# How do I get an NHS autism assessment for my child?

> The referral routes, what the NICE guideline says should happen, and what the assessment involves.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/nhs-autism-assessment-child
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** Start by talking to your GP, health visitor or your child's school or nursery (often through the SENCO). They can refer your child to the local autism assessment service, sometimes called the autism pathway, usually run by community paediatrics or CAMHS. NICE guidance says the diagnostic assessment should start within 3 months of referral, though waits are often much longer.

**Key takeaways**
- Talk to your **GP**, **health visitor** or your child's **school or nursery**.
- They can refer to the local **autism assessment service**.
- NICE says assessment should **start within 3 months** of referral.
- You **don't need a diagnosis** for support at school.

## How do I get a referral?

The NHS says you can ask your GP, health visitor, or your child's school or nursery for an autism assessment referral.[1] Bring specific examples of what you've noticed at home and elsewhere.

## Who carries out the assessment?

Each area should have a multidisciplinary **autism team**, often including a paediatrician or child psychiatrist, a speech and language therapist and a clinical or educational psychologist. A case coordinator should be named for every child.[2]

## How long should it take?

NICE recommends that the autism diagnostic assessment starts **within 3 months** of the referral to the autism team.[2][3] In reality, many families wait much longer. See [How long is the NHS autism waiting list?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/nhs-autism-waiting-list)

## What happens during the assessment?

Usually some combination of:

- A detailed conversation with you about development and daily life
- Observing your child, sometimes using structured activities
- Information from school or nursery
- Checks for other conditions, like hearing or learning difficulties

At the end, the team explains whether your child meets the criteria for autism, and what support might help.

**Keep a short diary.** Two weeks of notes on what's hard and what helps gives the team a clear picture, and helps you remember examples on
  the day.

**Waiting? You still have options.** In England, you may be able to use Right to Choose. See [What is Right to Choose for autism
  assessments?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/right-to-choose-autism)

**Speak to your GP urgently if....** your child loses skills, stops eating or sleeping, or you have concerns about their safety or mental health.

Free printable: [Free printable: appointment notes](https://theautismkit.com/printables/appointment-notes.pdf)

## What can I do this week?

- [ ] Book a GP appointment or talk to the school SENCO
- [ ] Write down examples from home and school
- [ ] Ask how long the local wait is

Read next: [What is an EHCP?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/what-is-an-ehcp)

## Common questions

### Can school refer my child for an autism assessment?

In many areas, yes. Schools, often through the SENCO, can refer or support a referral. Routes vary by local area, so ask your GP or school how it works where you live.

### Does my child need a diagnosis to get help at school?

No. Schools must support children with special educational needs whether or not they have a diagnosis.

### What about Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Referral routes are similar (usually through a GP, health visitor or school), but services are organised differently in each nation. Ask your GP about local pathways.

## Sources

1. NHS: How to get diagnosed with autism. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/getting-diagnosed/how-to-get-diagnosed/
2. NICE: Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s, recognition, referral and diagnosis (CG128). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg128
3. NICE: Autism quality standard (QS51), statement 1, diagnostic assessment by an autism team. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs51/chapter/quality-statement-1-diagnostic-assessment-by-an-autism-team

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.