The Cornwall multidisciplinary pathway for the assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children and young people was developed using national guidelines.

It aims to provide timely assessment and where appropriate, diagnosis close to home if possible.

The process is initiated by a referral to the most appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team.

Children under 5 years and 6 months

For children under 5 years and 6 months, they can only be referred through a joint agreement with a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) and Community Paediatrician with those specific professionals making the referral. If the child is not already known to both of these teams then a referral should be made to these specialists who will then decide with the family about an autism assessment

• To refer to SLT please complete the referral form on the Early Help Hub website.

Contact the Early Help Hub on: 01872 322277

Email: earlyhelphub@cornwall.gov.uk

• To refer to Community Paediatrics please write to or email them at the following address

Community Child Health Department, Pendragon House, RCHT, Truro TR1 3XQ

Tel: 01872 254518

Email: rch-tr.CommunityPaediatricTeam@nhs.net

Children over 5 years and 6 months

For children over 5 years and 6 months, if CAMHS already have involvement, please contact the CAMHS team in the first instance to discuss your concerns.

CAMHS can be contacted on 01872 221400

If CAMHS are not involved, a referral to the ASD Assessment Team (ASDAT) can be made through the Early Help Hub. This should be accompanied by more detailed information from the family and school (these forms are found with the referral form on the Early Help Hub).

For People Over 16 without a Learning Disability

If you feel an assessment would be helpful then please discuss this with your GP in the first instance. Your GP should be able to make a referral on your behalf if they feel this to be appropriate. Alternatively, if you are already receiving support from another health or social care professional then they may also be able to make a referral for you. Practitioner Referral Forms are available to download on the CFT Outlook South West service website (www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/outlook-south-west).

If the person is under the care of CAMHS or the Adult Learning Disability Service they will organise the assessment for you.