About the service
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Autism Assessment Service delivers assessments for children and young people in Southampton between the ages of 5 – 18 (up to 18th birthday). Children under the age of 5 should be referred to the Community Paediatric Team.
The assessments consists of two Parts:
- ADI (Autism Diagnostic Interview) – which is a discussion with parents to gather information on child’s early development and background information
- ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) which is a face to face appointment with the young person, and requires them to interact with the assessor using stories, games and puzzles.
Onward support is provided by Autism Hampshire following diagnosis.
What we do
The Child and Adolescent Autism service provides a diagnostic assessment service for young people between the ages of 5 and 18, in Southampton, who may have Autism. The team also provides family, staff and organisations with advice and information and can make referals to other health and social care services on your behalf.
Accessing the service
We accept referrals from a wide range of health professionals, schools, GPs and self referrals.
Referrals can be made by any professional but we prefer referrals to be completed by school settings. Referrals will only be accepted using the official referral form which must be completed in full. Referral letters will not be accepted.
Child and Adolescent Autism service referral form
Child and Adolescent Autism service referral criteria
If you require a referral form to be sent to you then please contact the team on 02381 030066 or email autismsouthampton@solent.nhs.uk
Once a referral is received it will be triaged to ensure there is sufficient evidence of need for an assessment of autism. This will consider the impact on functioning. If there is limited evidence of impact on function, then an autism assessment will not be recommended.
As part of our triage process we will advise parents/carers of other support services that may be more appropriate to their needs.
If you are wishing to make a referral for a young person aged 18 and over then please get in touch with the adult autism assessment service.
How to find us
Adelaide Health Centre
Western Community Hospital Campus
William Macleod Way
Southampton
SO16 4XE
Contact information
Telephone: 02381 030066.
Email address
Further information
Autism Hampshire - run information and support workshops and can be contacted on 02380 766162. More information can be found here
Re:Minds (parent/carer support group) have developed a guide to available services in Southampton which can be found here
Southampton Special Educational Needs & Disability Information Advice & Support Service (SENDIASS) aims to empower children and young people with special educational needs and their parents/carers to make informed decisions about education, health and social care. More information can be found here