• Referrals for assessment can be made by GPs and mental health professionals using this referral form.
• Referrers must provide clear reasons for referral, including evidence of symptoms related to autism AND how these symptoms impact on functioning.
• We cannot accept self referrals.

• There is currently a high demand for our service  which means that waiting times for assessment are currently long. Please keep us updated of any changes to your contact details during this time.
• We know how difficult it may feel not knowing when you might start the assessment process with our service. Please take a look at the support available while you are waiting. 
• If you have a query about the waiting time for your assessment, please email awp.bass@nhs.net and we will get back to you, as soon as we can.
• Please note the phones lines can be very busy, therefore, queries about waiting times should be made via email awp.bass@nhs.net

The assessment pathway is shown here.

Multidisciplinary Team: A team of professionals from different clinical backgrounds.

Referral: Information sent by email from your GP to explain why you need an autism assessment.

Initial assessment: This is to discuss your referral information in more detail. At the end of this assessment, you may be placed on a waiting list for further assessment or discharged.

Developmental Information: Gathered from a family member or someone who knows you well. This will happen after your initial appointment.

Clinical Interview: The appointment will take around 2 hours, with one clinician. You will be asked about differences and difficulties you have experienced over your life. 

Observational Interview: This is the second part of your diagnostic assessment. You will meet with a different clinician for approximately an hour to complete some practical tasks and answer some questions.

Feedback appointment: A clinician will discuss the outcome of your assessment with you. We may need to ask you for more information, or to meet you again for a further appointment.

• Your GP:  can refer you to a range of services, including talking therapies and mental health services.
• Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT):  This is an NHS service providing a range of short-term talking therapies.

         ​​​​Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucester, contact:

         VitaMinds - Telephone: 0333 200 1893

         Bath and North East Somerset, contact:

         Talking Therapies - Telephone: 01225 675 150

• Samaritans: You can call any time, 24 hours a day, every day on: 116 123

Adult Intensive Services offer rapid assessment and treatment for people who are experiencing a mental health emergency. 

Each team across the region provides proactive and intensive support to avoid the symptoms of a mental health emergency getting worse. The aim of the service is to offer treatment and care in an individual’s own home, as an alternative to hospital admission. 

Bristol Central: 0117 3547257 

Bristol North: 0117 4147170 

Bristol South: 01275 796209 

North Somerset: 01934 836497   

Bath and North East Somerset: 01225 362814 

South Gloucestershire:  0117 3784250