Autism for Adults

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Autism

Autistic people may act in a different way to other people.

Autistic people may:

• find it hard to communicate and interact with other people
• find it hard to understand how other people think or feel
• find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful or uncomfortable
• get anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations and social events
• take longer to understand information
• do or think the same things over and over

For more information on autism symptoms and diagnosis, head to the following websites:

NHS - Autism

NHS - Signs of Autism in adults

Referral for Assessment

If you are over 18, think you may have autism and would like a referral for an assessment, please book a routine appointment with a GP.  Please read the information below first. 

There is currently 1 provider of adult autism assessments in the BNSSG area - AWP Bristol Autism Spectrum Service (BASS).

Please note that there are very long waits for new referrals to this service. As of 05/09/23 AWP advised that the waiting time has been 24 months from the date of referral, however they are undergoing a review of processes and are unable to give an estimated waiting time for new referrals at present.

Please note: Psychiatry UK have previously provided adult autism assessments using the Right to Choose facility. However on 25th August 2023 Psychiatry UK temporarily paused any new referrals. If you have submitted your forms for Psychiatry UK already, we will hold your forms for now and update you once their waiting list is re-opened.