What is involved?

There are a number of different doctors and health professionals who may be involved in diagnosing the condition. Most frequently though these would be psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and, in the case of children, paediatricians. In some areas there may be multi-disciplinary teams (i.e. made up of a number of different health professionals) involved in diagnosing autism. Here is a short description of what the involved parties may do:

Behaviour support team

In some areas behaviour support teams operate. These can support families where a child is presenting with challenging behaviour with both the assessment of the behaviour and the implementation of a behaviour management programme. A referral through a GP or other health professional, and occasionally through social services is often required.

Clinical psychologist

Clinical psychologists are able to make the initial diagnosis of ASD and may offer a follow up service. People are often referred to a clinical psychologist where there are behavioural difficulties. A clinical psychologist is able to make an assessment of the function of behaviours and may implement a behaviour management plan. To see a clinical psychologist through the NHS families require a referral through their GP. There are some clinical psychologists within the profession who practice privately.

Educational psychologist

Educational psychologists are involved in the assessment of educational needs and the statementing process. They are usually employed by local education authorities but there are some working in private practice. The National Autistic Society maintains a small list of educational psychologists working in independent practice with knowledge of ASD.

GP

Your GP or family doctor will be able to make referrals to relevant professionals for you. Although responsible for the general health of their patients GPs do not usually offer specialist advice or treatment.

Health visitor

Health visitors are specially trained nurses responsible for the promotion of the health and development of pre-school children. Concerns about development may be raised with or by a health visitor during routine developmental assessments which may lead to referrals to other professionals.

Occupational therapist

An occupational therapist is able to help people improve their developmental function by therapeutic techniques, environmental adaptations and the use of specialist equipment. Occupational therapists are often concerned with the difficulties people may have in carrying out everyday activities. They may work for the health service or social services.

Paediatrician

Paediatricians are experts in the health and development of children, particularly those with developmental disorders. Paediatricians are often involved in the initial diagnosis of ASD and are able to offer follow up support in some cases. An appointment with a paediatrician normally requires a referral through a GP or other health professional.

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are able to make an initial diagnosis of ASD and may offer a follow up service. Psychiatrists are often involved where there are behavioural issues or mental health difficulties, and are able to prescribe and monitor medication. To see a psychiatrist on the NHS a referral through a GP or other health professional is usually required, although there are some in private practice.

Social worker and care manager

Social workers and care managers are involved in the assessment of care needs of people with disabilities and family members. They are also involved in arranging provision to meet the assessed needs. If you do not have a named social worker or care manager and need urgent assistance from social services you should ask to speak to the duty social worker at your local department.

Speech and language therapist

Speech and language therapists are able to assess speech, language and communication abilities and can carry out therapy to assist with specific difficulties. They may also be involved in the implementation of various alternative communication systems such as PECS. Speech and language therapists are often involved in the diagnosis of ASD, working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Help from a speech and language therapist on the NHS can be accessed through a referral by your GP. There are also some speech and language therapists in independent practice who accept self referrals. In some cases speech and language therapy may be accessed through the local education authority if it is recognised as an educational need on a child’s statement.