Adult Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment Pathways and Process
Step One: Complete the Screening
To help us understand if an ASD assessment is right for you, please complete a quick questionnaire called Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10).
If you have no other mental or physical health concerns, please use this link: https://psychiatry-uk.com/right-to-choose-asd/
If you have other mental health concerns, please make an appointment with Ashleigh Riddell, our Primary Care Mental Health Professional, who can offer support and assist with completing the forms.
If you have other physical health concerns e.g. sleep or medication, please book an appointment with a GP who will assist with your concerns and can complete the forms during your appointment.
Step Two: Choose an Assessment Option
If Your Screening Suggests ASD, you have 3 options for getting assessed:
Option 1: NHS referral (CNTW)
This is a standard NHS referral. There is currently a long waiting time for an appointment.
Option 2: Right to Choose (RTC) – NHS Funded Private Providers
Some private providers offer NHS-funded appointments through a programme called Right to Choose (RTC).
Please review the list which is available here: https://adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose/
Option 3: Private Assessment (Non-NHS)
If you prefer, you can pay for a private assessment. Please remember that you would be responsible for the cost of appointments.
Step Three: How to get a referral
NHS CNTW and Private referrals
Please make an appointment with a GP to talk about the referral process.
Right to Choose (RTC)
If you have chosen to get a referral via Right to Choose (RTC) please contact the surgery via email (nencib-nor.sele-admin@nhs.net) providing a copy of your completed AQ-10 form and details of the service you have selected.
Please note that the GP may need to check with the local NHS authority to confirm the provider is suitable.
Additional resources and self-help
You may find the following resources helpful for further information and self-help materials:
https://autisminmind.com/aim-northumberland
https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/resource-library/autism-information-for-parents-and-carers/
Additionally, the recovery college often offer support around ASD. You can check their up-to-date prospectus on their website: https://northumberlandrecoverycollege.co.uk/