Helping You Along the Autism Diagnosis Journey

Pursuing an Autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming – often, families are still at a point where they don’t fully understand what Autism is, let alone any process they will need to go through.

If that’s how you feel, you’re far from alone, but reaching an understanding of Autism and the diagnosis process can help families massively, reducing anxiety, empowering them on their journey and ensuring individuals receive the appropriate support.  

These issues matter because having that knowledge can unlock access to specialist services and therapies, and early interventions can significantly improve outcomes, though it’s important to remember that a diagnosis can take place at any stage of life. And that diagnosis can be life-changing, allowing families and the Autistic individual to understand their unique strengths and the challenges they might face, in turn promoting better self-awareness and mental health.

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a lifelong condition that affects how a person views and interacts with the social world around them, and their environment. Autism exists on a spectrum, which means how people are impacted can vary widely from person to person. Many Autistic people are not diagnosed until they are adults, and obtaining a diagnosis can reduce self-doubt and help individuals access the support they need.

It’s also worth saying that many outdated stereotypes exist about what Autism is and what it “looks like,” and that is worth bearing in mind and factoring in throughout the process. The reason we regularly use the phrase “Autistic individuals” is precisely that – because Autism presents itself differently in every single person.

There are common indicators to look for – delays in speech or communication, a preference for not making eye contact, a different style of social interaction, repetitive behaviours such as rocking or hand clapping, a difficulty adapting to change or a strong preference for the same routine, to name a few. And it’s not about deficit but difference, so a diagnosis leading to mapped out support can be hugely beneficial.

There is no one set process to follow. However, if you feel there are developmental milestones your child has not achieved or if notice they are different to their peers, there are a number of steps you can take. With a child of pre-school age, a conversation with a health visitor, or a family doctor, is a good starting point to talk about your concerns. A simple chat can offer a good deal of reassurance, and they will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

If your health visitor shares your concerns, it may be that your child is put forward for initial assessment. At this ‘screening’ interview you will be asked lots of questions about your child’s development, their strengths and their struggles. This could then progress to a formal assessment, where a diagnosis of Autism is considered. It should be said that an early diagnosis can be a positive step for the family, as it will be easier to understand precisely what your child’s needs are.

Once you have a diagnosis, your child may also need an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) from your local authority. The EHCP is useful in that it helps dictate what school provision might be required.

Receiving the diagnosis can trigger a range of emotions, be it anxiety, relief or optimism, but it’s very much the starting point of a journey rather than the end. Understanding and obtaining the diagnosis can be powerful in taking a step towards the discovery and growth of the individual.

In our podcast Autism Unpacked, we are joined by experts who have dedicated their professional lives to supporting families through their Autism journey. It’s a wide-ranging discussion, from early indicators, to why you might want to seek out a diagnosis, the process itself and what happens afterwards and ultimately, to celebrating Autism. Find the episode here (link)

You can also find out more about autism diagnosis from the NHS here.

The National Autistic Society also provides some useful guidance here.