Recognizing the signs of autism early on can significantly improve a child’s development through timely support and intervention. If you’re a parent who suspects your child may have autism, you may be wondering what the options are for testing and diagnosis.
At Oxford CBT, we offer autism screening tests for all ages, and we’re here to help you make an informed choice on which path to take for your child, whether it’s an NHS assessment or a private test.
So, what sort of autism tests are available on the NHS for children? Is there a separate female autism checklist? If you’re asking yourself “Where can I get autism testing in Oxford?” We have the answers.
In this article, we’ll explore what the NHS testing process is like for children with autism, outline the methods used to assess the traits presented by your child and discuss the pros and cons of the whole journey.
What is Autism?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in social interaction, speech, and nonverbal communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviours.
The effects of autism and the severity of symptoms can vary widely across individuals, between genders, and on a case-by-case basis. It’s far from a one-size-fits-all condition. This makes diagnosis tricky, as sometimes it can be missed or misdiagnosed as something else, depending on how the signs present themselves.
Common Signs of Autism in Children
Identifying autism early in children can lead to more effective interventions and support. Some of the more common signs that may indicate autism include:
- Challenges in Social Interactions – Children with autism often exhibit noticeable difficulties in social interactions, such as limited eye contact, a marked preference for playing alone rather than with other children, and difficulty interpreting non-verbal cues like facial expressions or body language.
- Communication Difficulties – Many children on the autism spectrum experience delays in language development. Some may not speak at all, while others might have a large vocabulary but struggle with the back-and-forth of conversation. Echolalia, a condition where the child repeats phrases or noises they hear, is also common.
- Repetitive Behaviours – Engaging in repetitive behaviours is a hallmark sign of autism. This might manifest as repetitive movements (such as rocking or hand-flapping), intense or focused interest in specific topics, or rigid adherence to specific routines. Disruptions to these routines can cause significant distress.
- Sensory Sensitivities – Many children with autism have unusual reactions to sensory stimuli. This can include adverse reactions to certain sounds, tastes, or textures, an unusual tolerance to pain, or a fascination with lights or spinning objects.
While these signs can indicate autism, they can also be a part of typical child development. If you’ve noticed several of these behaviours in your child, consider seeking an evaluation from a healthcare professional. We’ve outlined the process of going about an autism diagnosis on the NHS below.
NHS Autism Test for Children: How It Works
If you’re worried about your child’s development or behaviour, getting help from the NHS is a step-by-step process designed to support your child’s needs effectively. Here’s a simple guide on what to expect:
How to Access NHS Autism Services
The first step is to talk to your GP. If you share your concerns about your child, your GP might check your child first and then can send you to a specialist. This referral could be to a paediatrician or a team known as Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
NHS Diagnostic Process Step-by-Step
Once your GP refers you to a specialist, the first thing they’ll do is get to know your child through several meetings.
Different experts like child doctors, psychologists, and speech therapists might be involved.
They will look at various things like how your child plays, talks, and interacts with others. They gather all this information to understand your child’s needs better.
What Happens During an NHS Autism Assessment?
In these meetings, specialists will watch how your child plays and how they communicate with others and their surroundings. They might use specific activities to see how your child reacts. These are not just any activities, but special ones designed to notice behaviours that might suggest autism.
They will also ask you about your child’s past and how they behave at home and in other places. All of this helps them figure out if your child might be on the autism spectrum.
How long will it take to get an NHS autism test for my child?
The time it takes to get through this process can be different for everyone. It usually takes several months, but it could be longer, depending on where you live and how many other families are also waiting for help.
It’s important to keep in touch with your doctor and the specialists during this time and ask for extra help if you feel you need it.
What Methods Are Used to Test for Autism in Children?
Diagnosing autism in children involves a combination of methods that allow professionals to observe, interact, and gather detailed information about a child’s development. Each method helps build a complete picture of the child’s abilities and behaviours.
Here’s a closer look at these methods:
Observation and Interaction Techniques
Healthcare professionals use observation to see how a child interacts with the world around them. This can happen during specially arranged play sessions where a specialist watches how the child plays alone or with others, how they use toys, and how they respond to new situations.
These observations help assess whether a child shows behaviours typical of autism, such as not making eye contact, not responding to their name, or playing in a repetitive way.
Structured Interviews with Parents
Talking to parents or caregivers is another important step in diagnosing autism. During these interviews, doctors or therapists ask detailed questions about the child’s early development, like when they started talking, how they play with other children, and any concerns about their behaviour.
This information helps professionals understand changes over time and behaviours that might not be visible during a short observation session.
Use of Standardised Diagnostic Tools
To make sure every child is assessed in a consistent way, specialists often use standardised tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).
The ADOS involves a series of tasks that the child completes with a professional, designed to prompt behaviours that are key indicators of autism. These tasks might include storytelling, drawing, and playing games that require social interaction. The way the child approaches these tasks helps the specialist decide if their behaviour aligns with typical autism patterns.
Together, these methods enable a thorough and accurate diagnosis of autism, helping ensure that children get the appropriate support and interventions they need to thrive.
Preparing Your Child for an NHS Autism Test
Getting ready for an autism assessment is a key step in making the experience as smooth as possible for your child and yourself. Here are some quick tips on how you can prepare:
Tips for Reducing Anxiety Before the Test
It’s normal for both you and your child to feel a bit anxious about the assessment. Here are some tips to help ease anxiety:
- Keep the Daily Routine – Try to keep your child’s daily routine as normal as possible on the day of the test. Familiar routines can provide comfort and reduce stress.
- Explain the Process – Depending on your child’s understanding and age, explain what will happen during the test using simple and reassuring words. Let them know that the doctor will play some games with them and ask some questions, and you’ll be there with them the whole time.
- Bring Comfort Items – If your child has a favourite toy, blanket, or book, bring it along to the assessment. These familiar items can help soothe and calm your child.
- Practice Visits – If possible, visit the clinic before the actual test day. This can help your child become familiar with the environment and reduce anxiety about the unknown.
What to Bring to an Autism Assessment
You might be asked to bring some supporting documents to your child’s autism assessment, so you may want to prepare these in advance.
It’s important to bring along any school reports you have. These reports can provide healthcare professionals with valuable insights into how your child interacts in different settings. Additionally, keeping a behaviour diary can be very helpful. In the days leading up to the assessment, note any behaviours that concern you, what triggers these behaviours, which times of day are more challenging, and any patterns you’ve noticed.
Ensure you also have a handy list of any medications your child is taking. Include details like the dosage and how often each medication is taken.
Lastly, don’t forget to write down any questions or concerns you might have as a parent. There are no silly questions, so don’t be afraid to ask them.
Preparing these items in advance can help ensure that the autism assessment is as effective and informative as possible, allowing your child to approach the test with less anxiety and more confidence.
Benefits of Getting an NHS Diagnosis
Receiving an autism diagnosis through the NHS can provide significant benefits for your child and your family. Let’s break down some of the top reasons.
Cost Considerations
One of the most immediate benefits of an NHS diagnosis is that it is free of charge. This is vital because it ensures that all children, regardless of their family’s financial situation, have access to necessary diagnostic services.
Not having to worry about the cost can relieve a great deal of stress and allow you to focus on supporting your child’s needs rather than how you will afford the assessment and any follow-up care.
Access to Support Services
Getting an official diagnosis is often the first step to accessing a range of support services tailored to children with autism. These services include specialised educational programs, speech and language therapy, and behavioural therapy, all of which are designed to support your child’s development.
An NHS diagnosis also helps schools and other educational settings to better understand and meet your child’s unique needs, ensuring they receive the right support to thrive both academically and socially.
Integrated Care within the NHS Framework
A diagnosis from the NHS doesn’t just pinpoint your child’s needs; it also integrates their care across various health services. This means that your child’s healthcare will be coordinated among different specialists and services, from paediatricians to therapists and educational consultants.
This integrated approach helps in creating a consistent and unified plan for your child’s development and well-being, ensuring that all aspects of their health are addressed in a cohesive manner.
Overall, obtaining an NHS diagnosis for autism not only opens up vital resources and support but also ensures a comprehensive care plan that can adapt to your child’s evolving needs as they grow.
Comparing NHS and Private Autism Diagnosis
| NHS Testing | Private Testing | |
| Speed of Diagnosis | Often involves longer waiting times due to high demand. | Faster diagnosis, reducing the waiting period significantly. |
| Cost | Free of charge, making it accessible to everyone. | Can be expensive, but costs may be offset by quicker access and start of treatment. |
| Scheduling Flexibility | Less flexible, with appointments largely dictated by system capacities. | More flexible scheduling, allowing for appointments at convenient times. |
| Access to Specialists | Access to a range of specialists, though availability can be limited by regional resources. | Easier access to specialist services and often a choice of experts. |
| Comprehensive Care | Integrated care within the NHS framework, ensuring coordination across services. | Often includes comprehensive options tailored to individual needs, but coordination must be managed privately. |
| Support Services | Access to support services post-diagnosis, though there may be waiting lists. | Immediate referral to support services without waiting lists, though at additional costs. |
How to Choose Between NHS and Private Testing
Choosing between NHS and private testing for autism will largely depend on your specific needs, how quickly you require a diagnosis, and your financial situation.
While NHS services are comprehensive and cost-effective, private testing can provide a swift and flexible route to diagnosis and subsequent treatment, which can be a important factor for many families.
FAQs about NHS Autism Testing
How Long Does the NHS Testing Process Take for Children?
The duration of the NHS autism testing process can vary significantly depending on several factors including the region you live in, the demand for services at the time, and the complexity of the case.
Typically, it starts with an initial appointment with your GP, who will then refer your child for further evaluation if autism is suspected. From the point of referral to receiving a formal diagnosis, the process generally takes several months. In some areas with higher demand, the wait could be longer, potentially up to a year or more.
It’s important to remain in regular contact with healthcare providers throughout this period to stay updated on the progress of your case.
What Should I Do If I Disagree with the NHS Diagnosis?
If you find yourself disagreeing with the NHS autism diagnosis, you have a few options. First, you can request a second opinion from another NHS specialist. It’s your right as a patient to seek further clarification and ensure that all aspects of your child’s condition have been thoroughly evaluated.
Alternatively, you might consider obtaining a private assessment. Private healthcare providers can offer a different perspective and may use different criteria or tests not available in the NHS. This can be particularly helpful if you are seeking a more detailed evaluation or if you prefer a faster diagnostic process.
Can You Switch from NHS to Private Care?
Yes, families are at liberty to switch from NHS to private care at any time. This might be a consideration if you are looking for services that have shorter waiting times, or if you desire treatment options that are not readily available through the NHS.
Switching to private care can provide more flexibility and possibly more personalised care, though it usually comes at a cost. It’s also possible to use both NHS and private services in parallel, depending on your needs and the availability of specific therapies or interventions.
Conclusion
Getting a diagnosis is key to managing autism well and making sure your child gets the right support. Being diagnosed early helps your child access special educational programs, therapy, and a community that understands and supports their specific needs – and so much more.
In this guide, we’ve explained how to get an NHS autism test for your child, explored what the assessment will involve, and detailed the benefits and drawbacks of getting a diagnosis through the NHS. We hope this has helped you in your journey to seeking an autism assessment for your child, and that the next steps towards diagnosis are smooth and stress-free.
Autism Testing with Oxford CBT
While NHS services offer extensive resources, the reality of long wait times can be a significant barrier. At Oxford CBT, we understand the urgency and the anxiety that waiting for answers can cause. That’s why we provide prompt, private autism screening and diagnosis. Our expert team is committed to delivering personalised care that helps each client explore their unique challenges and improve their well-being.
Don’t let wait times stand in the way of getting the help your child needs. Contact us today to begin your journey towards a better understanding and more effective support. Let us help you take that first step towards a brighter future for your child.
- How to get an autism assessment, (2022), NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/getting-diagnosed/
- What happens during an autism assessment, (2022), NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/getting-diagnosed/what-happens-during-an-autism-assessment/
- Autism Diagnostic Service (LADS), (2024), Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, https://www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk/our-services/autism-diagnostic-service-lads/
- Adult autism spectrum disorder (ASD), (2024), Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/services/adult-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd/
- A national framework to deliver improved outcomes in all-age autism assessment pathways: guidance for integrated care boards, (2023), NHS England, https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/a-national-framework-to-deliver-improved-outcomes-in-all-age-autism-assessment-pathways/
Author – Tom Murfitt
With over a decade’s experience in providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Tom has worked in both the NHS and private sector to help adults and children to overcome a range of difficulties and improve their mental wellbeing. In addition to being an experienced CBT therapist, Tom is also an accredited Mindfulness teacher, providing courses locally, in businesses and schools. You can read more about us here.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products and methods mentioned are not a substitute for professional medical advice from a trained healthcare specialist. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Use of the information and products discussed is at your own risk.
