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MAIN is here to support you beyond diagnosis.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, looking for social opportunities, wanting to develop independence or simply looking for people who understand, MAIN has a community waiting for you.
3 Simple Steps to Seek an Autism Assessment
After noticing signs that you or your child may be autistic, you may want to discuss your concerns with your GP or another relevant health, care or education professional. They can provide support, advice and information about the next steps in your local area.
Step 1: Talk to a Professional
Contact your GP or another relevant professional to discuss your concerns.
You may find it helpful to:
- Write down the signs or behaviours you have noticed in yourself or your child
- Make a note of how these signs affect everyday life
- Prepare some questions you would like to ask
- Take a partner, family member or friend with you for support
- Focus the appointment on your concerns about autism; you can arrange another appointment to discuss other issues if needed
Step 2: Understand the Referral Process
If the professional recognises that you or your child may be autistic, they can make a referral for an autism assessment or provide information about the referral process in your area.
A referral means that a specialist diagnostic service is formally made aware that you or your child may be autistic and may require an assessment.
For children and young people, the referral process can vary depending on where you live and may involve school or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
If your child or young person is being referred for an assessment, they should be involved in discussions about the process, understand what being autistic means and, where appropriate, agree to the referral.
Step 3: Prepare for the Assessment
While waiting for an assessment, it can be helpful to:
- Keep notes about any signs, difficulties or changes you notice
- Write down examples of how these affect everyday life
- Keep any relevant information from school, work or other professionals
- Ask questions if you are unsure about what will happen next
- Take someone you trust with you for support if this would be helpful
- Remember that it is okay to ask for information to be explained clearly or provided in writing
3 Simple Steps to Overcome Barriers to an Autism Referral
Seeking an autism assessment can feel difficult, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
Step 1: Understand What’s Holding You Back
You may:
- Be unsure whether your experiences are related to autism.
- Worry you won’t be believed or understood.
- Find appointments or healthcare systems difficult to navigate.
- Feel anxious about asking for a referral.
- Find it hard to explain your experiences.
- Worry about diagnosis, judgement or cost.
Previous mental health support may not have fully addressed the difficulties you experience. Autism can also look different in different people, and masking can make it harder to recognise.
Step 2: Prepare and Ask for Support
Before your appointment, it can help to:
- Write down the difficulties you experience.
- Note how they affect everyday life.
- Think about experiences from childhood, school, work and relationships.
- Take someone you trust with you.
- Prepare questions.
- Tell the professional if communication or appointments are difficult.
- Ask for information in writing if helpful.
You don’t need to explain everything perfectly. Your experiences are important.
Step 3: Keep Going and Ask for Support
If you feel you haven’t been heard:
- Ask why a referral isn’t being recommended.
- Ask about other support or assessment options.
- Provide written information about your experiences.
- Ask for reasonable adjustments.
- Take someone with you for support.
- Seek advice from an autism or advocacy organisation.
Professionals may not always recognise autism, particularly when someone masks or doesn’t fit common stereotypes.
3 Steps After an Autism Diagnosis How MAIN Can Support You
An autism diagnosis can bring relief, questions, uncertainty and a new understanding of yourself. It can also be the beginning of discovering what support works best for you.
At MAIN, we believe autism is part of who you are. Our aim is to help autistic and neurodivergent people understand themselves, connect with others and build a positive future.
Step 1: Understand Yourself
Discover what autism means for you.
Everyone experiences autism differently. Your diagnosis can help you understand your strengths, needs, communication style, sensory differences and what helps you feel comfortable and confident.
MAIN can provide opportunities to access information, guidance and support, helping you understand yourself and find approaches that work for you as an individual.
It’s about acceptance, understanding and celebrating who you are.
Step 2: Find your People
Connect, belong and be yourself.
You don’t have to navigate your diagnosis alone. MAIN offers a range of activities, clubs and support groups where autistic and neurodivergent people can meet others, develop friendships and share experiences.
From social groups and gaming to arts and crafts, sports, trips and other activities, there are opportunities to explore interests and try something new in a welcoming environment.
Find your community. Make connections. Feel understood.
Step 3: Build your Futuer
Develop confidence, independence and new opportunities.
Your autism diagnosis does not define what you can achieve. With the right support, you can develop skills, confidence and independence at your own pace.
MAIN provides a range of support, including transition support, independence skills, adult services, activities and community-based support, helping you navigate change and work towards your goals.
Your future is yours to shape, we’re here to help you get there.
FOR MORE 3-STEP TIPS, VISIT OUR RESOURCE CENTRE.
Find out how MAIN can help your young person
Call 01642 608012 today or e-mail info@iammain.org.uk
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