Individual waiting times are variable and unfortunately, we cannot give specific times for individual waits. Please do not contact the clinic to enquire about waiting times as we cannot provide any more information than is provided within this section.

We understand that the lengthy waits for assessment can be upsetting and cause distress. We know how difficult it may feel not knowing when you might start the assessment process with our service. If you are experiencing difficulties with your mood and wellbeing, we would recommend that you contact your GP. 

Autism services nationally are experiencing high demand at present. This demand is resulting in longer wait times than we would want or expect for our service users. We acknowledge this can feel extremely frustrating and are working locally with our team and with our commissioners to improve this.

We on average receive 124 referrals per month for autism (Sheffield and national combined). 

As of end of June 2024 the average wait time is 66 weeks for autism assessments, and we are currently booking assessments for those people that were referred in August 2023.

If you have received confirmation that your referral has been accepted, we will not remove you from the list. Please keep us updated of any changes to your contact details.

In most instances patients legally have the right to choose where they receive NHS treatment. Information about choices currently available can be found in the guidance on the NHS Choice Framework.

This information was last reviewed and updated in July 2024.
 

Your assessment will be held at the Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service. 

You will usually be seen by one clinician in an office or consulting room.

There may be another member of staff observing, but we would always ask your permission on arrival before this was agreed.

Please let us know if you have any sensory requirements (for example needing us to dim the lights), when you arrive for the assessment. 

Examples of things we can do to make the assessment less stressful for you include:

• turning the lights off
• offering you a large beanbag to sit on instead of a chair
• offering you fidget toys to play with
• taking comfort breaks

The assessment will take place in a clinic room. You can choose to have a family member, partner or friend join you in the appointment. However, the clinician might ask you if you feel comfortable completing some sections of the assessment on your own.

The appointment typically takes between two and three hours, although in some circumstances more than one appointment may be required. 

The assessment will involve answering questions about your childhood development and past and current experiences of:

Social communication such as:

• Conversation skills e.g., small talk
• Non-verbal communication, e.g., eye contact, understanding of body language and facial expressions.  
• Preferred methods of communication e.g., face to face versus online/ telephone
• What you find easy or more difficult in social situations

Social interaction such as:

• Making and maintaining friendships throughout your life
• Whether you prefer structured or activity-focused social contact, or to just talk
• One-on-one versus group interactions

Flexible thinking which involves:

• Use of routines and structures
• Coping with change and whether this causes difficulties
• Repetitive behaviours
• Strong interests or hobbies and collections

Sensory processing

We will ask about any differences in your sensory processing, such as how you experience:

• Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.

In addition, we will ask you about the lesser-known senses:

• Proprioception: differences in balance and coordination
• Interoception: awareness of what is happening inside your body e.g., pain threshold, noticing being ill

Many people find the questions difficult to answer because they are anxious and in new surroundings. It's ok if you want to take a few moments to think, before answering a question.

You may find it useful to think about your experiences of these areas prior to your appointment. Some people find it helpful to write down different examples and use their notes as a prompt during the assessment.

People being assessed sometimes force themselves to make eye-contact and stop themselves from fidgeting. This is not necessary. 

There is a box of sensory toys (including a weighted blanket) that people can use to comfort themselves during the assessment. 

The assessment includes a lot of questions so you may find it emotionally draining. It is a good idea to rest before and after the assessment. 

The assessment does not include a physical exam of any parts of your body.

Towards the end of the appointment the person will be told the outcomes of the assessment. There are three potential outcomes:

1. A diagnosis of ASD is indicated.
2. A diagnosis of ASD is not indicated.
3. The clinician needs more information before he or she is able to decide.

If more information is needed before a decision is made, another appointment will be scheduled. However, the clinician will usually be able to decide without requiring another appointment.

The clinician will tell you the outcome at the end of the assessment. If the clinician identifies enough evidence for a diagnosis, this will be provided in a formal report.

The report will be posted to you shortly after the assessment. 

If a diagnosis of ASD is not indicated, the clinician will talk to you about what else might be causing or maintaining your difficulties.

Many people seek an ASD assessment because they are keen to understand themselves better. People usually acquire a better understanding of themselves from the assessment, even if a diagnosis of ASD is not given.

The clinician will always try their best to consider with you, what type of post-diagnostic support would benefit you - such as counselling, a recommendation to another service or book recommendations to help you understand yourself better.

The clinician will also discuss with you strategies for managing your challenges and advise on how you can build on your strengths.

Service users commonly report finding the assessment a validating and empowering process.

After the assessment, you will be guided back to the reception area. You then exit the building through the same doors you used to enter.

Upon approach, the door on the far right will slide open automatically (from right to left). The second set of doors do not open automatically. To open these doors, the button on the wall needs to be pushed.

The clinician will then write a formal report and this will arrive in the post as soon as possible following the appointment. We will also send a copy of this report to your GP and the professional who referred you to the service. if you have concerns about this information being shared with your GP or referrer, please discuss with your assessing clinician at the beginning of the appointment.

Post Diagnostic pack

By following this link, you will download a post diagnostic pack detailing next steps, resources and support.