Children's Autism Assessment Team
About the service
The Children’s Autism Assessment Team at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust provides autism assessments for children and young people aged up to 18 years old.
Our approach to assessment and report writing is neuro-affirming, meaning we focus on individual differences, needs, and strengths, and offer tailored signposting and recommendations pre- and post- assessment as required. Further information about autism, how to refer and our assessment process can be found on this page.
Our team is committed to delivering high-quality, thorough assessments to ensure that outcomes for children and young people meet nationally recognised clinical standards. We acknowledge that there are long waits for an autism assessment, and further information on our wait times and what we are doing to reduce these can be found below.
What is Autism?
Autism, also called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a part of who someone is. It affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, processes sensory information, and experiences the world.
The following video, from the National Autistic Society, helps to explain what Autism is in a child friendly way:
Although many autistic people share some similar traits, each person is unique. That’s why we talk about autism as a spectrum, because every autistic person has their own strengths, challenges, and ways of experiencing the world.
Autistic people often have specific skills in certain areas but might need more support in other areas. It’s important to remember that autistic individuals have a wide range of abilities and should not be judged based on stereotypes. We should value their unique strengths and offer the right support to help them thrive in different situations.
Referral
Who can a referral be made for?
The Paediatric Autism Assessment Pathway is available to c hildren and young people aged up to 18 years-old who are registered with a Wakefield GP practice.
Consent for referral must be provided by those with parental responsibility for children under 16. We encourage parents/carers of children of secondary school age to discuss the referral with their child/young person as their consent for assessment will be discussed with them later. Young people aged 16 and above are required to give their own consent to proceed with assessment.
Please be aware that if you are on a waiting list for an autism assessment with another provider, or if you have already had an autism assessment with another provider, it is your responsibility to tell us. Children cannot be on two NHS waiting lists for the same assessment. If your child is on the waiting list with another provider and you would prefer to be seen by our team please contact us. If it is brought to our attention that your child is on the waiting list for an autism assessment with another provider, we will contact you and they will likely be discharged.
How are referrals made?
First referral
Referrals are made by completing the Social Communication referral form (print file).
The referral form has two sections: one section to be completed by a parent or carer, and the other by the child’s school, or by a professional that knows the child well such as a social worker, health visitor, or child minder. If your child is home-educated, please ask another professional to support with the referral. If this is not an option, please contact our autism co-ordinators on midyorks.asccoordinators@nhs.net to support with making this referral prior to submitting it.
Once completed, please return the referral form either by post to: Community Paediatrics, Rowan House, Pinderfields General Hospital, Aberford Road, WF1 4DG; or via secure email to: myh-tr.ChildCommunityDrs@nhs.net.
Members of the assessment team will review the information provided in the referral form and decide whether the child needs to see a Community Paediatrician to further assess their social communication needs.
Re-referral
If your child has previously been seen in the Social Communication clinic and/or had a complete assessment with the Autism Assessment Team (previously ‘Multi-Disciplinary Assessment’ team) we ask that you complete the following form if you wish to re-refer for a re-assessment:
Please note that a re-referral will not be accepted if:
- your child has been seen in the Social Communication Clinic by a Community Paediatrician or by the Autism Assessment team in the last 12 months where no diagnosis was given
- your child has had two or more assessments within the same Key Stage
- there has been no significant change to their clinical presentation.
Referral process
Once the Social Communication referral form has been completed and submitted, it is sent to the team for triage. You should receive a letter with the outcome of this triage within 4-6 weeks of it being submitted.
The information supplied in the referral form will be considered to decide if further assessment for autism is needed. If the referral is not accepted the referrer will be informed and suggestions made regarding useful resources and helpful organisations.
If accepted your child will be allocated to a specific pathway to ensure that the most appropriate professionals are involved at this stage:
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Social Communication Pathway
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12+ Pathway
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It is important to note that you will receive a letter prior to the Social Communication appointment asking whether you would still like this appointment, and requesting that you opt in. Failure to do so will likely result in discharge from the pathway.
Waiting time information
Waiting list update (February 2026)
There are two possible waits involved for assessment:
Social Communication Pathway:
Social Communication Pathway:
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Approximate waiting time from accepted referral form to Social Communication appointment |
22-24 months |
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Approximate waiting time from Social Communication appointment to Autism Assessment Team for further autism assessment |
24 months |
12+ Pathway:
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Approximate waiting time to be seen by the Autism Assessment team for autism assessment |
24 months |
Please note that these waiting list times are average figures, and the time can vary.
What are we doing about these waits?
We have recently received additional investment into the service to increase capacity, and work is ongoing to reduce waiting times and improve long-term sustainability of the workforce. We also continue to work closely with the local authority to promote a needs-led approach to support, ensuring that children and young people can access appropriate help based on their needs rather than waiting for a formal assessment/diagnosis. In line with this, whilst you are awaiting an appointment, please look at our ‘Waiting Well/Recommendations’ page which contains information about services and resources which may be useful to access.
If you have any further questions about the wait, or are seeking support whilst you wait, we encourage you to contact us at the following email: midyorks.asccoordinators@nhs.net.
Assessment
Who will be involved in the assessment process?
As indicated, you may initially be seen by a Community Paediatrician.
Then, if the Community Paediatrician refers you to the Autism Assessment team for further assessment, you may be seen by: Clinical Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Co-ordinators (Assistant Psychologists or Assistant Speech and Language Therapists) and administrative staff. If you would find it helpful, please contact the team to request the names and photographs of the staff you will be meeting.
As we are a Teaching Trust, there may sometimes be a student Speech and Language Therapist or Trainee Clinical Psychologists involved in, or observing, part of the assessment.
The assessment process: what to expect
1. Social Communication Clinic Appointment
If your referral is accepted, you and your child will meet with a Community Paediatrician at the Social Communication Clinic. During this appointment, the Paediatrician will ask about your child’s development, strengths, and any challenges they may face. This helps the Paediatrician decide if further assessment for Autism by a specialist team is needed.
They may also offer suggestions for helpful services or support for you and your child while waiting for the next stage of the assessment.
2. Autism Assessment Team
If your child is referred for a specialist autism assessment (either from the 12+ pathway or by the Paediatrician), they will be placed on a waiting list. To ensure the assessment is right for your child, we’ll match them with the most suitable professionals. The assessment will involve several steps, which may include:
- A detailed parent/caregiver interview: This helps us understand more about your child’s development, strengths, and challenges.
- The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2): This is a structured assessment that looks at your child’s social interactions, communication, play, and behaviours that may be repetitive or restricted.
- Observation or consultation with your child’s school: We may observe your child at school or speak with school staff to gather more information about their behaviour and experiences.
With your permission, we may also gather information from other services or professionals who are involved in your child’s care to ensure the assessment is as complete and accurate as possible.
The specific steps of the assessment will depend on your child’s unique needs. For example, if your child has worked with other services (like Speech and Language Therapy), we may use that information to reduce the number of appointments needed.
3. Outcome of the assessment
After the assessment, the professionals involved will conclude whether your child meets the criteria for an Autism diagnosis, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
There are three possible outcomes:
- Your child meets the criteria for an autism diagnosis
- Your child does not meet the criteria for an autism diagnosis
- The assessment is inconclusive, and further assessment or a follow-up in the future may be needed.
The outcome will be shared with you (and with your child, if appropriate) in a feedback session. Afterward, you will receive a detailed report outlining the assessment results and the next steps.
Post-assessment
The report you receive detailing the assessment and outcome will include a plan containing recommendations and resources you may wish to access. The professionals involved in the assessment will also consider whether a referral to another service would be beneficial.
Once you have received the report, you can also opt-in to a post-assessment follow-up appointment irrespective of diagnosis, to discuss the assessment and outcomes and formulate an action plan with ongoing referrals and signposting as necessary. This is facilitated by the coordinators (Assistant Psychologists/SLTs).
What happens if my child does not receive an autism diagnosis?
If your child does not receive a diagnosis of autism, you will be offered reasoning for this and advised on different services or resources that may support the concerns you have presented with. These will be detailed in the final assessment report.
If, once you receive the assessment report, you do not feel satisfied with the assessment outcome, we would advise that you opt into and attend our post-assessment follow up clinic so that these concerns can be discussed further.
If, once you receive the assessment report, you do not feel satisfied with the assessment outcome, we would advise that you opt into and attend our post-assessment follow up clinic so that these concerns can be discussed further.
Waiting well / recommendations
Though we are aware that specialist assessment can be helpful in terms of the recommendations that can be made, and supporting understanding for a young person, Wakefield is a needs-led locality. This means that your child should be able to access support as is identified, such as in school, even without clinical assessment and diagnosis. Please see below some recommendations that may be helpful.
National Autistic Society
National Autistic Society (autism.org.uk)
Wakefield Local Offer
Wakefield SEND Local Offer | Wakefield SEND Local Offer (mylocaloffer.org)
Wakefield Early Support, Advice, Information and Liaison (WESAIL)
Wakefield WESAIL SENDIAS - Family Action (family-action.org.uk)
Wakefield Inclusion and Special Educational Needs/Disabilities Support Service (WISENDSS)
Wakefield Parent Carer Forum (wakefieldparentcarers.co.uk)
Wakefield Awareness Support Project (WASP)
Wakefield Awareness Support Project - Kids
Wakefield Family Hubs
https://www.wakefieldfamiliestogether.co.uk/family-hubs/
Wakefield Parent Carer Forum
Wakefield Parent Carer Forum (wakefieldparentcarers.co.uk)
Support Call Clinic
While you are on the waiting list, we offer a Support Call Clinic to provide you with guidance and connect you to helpful resources and services. We are here to listen to your concerns and support you in finding the right information and services for your family.
To schedule a call, please email midyorks.asccoordinators@nhs.net with your child’s name, date of birth, and a brief overview of your concerns. This will help us prepare for the call and ensure we can assist you effectively. Once we receive your email, we’ll reach out to you with our availability.
Information for Children and Young People
What can I expect from my Autism assessment?
An Autism assessment involves looking at your strengths and differences when communicating and interacting with others.
At the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, your Autism assessment will have two parts:
1. Social Communication Clinic Appointment
The first part of the process is meeting with a Community Paediatrician (a doctor who helps children) at either Pinderfields or Pontefract Hospital. When you arrive at the hospital, you will go to the Children’s Centre.
At the Children’s Centre, you’ll tell the reception staff that you’ve arrived, and then they’ll ask you to wait in the waiting area.
During your appointment, the doctor will talk to your parent or carer about your health and how you’ve been feeling. They may also ask you some questions about how you are, what you like to do, and how things are going for you.
At the end of the appointment, the doctor will decide if you need to be referred to the Autism Assessment Team for more support.
2. Autism Assessment Team
If you need an assessment, the next part will also take place at the Children’s Centre in the hospital. When you arrive, you’ll tell the reception staff that you’ve arrived and wait in the waiting area.
We will come to meet you and your parent or carer. You’re welcome to have your parent or carer with you during the whole process.
During the Autism assessment, you will meet with two people. These could be:
- Clinical Psychologists (who have knowledge in how we think and feel)
- Speech and Language Therapists (who help with talking and communication)
- Occupational Therapists (who help with how we do things like get dressed or play, and our sensory world)
- Coordinators (Assistant Psychologists and Assistant Speech and Language Therapists) (who help with understanding autism)
The assessment will be like doing some fun activities or talking about different things, but it’s not a test. There are no right or wrong answers!
You might be asked questions about things such as:
- School (what you like or find tricky)
- Friendships (who you like to spend time with)
- Interests (what you enjoy doing)
They might also talk to your parent or carer to get to know you better.
After your assessment, you can go home or back to school.
What will happen after my assessment?
After your assessment, a group of professionals will meet to talk about your strengths (the things you’re really good at) and your differences (the things that make you unique and special). They will decide if you meet the criteria for an Autism diagnosis.
Next, we’ll set up an appointment to talk about the results of your assessment. This will be a meeting with your parent or carer, but you can join the meeting too. You’ll also be able to ask any questions you have about the assessment or how things went.
What is it like to be autistic?
Autism affects the way a person communicates (how they talk to others) and interacts (how they connect with people), as well as how they experience the world around them.
Autistic people might share some things in common, but everyone is different and has their own strengths (things they’re really good at) and unique qualities that make them special.
The video below, made by the National Autistic Society, helps explain Autism in a simple and friendly way:
Another video from Ambitious about Autism’s Youth Patrons shares what it’s like to be autistic and gives some great ideas on how to be supportive of autistic people.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition which impacts how people communicate and interact.
2. How would I recognise Autism in my child?
Autism is a part of who a person is, and every autistic child is unique. There are many different ways that autism can show itself in a child. Some of the things you might notice in your child could include:
- Communication differences: Your child might find it tricky to start or respond during conversations. They may prefer talking about topics they’re really interested in, and sometimes the conversation might feel one-sided.
- Non-verbal skills: Your child might have differences in their use of eye contact though this can vary, and not everyone feels comfortable making eye contact. They may also show differences in how they use gesture or facial expressions.
- Understanding feelings: They may find it hard to recognise and understand the feelings of others, which can make it difficult to form or keep friendships. This doesn’t mean they don’t care; they just might see and feel things in a different way.
- Repetitive movements or speech: Your child might repeat certain movements, like hand-flapping, spinning, or rocking, or they may use the same phrases or sounds over and over. These can be ways to feel calm or focus.
- Routine and change: They may feel uncomfortable with changes to their routine, whether it's big changes, like the school holidays, or smaller ones, like taking a different route to school.
- Focused interests: Your child might have intense interests in certain topics or activities, and they might enjoy spending lots of time learning or talking about those things.
- Sensory sensitivities: They may be more sensitive to certain sounds, smells, lights, touch, or tastes. This might mean they react strongly to things that others might not notice.
Every autistic person has their own strengths and differences, and the things listed above are just some of the ways autism can show up. It’s important to remember that no two autistic people are the same; what’s true for one child might not be true for another.
It’s also possible that other things, like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), anxiety, or past experiences of trauma, could affect a child’s behaviour in similar ways. If your child is being assessed, the team will explore all of these areas to understand your child better.
3. When and who can make the referral?
The Children’s Autism Assessment Pathway is available to children and young people aged up to 18 years old who are registered with a Wakefield GP practice.
The Social Communication referral form is on the main page of the Children’s Autism Assessment Pathway. Referrals should be made with information from two settings, such as parent/carer information and school information. Where it is not possible to gather information from school, such as if the child is home-schooled or has left education, please ask that another professional who knows the child well provides information.
4. Who needs to consent to assessment?
Consent for referral must be provided by those with parental responsibility for children under 16. We encourage parents/carers of children of secondary school age to discuss the referral with their child/young person as their consent for assessment will be discussed with them later. Young people aged 16 and above are required to give their own consent to proceed with assessment.
5. Do we expedite Autism referrals?
We do not expedite or “fast track” any Autism referrals.
6. Is Assessment Compulsory?
No, assessment is not compulsory. If you feel that an assessment isn’t right for your child or if you believe that the outcome wouldn’t make a difference to your child’s development, you do not have to proceed with it. Every child is different, and some children may thrive without needing a formal diagnosis.
It’s important to keep in mind that Autism is a lifelong identity. While some families choose to pursue an assessment, it’s also worth thinking about how having an autism diagnosis might support your child in the long term, especially as they grow and transition into adulthood.
7. Is there a treatment for Autism?
There is a lot of misinformation about treatments and "cures" for autism shared on social media. It's important to know that there is no single treatment or cure for autism because it is a natural and valuable part of human diversity.
Some methods may claim to help but have not been properly tested or approved by medical professionals. Using unproven treatments could be harmful to your child’s well-being. Always consult trusted healthcare professionals when considering any approach to supporting your child’s development.
For more information on how to identify or report misleading/fake treatment, please read the national NHS website.
8. Does Autism “go away”?
Autism is a lifelong condition. If you are autistic, you are autistic for your whole life. Autism is not a medical condition with treatments. It cannot “go away” or be “treated”, however there may be some strategies and interventions that can support in areas that someone finds challenging.
9. Are there “levels” of Autism?
We do not use "levels" when diagnosing autism. Instead, we provide one diagnosis called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as per the DSM-5, which includes all autistic individuals, recognising that everyone experiences autism in their own unique way.
Some other NHS Trusts or assessment providers may use levels when diagnosing autism, however we focus on understanding each child’s individual needs. These needs can change over time, and the way autism affects a child’s daily life can vary at different stages.
Contact information
Please contact our team if you require any further information or support with the assessment process.
Telephone: 01977 465417
Email: midyorks.asccoordinators@nhs.net
Please note: this is not a crisis service for urgent mental health needs. If you are feeling at risk to yourself or to others, please contact your local community mental health crisis team or emergency department/GP.
How to contact or refer into Wakefield CAMHS:
If you’re a professional, a young person aged 16 to 17 or a parent or carer of a child or young person under the age of 18, you can contact the Wakefield CAMHS SPA team directly:
Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm, on: 01924 316200.
If a child or young person is at immediate risk of harming themselves or someone else, please call 999 or take them to your local Accident and Emergency department. You can also contact the CAMHS ReACH Crisis Team between 8am – 8pm, 7 days a week on: 01924 316200 option 3.