You have a choice of which service you are referred to (provided that your screening results meet the service’s criteria for a diagnostic assessment).

There is currently at least a 7+ year wait to have a diagnostic assessment with the local NHS Neurodevelopmental Service.

Under the NHS Patients Right to Choose (RTC), you can ask to be referred to ProblemShared, who have a significantly shorter waiting list than the local NHS Neurodevelopmental Service. Please note that ProblemShared hold their assessments via video-link.

If you would like to be referred to ProblemShared, you must tick “ProblemShared” and complete the ProblemShared Suitability Criteria Questionnaire as we cannot send your referral without this.

You may wish to explore other options available to you under RTC, but having weighed up the quality of ProblemShared’s assessments, care, and timeframes against other RTC services, they are currently our preferred service.

PLEASE NOTE:

IF YOU HAVE COMPLEX MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS, OR ARE CURRENTLY AT RISK, THEN WE CAN ONLY REFER YOU TO THE LOCAL SERVICE DUE TO SAFETY ISSUES WITH REFERRING TO OUT OF AREA SERVICES.

Following your Autism screening, below are some websites and other resources that you may find useful: 

Join the Brighton Neurodivergent Community. A inclusive hub where those aged 18-40, pre and post diagnosis, can meet virtually to chat, make friends and to meet up around Brighton. 

National Autistic Society offers in-depth advice and guidance about autism and the challenges autistic people and their families face. Topics include what is autism, diagnosis, communication, mental health, education, and more.

Autism Central recognises as parents and carers of autistic children, young people and adults, it can be hard to find help when you’re trying to get the right support. Autism Central aims to make it easier to learn more about autism and services available to you.

Ambitious about Autism was founded by a group of parents determined to improve education opportunities for their children. They run schools and a specialist day college for autistic young people, ranging from the age of 3-25.

You can also download Molehill Mountain, an App to help autistic people understand and self-manage their anxiety symptoms using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques.