How do I get my child assessed for autism on the NHS?

The first step: GP referral

Book a GP appointment specifically to request an autism diagnostic referral. Take written examples of what you're seeing at home and, where possible, evidence from school. The GP doesn't diagnose autism themselves; they refer you on to the specialist NHS pathway.

What helps at the GP visit:

• A short written list of the specific behaviours and patterns you've observed (sensory, social, communication, repetitive interests, regulation). Specific beats general.
• A letter or email from the SENDCO if the school has observations to share.
• If your child has been on SEN Support, the school's records of what they've tried and how it's worked.
• A short note on family history (autism, ADHD, related conditions in relatives).

The route after the GP

The local pathway depends on your area and your child's age. Most commonly:

• Under-5s: usually referred via the health visitor or directly to Community Paediatrics, sometimes alongside a developmental review.
• 5 to ~12: typically Community Paediatrics or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
• ~12 to 18: more variable, sometimes CAMHS-led, sometimes paediatric, sometimes a dedicated neurodevelopmental service.
• 18+: adult autism services (often via mental health trusts, with a different waiting list).

Once referred, the service should screen the referral and either accept it onto the diagnostic pathway or signpost you elsewhere. NICE CG128 governs how the assessment itself should be carried out: typically multi-disciplinary, drawing on parent / carer interview, direct observation (often using the ADOS), and school information.

How long it takes in 2026

The NHS England 13-week target from referral to first appointment is almost universally missed. In practice, most areas in 2026 are running 18 months to 4+ years for children. The specific page How long is the NHS waiting list for an autism assessment? covers the regional variation.

What to do while you wait

1. Get the school on SEN Support now if they aren't already. You don't need a diagnosis for the school to put adjustments in place (SEND Code 6.36).
2. If the school can't meet your child's needs from its own resources, you can request an EHC needs assessment in parallel; you don't need a diagnosis for an EHCP either.
3. Consider DLA (Disability Living Allowance), which is based on care and mobility needs rather than diagnosis.
4. If your child is 18 or older, Right to Choose (via providers like Psychiatry-UK) is usually the fastest NHS-funded route.

This page is general information, not clinical or legal advice.