What it is
Autistic people may find social situations, change and certain sensory experiences hard, and often have strong focused interests. Many also have ADHD, anxiety, learning disability or epilepsy.
A diagnosis can help a person and their family understand their needs and get support at school, at work and with daily life.
Common signs
- Finding it hard to understand what others think or feel
- Preferring routines and getting anxious about change
- Being over or under sensitive to sound, light, touch or taste
- Intense interests in particular subjects
- In young children, not responding to their name or not using gestures
How it is usually diagnosed
- Assessment by a specialist team (paediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, speech therapist)
- Interviews, questionnaires and observation
- Reports from school or nursery
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- The diagnostic assessment report
- School support and education plans
- Speech and occupational therapy reports
- Letters about other conditions such as ADHD or epilepsy
Questions to ask your doctor
- What support is available after diagnosis?
- Which adjustments could help at school or work?
- Should we look at other conditions such as ADHD or anxiety?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or a severe crisis that puts someone at risk: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.