Think you might have Autism?

Autism is a spectrum condition and affects people in different ways. Like all people, autistic people have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Social communication.

• taking things literally and not understanding abstract concepts
• needing extra time to process information or answer questions
• repeating what others say to them (this is called echolalia)

Social interaction

Autistic people often have difficulty ‘reading’ other people – recognising or understanding others’ feelings and intentions – and expressing their own emotions. This can make it very hard to navigate the social world. Autistic people may:

• appear to be insensitive
• seek out time alone when overloaded by other people
• not seek comfort from other people
• appear to behave ‘strangely’ or in a way thought to be socially inappropriate
• find it hard to form friendships.

Repetitive and restrictive behaviour.

With its unwritten rules, the world can seem a very unpredictable and confusing place to autistic people. This is why they often prefer to have routines so that they know what is going to happen. They may want to travel the same way to and from school or work, wear the same clothes or eat exactly the same food for breakfast.

Over- or under-sensitivity to light, sound, taste or touch.

Autistic people may experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light, colours, temperatures or pain. For example, they may find certain background sounds like music in a restaurant, which other people ignore or block out, unbearably loud or distracting. This can cause anxiety or even physical pain. Many autistic people prefer not to hug due to discomfort, which can be misinterpreted as being cold and aloof.

Many autistic people avoid everyday situations because of their sensitivity issues. Schools, workplaces and shopping centres can be particularly overwhelming and cause sensory overload.

Extreme Anxiety

Anxiety is a real difficulty for many autistic adults, particularly in social situations or when facing change. It can affect a person psychologically and physically and impact the quality of life for autistic people and their families. 

(Taken from the National Autistic Society, Jan 2025. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism)

STEP 1:

Use this online screening tool to identify if you have any traits of autism.

The screening tool can’t provide a diagnosis, but it can help you decide if further investigation is justified.

Embrace Autism – Autism Spectrum Quotient Questionnaire*

*Not affiliated with the University of Worcester. All online screening tools should be used with caution and do not replace or supersede a diagnosis by a trained professional. Other online screening tools are available.

STEP 2:

After using the screening tool, if you want to be assessed for Autism by an appropriate professional, you will need to ask your GP for a referral.

Assessments are available through the NHS, or they can be paid for privately.

NHS assessment waiting times may be many months, or even years, depending on your local NHS trust.

If your GP is in England, you can use the ‘Right To Choose’ pathway. This is when you let your GP know where within the English NHS system you want to be referred to. NB – you can not use Right To Choose retrospectively; you must let your GP know where you want to be referred to before a referral is made. The default location your GP would otherwise refer you to is typically your local NHS trust. Right To Choose isn’t available if your GP is based outside of England.

There are numerous private organisations to which you can be referred for an Autism assessment through the Right To Choose pathway, with the cost of the assessment being covered by the NHS.

Your local NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) plans and pays for many NHS services in your area.

Across England, more people are seeking Autism support than the NHS budget can currently cover. New NHS guidance allows ICBs to manage this by setting temporary rules about what they will fund at certain times.

This means an ICB may tell Right to Choose providers to temporarily stop booking some assessments. This pause usually stays in place until more funding is available.

Your GP may have a list of assessors whom they prefer to refer their patients to. You can also find assessors by using an internet search engine.

Organisations include:

Problem Shared

Psychiatry UK

Clinical Partners

RTN

Skylight Psychiatry

Healios

Organisations listed on this web page are for information purposes only. Inclusion shouldn’t be considered as either an endorsement or a recommendation. The University of Worcester hasn’t assessed the quality of any of the mentioned organisations.

STEP 3:

If you are diagnosed with Autism, you should send the Disability and Dyslexia Service a copy of the letter confirming the assessment outcome and book an appointment with a Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you may need.

You may also be able to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance.

Please read our web page on Setting Up Your Support