Who can make a referral for my child?
Unfortunately you or a carer are unable to make a self-referral for your child directly. However we can accept referrals from any health or education professional such as teachers, educational psychologists, GPs, paediatricians, health visitors, and social workers.
How long can I expect to wait for my child to be assessed?
Unfortunately, due to unprecedented demand, our waiting times are significantly long, and we are unable to give a specific time as to when your child will be seen.
Please be assured in the meantime, you and your child can access support whilst you wait via school, local information, advice and assistance services and our team.
My child’s symptoms are becoming unmanageable, is there a way for them to be seen sooner?
There is a high demand for our service. We only speed up assessments for Looked after Children (a child who is in the care of the local authority) or children being supported by the Youth Offending Service. We do offer support whilst your child is waiting to include our pre diagnostic workshop and autism advice hubs.
You can also access support from the following websites by clicking on the links below:
National Autistic Society - NAS (open in new tab)
Neurodivergence Wales (opens in new tab)
How will I know that my child has been accepted onto the waiting list?
We send a letter to let parents know if their child has been accepted on to the waiting list or not.
I am on the waiting list, but am having difficulties managing my child’s symptoms. Is there anywhere I can go for advice?
There is information at the bottom of this page about support services that can help you understand autism and manage aspects of your child’s behaviour you may find difficult. Please contact us if you wish to speak with a specialist support worker via our Autism Advice hubs or book on to a workshop while you wait for your child’s assessment.
Click here to find information about support services (opens in new tab).
My child was referred before the current referral date, would I be able to backdate this referral?
If you provide a copy of the original referral, we may be able to backdate your child’s referral.
My child is not being given support in school as they have not received a diagnosis of ASD, what can I do?
Under the Additional Learning needs Act (Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (wales) Act 2018), there is now a statutory duty on education providers to provide support, dependent on needs rather than diagnosis. You can arrange a meeting with you school’s additional learning needs co coordinator (ALNCO) to discuss your concerns.
Where is my child on the waiting list?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide this information. We can provide information as to when we received your child’s referral and the current waiting times.
My child is turning 18 soon, will they remain on the child waiting list, or will I need to apply to the Adult Autism Service?
Your child will remain on the Children’s Neurodevelopmental Service waiting list until they have completed their assessment process. The clinicians in the Children’s Neurodevelopmental Service are trained to assess autism in children and adults.
I am considering going to a private provider - can you help me choose?
As a publicly funded NHS organisation we are unable to recommend specific private providers.