Assessments

Diagnostic Assessments

If you suspect that you, or your child, is autistic, the first step is to speak to your GP, school or health visitors. 

This will be an opportunity for you to:

  • explain the reasons you think that you or the other person is autistic.
  • ask for a reference for an autism assessment.

They may help you complete a form to record your experiences, difficulties and concerns, and ask for your consent to proceed with the referral. The autism assessment will then be carried out by an autism specialist. 

Click on the headings below to learn more about the assessments:

If you ask for a reference on behalf of a child, you will be referred to a diagnostic team - a group of different specialists who work together to assess if your child has autism.

This group may include a psychologist, psychiatrist, paediatrician, speech and language therapist, among others.

One member of this team will act as the case coordinator, which is the person who will act as your first point of contact during the referral. It is this person who will update you on any developments, answer your questions, and collate any information needed to help with the assessment, for example, from the child's school, doctor, or social worker.

The assessment will have several different appointments, and it can last over several months. In your final session the Team will report if your child is diagnosed with autism or not and send you a written report listing their reasons.

See more information: Betsi Cadwaladr Neurodevelopmental Service

If you request a referral on behalf of yourself, or on behalf of another adult, you will be directed to the Integrated Autism Service (IAS). 

The GAI will assign a team to work with you to create a thorough assessment. The team will include different specialists such as nurse, psychologist, psychiatrist, occupational therapist, autism specialist practitioner and so on. One of these will act as a case coordinator who will keep you updated, and answer any questions you may have.

It is likely there will be a number of different appointments over a period of several months. The team will discuss your childhood, development, and the reasons you think you are autistic. This can be an emotional and challenging experience but your case coordinator will be available to offer any support you may need.

If you think that you are autistic and want an assessment, the first step is to speak to your gp.  

 

 

Access to Gwynedd social services - care and support assessments 

People sometimes need care and support from Social Services. Cyngor Gwynedd can provide information, advice and support to autistic individuals, their families and unpaid carers. To discuss your needs, please contact the Autism Team:


Information about your rights

If you feel you need further support or assessment, please contact the Adults Service:

Contact the Adults Service

If you are a parent or a carer for an autistic child and need further support or assessment,  please contact:

Unpaid carers are a vital source of support for many people with additional needs, including some autistic people.

If you are a parent, sibling, friend or neighbour providing informal care to an autistic person, it is therefore vital that you are supported too, for the wellbeing of you and the person you are caring for.

You can choose if you want an assessment for you as a carer on your own, or if you want a joint assessment with the person you are caring for.

The person doing the assessment will get in touch to discuss what is important for you, and you will have the opportunity to discuss your care responsibilities, any challenges you face, and your wishes.


Request a carer assessment 

To request a carer assessment, contact Cyngor Gwynedd's Adult Service:

Request carer assessment: Contact the Adults Service

View information for your carers