patients have the right to choose a provider that has a contract with an NHS body. Please see further detailed information about this via the link: How to request an autism assessment.

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE PATHWAY 

 

Across England, referrals for Autism assessments have significantly increased in recent years. Unfortunately, the NHS does not  have enough capacity to meet this demand, without negatively impacting other essential services.  Because of this, assessment will be funded only if there is a co-occuring mental health need. For more information visit the Hampshire ICB website - Autism and ADHD Assessment Services :: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, for up to date information regarding this pathway.

Right to Choose referrals are now accessed through the new triage hub as above. 

ADHD and Autism Single Point of Access – Right to Choose referrals and provider selection 

If you would like a Right to Choose referral, then please let the practice know at the time of referral and we can request this on the referral when we send it through to the hub. 

 

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  Private. 

 

You may consider a private diagnosis. Private assessments can be more costly, but they may offer faster access to support. Private healthcare providers and clinics in the UK often offer ASD assessments, but it’s essential to choose a reputable provider with experience in diagnosing these conditions.

Here is some more information about how to get an assessment for ASD.

How to request an autism assessment

After Diagnosis: Available Treatments and Support

Once diagnosed, several options can help manage  ASD symptoms and improve quality of life.

 

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ASD Support and Interventions

•  Therapies: Speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioural interventions can help manage communication and social skills, as well as daily living skills.
• Educational Support: Many children with ASD qualify for additional support in school through an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan, which can provide tailored support to meet their needs.
• Support Groups and Charities: Organisations like The National Autistic Society (NAS) and Ambitious about Autism offer resources, helplines, and community support for people with ASD and their families.