Adult autism service

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About the service

The adult autism service (the term refers to autism spectrum disorders encompassing autism, asperger’s syndrome and atypical autism) offers diagnostic assessment and/or specialist interventions for people who are 18 years or above and do not have an intellectual disability.

Our office base is Manygates Clinic in Wakefield, however, we use a number of community bases in Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Halifax and Barnsley.

Service users have access to a multi-disciplinary team which includes medical, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy practitioners. Specialist social work support is also available from the team or from our local authority partners, depending on the area of residence.

The team has established strong links with local service user support networks and agencies. These positive relationships enable us signpost or refer individuals to other appropriate local community services.

Information for service users and carers

Service user feedback

Service user and carer feedback is very important to us. All feedback is welcomed and help us to improve our service.

For example, following feedback from one service user about harsh lighting in a clinic space, we replaced light fittings and fitted dimmer switches.  Similarly, feedback about the benefits of ‘providing a judgement free environment to open up about a lifetime of challenges’ has been shared with clinicians.

Why would someone choose the service?

The adult autism service is a specialist service dedicated to supporting people who are seeking a new diagnostic assessment. We offer a comprehensive specialist diagnostic assessment that includes a full medical and social history and uses validated diagnostic instruments as recommended by NICE.

Our pathway is compliant with the NHS England guidance for Integrated Care Boards issued in April 2023 and so the decision for the diagnosis is made using a multiple disciplinary team approach: NHS England » National framework and operational guidance for autism assessment services

Our team consists of a number of experts in autism who are able to provide the best available care in an accessible, friendly and approachable manner. Given the broad range of healthcare professionals in the team we are able to offer post diagnostic support and if needed bespoke, person-centred interventions for people who receive a diagnosis from us. Interventions can be delivered on an individual or group basis.

The service delivers quality assessments that meet relevant professional guidelines and standards. These standards are listed in this document.

Staff you may meet