HNY Policy and Pathway Repository - Humber

Children and Young Peoples (CYP) Autism Assessment and Diagnosis Service

'Autism spectrum disorder' (ASD) is the term frequently used to refer to the group of disorders included under the general heading of the pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) in the International Classification of Diseases (World Health Organisation, 1992). This group of disorders are 'characterised by qualitative abnormalities in reciprocal social interactions and in patterns of communication, and by a restricted, stereotyped, repetitive repertoire of interests and activities.'

The family of autism spectrum disorders includes Asperger syndrome (currently distinguished from autism by absence of significant language delay, and general intellectual skills in the normal range), pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and childhood disintegrative disorder. The National Autistic Society estimates a prevalence rate of people with autism spectrum disorders of 11 in 1000 people (1.1% of the population). For an average list size of 2,000 people, each GP is likely to have around 22 people on the autism spectrum on their list.

No Red Flag Symptoms Listed

At present there is no suitable test for the universal screening of preschool children for autism spectrum disorders.  If concerns are apparent upon assessment of the child a referral to Speech and Language may be appropriate for support and monitoring.

We have recently implemented a new Autism Model, with a view to address the current high demand for this service. With the exception of those children not in mainstream education or pre-school age then the GP can make the referral if no other professional is involved.

Referral form on ARDENS

Autism – Referrals of children and young people for assessment.

We recently updated the referral process for children and young who require a referral for Autism assessment.  There have been a couple of teething problems with the new referral process so we thought we would highlight again to support the embedding of this new arrangement.

For School children age that are registered with a Hull GP, either at school in Hull or the East Riding, the SENCO in the child’s School will now be the primary referrer. The GP should make the parent aware that they need to discuss with the School SENCO their concerns regarding their child, and the SENCO will complete all the necessary paperwork, to submit the referral. There is a leaflet on the PIP which can be given to parents to explain the process.

The only exceptions to this arrangement are for CYP who are either not in main stream education, or pre-school age. In these circumstances if there is another professional involved in the child’s care then they could make the referral or the GP can make the referral themselves.  If you have any queries regarding the process please contact Jane Macleod, the Autism Clinical Team Leader at Humber Teaching Foundation Trust on Tel: (01482) 303680 

Thank you for your support as we embed this new process which we are hoping will help us in managing the increasing numbers of CYP on the Autism Waiting List.

SENCO will now be the lead referrer into the service.

Please see attached leaflet for guidance on the referral process.

Leaflet

Should a young person not be in education then the GP can refer to Children and Young People Mental Health services for autism and ADHD assessment.

If the young person is in school then the SENCO should refer.