This site has been developed with the support of Wakefield Healthwatch citizen’s panel and partner organisations across Wakefield District. If you have any feedback on the site please email adultsocialcare@wakefield.gov.uk
Diagnosis
A diagnosis is the formal identification of autism. This will be by a health professional such as a paediatrician or psychiatrist. Having a diagnosis is helpful for two reasons:
- It helps people with autism, and their families, to understand why they may experience certain difficulties and what they can do about them.
- It enables people to access services and support.
Your GP, Community Mental Health Team, or social worker will be able to refer you to a service for diagnosis and support.
You can read more about this process at Getting diagnosed with autism - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Being diagnosed with autism can be difficult to come to terms with. You mat be coping with a condition that you know little about and wondering about how to appropriate support.
You can find information about getting support after being diagnosed here.