Child and Adolescent Autism service

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 18^th birthday). Children under the age of 5 should be referred to the Community Paediatric Team.

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. 

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 0300 123 6661  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.