Autism myth busting

Here are some common myths around autism assessments and diagnosis which have been busted.

Once there is a diagnosis, there will automatically be support available

A diagnosis does not automatically mean there will equal lots of extra support or a support package. Support from public bodies, such as school or local authority will always be tailored to need.

Most children benefit from different strategies and approaches to help them develop and learn. It’s important for all who work with the child or young person to learn about autism and how they can adapt their interactions and the environment to ensure inclusion for all children. Families often also require support too. It is important that the right support is available at the right time.

After an autism diagnosis, families may access advice and support, set out in the York Local Offer.

TEWV has a parent support offer available, called ADAPT.

There is no support available while you are on the waiting list for an autism assessment

There is support which you can access while your child or young person is on the waiting list for an autism assessment.

The Local Offer provides advice and information about sources of support.

Once TEWV has accepted your child onto the waiting list, they will signpost you to:

• ADAPT Recovery College Online Parenting Course
• National Autistic Society website, which has advice and support materials
• York Inspirational Kids who offer information and run social groups

Only GPs can refer for an autism assessment

The referral process depends on the age of your child or young person.

If your child or young person is aged under 5, then the referral route is via your GP, and there will be an initial assessment of your child's physical health by a paediatrician before an autism assessment is discussed. A speech and language therapist may also refer to the paediatrician. Both paediatrics and speech and language therapy services are at York Hospital.

If your child or young person is aged between 5 and 17, you or your child, if they are old enough, may refer into the autism assessment service at Orca House. Alternatively, a school SENDO or social worker may make a referral.

During an assessment the professional team involved will talk to you child or young person and your family about different parts of your child's life to help them get to know you.

They will ask questions about:

• what you are good at and what you find difficult
• any worries you or your parents have
• how you get on at home, at school and in other situations
• how you talk to and get on with other people

They will think about:

• any other physical or mental health problems you might have, including doing some health checks
• anything else that might be making things harder for you or affected how you have grown and developed

The team might also need to:

• come and see how you get on at school or at home or other settings
• arrange other assessments

This information will help them to work out how best to help you and plan what support you and your family need.

If the young person is aged 18 or over, then the referral is via a GP to the Retreat.

A child or young person can’t be referred for an assessment until they are a certain age

This is not true, a child or young person can be referred at any age, although a child under 2 years old is very unlikely to be assessed, because there may be several possible causes of difficulties.

Who does the assessment depends on the age of the child or young person at time of referral. Children under 5 are assessed by the community paediatric service at York Hospital, between 5 and 18 by TEWV at Orca House, and over 18 by the Retreat.

Children with autism can only get a short break if they have a learning difficulty

Short breaks are not limited to children with learning difficulties. Short breaks are available for children with disabilities where there is an unmet need – this can be any child or young person with a disability.

Short break provision is based on an assessment of the level of need, not a diagnosis. There will be some children with autism who do meet the criteria and some who don’t.